Scottish Ballet’s winter show, ‘The Snow Queen’ sends chills through audiences at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre with their spell-binding interpretation of Hans Christen Andersen’s classic tale. The story surrounds two sisters; the Snow Queen and the Summer Princess. From the bustle of a winter’s market to the shivers of a fairytale forest, take a journey to the Snow Queen’s palace, where you’ll find her surrounded by the icy fragments of an enchanted mirror. Along the way you’ll meet a colourful cast of characters, from young lovers parted by a spell to a circus ringmaster with a few tricks up his sleeve.
The execution of this ballet was superb, very impressive in the fact that every dancer was clear in character, mind and body- the technique was on point! Pun intended. Constance Devernay-Laurence was mystifying and regal in her portrayal of The Snow Queen- she led the show pointed-toe first and took the audience on a wonderful journey.
The technicality of this show behind the curtain was just as perfect and as precise as the dancers on stage. Lez Brotherson and the technical production team truly delivered on bringing a stunning spectacle to the Festival Theatre stage. Frozen kingdoms, busy markets- travelling circuses and caravans! A world was created and it was beautiful to behold.
Furthermore, we can not discuss the beauty of this show without mentioning the costumes. The costumes were well thought out, glittering and all kinds of gorgeous. How can you deny the snow queen when she looks like a glistening frozen goddess cut from pure diamonds.
Away from the creativity and spectacle that ‘The Snow Queen’ brings to the stage, there is the question of diversity. Romani characters were not portrayed by Romani artists and in 2022 Romani culture should not be capitalised on when it is still being ravaged by western media.
Scottish Ballet’s ‘The Snow Queen’ is perfection. It is a beautiful show which features strong international talent. However, ballet as an industry must be critical of itself and if it’s future is to continue in the modern world. Art helps us look deeper at the world we live in and that world includes everyone.
‘The Snow Queen’ plays Edinburgh Festival Theatre until 10th December:
https://www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/all-shows/scottish-ballets-the-snow-queen/51
Theatre Scotland 
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