The Royal Ballet Return to NYC is a DREAM Come True

The Royal Ballet founded in 1931 is recognized as Britain's flagship Nat'l Ballet Co.  It is highly regarded throughout as one of the world's leading ballet comanpies.  This week, the much lauded Company is welcomed back to the Koch theater after more than a decade.  It's interesting to note only 3 of the 16 principal dancers are British.  Its noteworthy because ballet is an art form driven by elite talent which defies nationality and ethnicity.  The Royal Ballet is also branching out into works by contemporary choreographers such as Wheeldon, Scarlett and McGregor while still holding onto their classic heritage.  Frederick Ashton's "Dream" ballet based on William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer's Night Dream," heralded in the company's arrival on this side of the pond. "DREAM" premiered in 1964.  Ashton's choreography provides the Royal Ballet a repertoire that rivals Balanchine's for NYC Ballet.  I question the choice of "DREAM" as it appears often on both NYC Ballet & ABT's programs.  "DREAM" was ephemeral, performed with whimsy, lyricism and elegance.  Oberon (Steven McRae) and Titania (Sarah Lamb) were regal in their dancing and paired beautifully.  I enjoyed more the harmonious & comic interplay between the 2 misconstrued romantic couples.  Their interactions were fluid and graceful, including the feline fighting.  Still, the highlights for me were Puck and Bottom.  Bottom danced on pointe and his theriathropy was spellbinding (his wig was garish.)  Puck's dancing stood out.  His lithe athleticism and grande jetes defied gravity.  Puck flew through the air like magic.  I look forward to seeing the new choreographic pieces the Royal Ballet will be performing.