What happens when Ballet Arizona and The Phoenix Symphony pair up for a production of Romeo & Juliet? Magic. So much so, you may find yourself asking “Did my heart love till now? forswear it, sight! For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night.” Shakespeare aside, last night’s portrayal of a sweet, albeit naive Juliet was beautifully performed by Isabella Seo. At her side, Helio Lima as Romeo had the women and men (on and off stage) swooning as the mischievous, quick-to-love Romeo. But more importantly, Lima and Seo sizzled with palatable chemistry as dance partners, making us believe they were “the” Romeo and Juliet.

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Going into the ballet version of the infamous tale of ill-fated lovers — I must admit — I wondered how the play would translate without the recitations of the Bard. Would it work? I’m here to tell you yes. A thousand times yes! And, what I loved most about this adaptation of Romeo & Juliet were the light bits of humor translated through movement — a nod to Serafin Castro’s Mercutio here, who during his dramatic death scene, issued a delightful symphony-timed body spasm. Kudos to Fabriana Poulis too, as Juliet’s well-meaning, yet overprotective guardian who unwittingly sashayed her way between Castro and Gabriel Wright (as Benvolio). The levity was just enough to give you the warm fuzzies desperately needed before reaching the Capulet’s crypt. 

All-in-all the dancers teetered on perfection, beautifully attuned to the choreography of Ib Anderson and the music of Sergei Prokofiev. “Never has there been a tale of more woe, than this of Juliet and her Romeo”…but also so wondrously depicted in Pirouettes, plies and Grande Jetés.

Ballet Arizona’s “Romeo & Juliet” will be performed through Feb. 13, 2022. For tickets, go here.

NOTE: All persons 12 and older attending Ballet Arizona performances must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, taken within 72 hours, or proof of full vaccination, prior to entry. Patrons under the age of 12 are not required to provide a negative test or proof of vaccination. In addition, universal mask-wearing is required at all times for all patrons over the age of 2. Required documentation will be checked at the entrance door by security personnel. Entry will be denied for guests who do not provide documentation as required. For more information on their patron health and safety policy, visit https://balletaz.org/patron-health-and-safety-policy/.