Panache and Passion:
Ballet San Jose presents The Toreador

With holiday festivities and merriment just around the corner, it’s only fitting that Ballet San Jose would grace the stage with a lighthearted romantic comedy like The Toreador (Nov 20-23). The company, which first staged the work in 1990, is the only one in the world to have this jovial ballet in its repertoire, and from the looks of things, this production promises to be as dazzling as the first.

The Toreador is a ballet in two acts by renowned Danish choreographer and ballet master August Bournonville, who drew strong influences from Spanish folk dance, such as bolero and seguidilla, and blended them with classical ballet elements and a charming plot. Set in a rustic Spanish village, the story centers on Maria, the daughter of an innkeeper who’s in love with the dashing toreador Alonzo but can’t bear to see him face the dangers of the bullfighting ring. After emerging victorious from his latest fight, he celebrates with Maria, but things get complicated with the arrival of Celeste, a beautiful ballerina from Paris who momentarily captures Alonzo’s eye as well as the hearts of two English tourists. Misunderstandings, lovers’ quarrels, romantic interludes gone wrong, comedic instances of mistaken identity and madcap schemes ensue, but in the end, everyone lives happily ever after.

Bournonville debuted The Toreador at the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1840 and garnered great reviews, and the ballet was seen regularly on stage through 1922. In 1929, The Toreador enjoyed a revival, but later faded from active repertoire until Flemming Flindt, former artistic director of the Royal Danish Ballet, was inspired to reintroduce it to modern-day audiences. While much of the original choreography was lost over time, Flindt incorporated new and readapted choreography true to Bournonville’s style.

With Flemming Flindt and his wife, fellow Royal Danish Ballet alumna Vivi Flindt, at the helm, this year’s production will use more than 100 exquisite, handcrafted costumes and scenery created by Denmark’s Royal Opera House. Musical accompaniment is provided by Symphony Silicon Valley, under the direction of conductor Dwight Oltman. Since this is the only the second time Ballet San Jose has put on this winsome work, anticipations are running high. With the sheer amount of talent behind this year’s production, however, fans won’t be disappointed. Bursting with color, passion and panache, The Toreador is a ballet for the ages—and the perfect prelude to the Company’s holiday classic, The Nutcracker, which follows hot on The Toreador’s heels December 11-28. —Stephanie Soong