A few days ago together with Christos Alexandropoulos we went over the Athens Concert Hall for a very good reason: To have a sneak peak at the first rehearsal of Romeo & Juliet ballet, the masterpiece of Sergei Prokofiev and the latest production of the National Opera, choreographed by Renato Zanella.

This is the first post, with a small backstage video from the rehearsal, just to tease you for what is to follow soon: backstage photos of the dancers and the costumes designed by Celia Kritharioti.

The most wonderful tale of eternal love based on the Shakespearean tragedy,Romeo and Juliet has been a source of inspiration for a large number of choreographers and dancers over the years. This major literature-based ballet will be Renato Zanella’s first piece specifically crafted for the Greek National Opera’s Corps de Ballet. “I was waiting for the day that I’d be commissioned to do this piece. I know how important it is to have this major ballet in the Greek National Opera’s repertoire. The personality and talent of the dancers in the G.N.O’s Corps de Ballet inspired me to take this decision”, he commented.