To the Opera House with high hopes, and away from it in gloom. La Scala Ballet brings us Rudolf Nureyev's production of The Sleeping Beauty, and while no one ever took him for a choreographic giant, the Russian dancer had theatrical charisma and a reverence for the classics, both of which would have rubbed off on the Italians.
They may have done back in 1966 when Nureyev staged Beauty for La Scala, but 40-or-so years on and his production looks strained and chaotic.
The main problem is the current generation of dancers who just don't look like they believe in it. They dance the steps - some of them well, some of them fluffed - but they have no conviction in the story, indeed, they seem embarrassed by it.
They also seem embarrassed by the mime. This diminishes the drama and turns key scenes, such as when the good Lilac Fairy challenges the wicked Carabosse, into little more than playground clapping games. The characters are reduced and their motives muddled. For example, it's not clear what the Master of Ceremonies is doing, and even the Prince (Guillaume Côté) looks confused beyond the call of narrative.
After a shaky start, Côté danced well, although Marta Romagna's Aurora had a stridency from start to last. She also wobbled, and had little of that ease, finesse and flow that is so alluring in ballet. Both looked tired, as did much of the company whose dancing was uneven.
All this was offset by bright playing by The Royal Ballet Sinfonia (visiting troupes often borrow the local ballet orchestra) and the gorgeous sets and costumes by Franca Squarciapino, whose new-ish designs replace the old ones.
Her tutus are especially lovely, with the Fairies in what you might call muted curry colours (saffron, aubergine, cinnamon).
Improbable as it may seem, it's still worth seeing this Beauty, but only with Tamara Rojo in the title role. The Spanish-born, Royal Ballet-based dancer is guesting with the Italians this week, and she will surely bring much-needed magic, and clarity, to the ballet.
Until 29 July (020 7304 4000, www.roh.org.uk).
La Scala Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty
Royal Opera House
Floral Street, WC2E 9DD
