There are ballets that impress you, and then there are ballets that genuinely make you smile from the inside out. The recent production of *Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland* at La Scala falls squarely into the second category. This isn’t just a performance; it’s an invitation to fall down the rabbit hole and rediscover the childlike wonder we all thought we’d lost.
From the moment the curtain rises, it’s clear that La Scala has done something magical. Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon has taken Lewis Carroll’s beloved tale and transformed it into a visual and emotional feast that respects the original’s whimsy while injecting it with a distinctly contemporary ballet energy. The result is pure, unfiltered joy.
What makes this production so special is its ability to balance technical brilliance with genuine storytelling. The dancers aren’t just executing steps; they are living the absurdity, the confusion, and the excitement of Wonderland. Alice, portrayed with a perfect mix of curiosity and grace, feels like a real girl navigating an impossible world. The Queen of Hearts is delightfully menacing without being terrifying, and the Cheshire Cat floats across the stage with a ghostly smirk that is both eerie and hilarious.
Visually, it’s an explosion of color. The set design by Bob Crowley is a triumph—vivid, disorienting, and completely immersive. If you ever wondered what it would feel like to shrink and grow inside a dream, this ballet gives you that sensation. The costumes are equally imaginative, ranging from the elegant to the absurd, perfectly capturing the tone of the story.
The music, a commissioned score by Joby Talbot, is a character in itself. It twists and turns, moving from playful jigs to sweeping waltzes to tension-filled crescendos. The Orchestra of La Scala plays it with precision and heart, adding a layer of depth that elevates the entire experience.
But what truly makes *Alice* at La Scala stand out is its emotional resonance. In a world that often feels too serious, too fast, and too heavy, this ballet offers a moment of escape. It reminds us that sometimes it’s okay to be confused, to ask questions, and to laugh at the nonsense around us. There is a profound lightness to it—a rare and precious quality in today’s arts landscape.
In my opinion, this production is a masterclass in how to make classical ballet accessible and exciting for modern audiences without losing its artistic integrity. It’s not just for ballet lovers; it’s for anyone who has ever dreamed of something impossible.
*Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland* at La Scala is not just a ballet. It’s a celebration of imagination, a testament to the power of dance, and honestly, one of the most joyful experiences I’ve had in a theater in years. If you have the chance to see it, don’t hesitate. Let yourself fall down the rabbit hole.
