J055 DVD Ballet La Dame aux Camélias (The Lady of the Camellias) Paris Opera Ballet - Agnès Letestu 2 DVDs ★The image shows only the first half of Disc 1; the second half is even better. Cast: Paris Opera Ballet Recorded at the Palais Garnier, Paris Opera, July 2 & 5, 2008 Running Time: Disc 1: 125 minutes + Disc 2: 55 minutes Choreography: John Neumeier Music: Frédéric Chopin Orchestra: Orchestre de l'Opéra national de Paris, conducted by Michael Schønwandt Piano: Emmanuel Strosser, Frédéric V. Knipper ★★★The entire performance is performed to Chopin's piano music; the music is beautiful. Neumeier's masterpiece, in which Letestu dances the tragic love of the courtesan Marguerite with nobility and poignancy, to the melodies of Chopin. A masterpiece created by John Neumeier based on Alexandre Dumas fils' novel "La Dame aux Camélias," also famous as Verdi's opera. It was a hot topic at Alessandra Ferri's retirement performance in 2007, and the Hamburg Ballet performed it on their visit to Japan in February '09, receiving high acclaim. Many fans were disappointed that the performance was on a weekday in Kanagawa. Agnès Letestu, who combines elegance, beauty, and skill, dances the tragic love of the high-class courtesan Marguerite. Stéphane Bullion, who is rapidly rising, plays the young Armand, who speaks of his passionate love for Marguerite. Michaël Denard, a star dancer of yesteryear, plays Monsieur Duval, the father. And Karl Paquette, who was promoted to Étoile last year, plays the Viscount Gaston, and Dorothée Gilbert plays Prudence, with dancers who are both popular and talented. Chopin's melodies flow throughout the entire stage. The three pas de deux in blue, white, and black, danced to the poignant piano music, richly express the confusion and joy of love, and the passionate feelings of the courtesan and the young man. The opera house also features a gorgeous cast, including Mousson and Martinez, as the protagonists of the play within the play "Manon." ★★★Quoted from web reviews below: I recommended it to my friend. The story of La Dame aux Camélias is expressed in ballet, with a collection of Chopin's music, and it's breathtakingly beautiful. The bonus DVD is also wonderful, and watching this makes you want to watch the main performance again. I saw Agnès Letestu's "Swan Lake" first, but ★She is a cool beauty, and she is definitely more suited to this La Dame aux Camélias. Also, the role of Armand is good.