Akane Takada - Steve McRae

A Midsummer Night's Dream
Royal Ballet

[@erpollock]

Even if his name were not mentioned, I would know Steven McRae in green with dark hair. His presence, his imperial bearing - all Steven McRae. So glad he is still dancing. Hope this video is current. He is the greatest and most individual danseur in the Royal Ballet.

[@sopranosd]

These two are beautifully matched both in proportion and gesture. She floats and her arms are perfection. He is Steven McRae, which is all one needs to say. His technique, his effortlessness, and presenting Oberon's masculinity and egotistical grandeur in such a nuanced manner. Oh my gosh this man has it all. And please, this Ashton choreography. So interesting, innovative and intimate. That man was brilliant.

[@erpollock]

Since he embodied the Mad Hatter, Steven McRae has filled his roles with unique personality, individuality, and imagination. The mutual arabesques of Oberon and Titania are superb - the extensions!

[@erpollock]

How wonderful to see Steven McRae in a quite recent leading role in Ashton's The Dream. He has always been - magnificent! May he always dance!

[@susanmuir286]

Beautiful interpretation of a magic dance. Wonderful.

[@meine.alte_Seele]

Anyone else think Steven gets a mischievous look on his face when he dances?

[@Prototype-357]

Steven McRae my beloved 😍

[@nicolereding7234]

Sublime😮very good match, stunning choreography and beautiful costumes🌻🙏🌹💐🎶

[@silkspinner7010]

Absolutely beautiful so glad it’s on video

[@dianatannhauser5320]

Exquisite!

[@katschs3965]

Ethereal! When was this recorded?

[@erpollock]

Is this Ashton or Balanchine? I assume from the title Balanchine, though I don't remember Oberon and Titania in a pas de deux.

[@jessiahstalbirds.j.794]

Ashton. The role was created on Sir Anthoney Mc Dowell, who was the original Akane Takada. There is a recording out there on the internet of Sir Anthony's performance.

[@elainejohnson796]

I know it's irrelevant and she's a wonderful dancer but I have always wondered why she reduces her ballet point shoes to those ugly stumps. They don't look like they fit her either.

[@isabellebrant6057]

I was about to say that!

[@melissatranfield4054]

Doesn't matter that it's ugly, if they're providing the functionality she needs as a dancer. I would assume they all get properly fitted and have custom made shoes if required.

[@silkspinner7010]

Breathtakingly beautiful.

[@emilygleeson2018]

She probably has short toes and a longer vamp made rolling up on to pointe too awkward for the level she's at. Is it the most beautiful foot in the world? No. But sometimes beautiful shoes make for more problems. I'd hate to have roll up issues especially in this ballet which has so many delicate steps and movements and requires such precision that adding in bad shoes? Pass XD