The Tart Adage from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (The Royal Ballet, 2017)

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Principal dancer Laura Morera dances the Tart Adage from Christopher Wheeldon's production of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (The Royal Ballet, 2017).
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Christopher Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland burst onto the stage in 2011 in an explosion of colour, stage magic and inventive, sophisticated choreography. Joby Talbot’s score combines contemporary soundworlds with sweeping melodies that gesture to ballet scores of the 19th century. Bob Crowley’s wildly imaginative, eye-popping designs draw on everything from puppetry to projections to make Wonderland wonderfully real.
Alice encounters a cast of extraordinary and instantly recognizable characters, from the highly strung Queen of Hearts - who performs a hilarious send-up of The Sleeping Beauty’s famous Rose Adage - to a playing card corps de ballet, a sinuous caterpillar and a tap-dancing Mad Hatter. But the ballet does not avoid the darker undercurrents of Lewis Carroll’s story: a nightmarish kitchen, an eerily disembodied Cheshire Cat and the unhinged tea party are all here in vivid detail. The delicious result shows The Royal Ballet at its best, bringing together world-class dance with enchanting family entertainment.

[@RoyalBalletAndOpera]

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[@Zzzk23]

“I was in a play in elementary school.” “I was in the royal ballet.” “Who did you play?” “A tree.” “.....me too.”

[@Oblivitana]

Lel

[@edelweiss3433]

Omg 🤣

[@stephaniepines]

agizzy23 "I played a card."

[@MaeveTaylor]

I DIDNT NOTICE PEOPLE WERE PLAYING TREES IN THIS UNTIL NOW

[@hildaalintria7484]

Lol😂😂

[@helenacooper2670]

This was already amazing but then I saw the tress...and it was better

[@kewlkidz1079]

When you realize the trees are people..

[@JuupelisJaapelis]

hflkaflsjfd I DIDNT NOTICE

[@skylovermc2146]

Helena Cooper what’s a tress?

[@MelonHere20]

I almost didn't notice-

[@Crazypurplewolves]

I screamed when I realized the trees were people

[@spaceouttunes2139]

Same

[@starlord5241]

i didn’t notice until i saw this comment

[@Si2Si2Si3]

you screamed laughing or because you were scaried?

[@jerrythemagichamster8586]

@@Si2Si2Si3 whats scaried?

[@Si2Si2Si3]

@@jerrythemagichamster8586 some word in english, maybe if you type on google it correct it, idk

[@karlynnward2277]

Could you imagine going to the casting sheet to see what you are playing and you see that you’re a tree.

[@eurekamreum5458]

Lmao I would love to be a tree for the Royal Opera House tho.

[@matinajazmine]

Karlynn Ward 😂😂😂😂i didn't notice the trees

[@unicornballerina3444]

I know right?

[@kayotic992]

They probably did other extra parts as well

[@emmapickard149]

Karlynn Ward they look so one with life bahaha

[@marie-helenemoreau5968]

Levels of difficulty in ballet: 1- Making it look effortless 1000- Making it look silly and full of mistakes but with perfect technique

[@LucianCorrvinus]

Its the part about making it seem effortless that is the most amazing to me...

[@DekuNut353]

100000000- Being a tree for the royal ballet

[@twineberry]

2- being a tree and not laughing at this scene

[@illailla5813]

3-being a tree

[@tortis6342]

Yes, this is actually quite technically difficult in some places but you would never know it if you weren’t paying close attention

[@andrewjones1143]

*13 years studying ballet* *Auditions* Casting director: You'll make a nice bush. Performer: Haha Casting director: No. You're really being cast as a bush.

[@arichan707]

Andrew Jones lmao

[@sat9394]

Actually, nice bush sounds like a dirty jokes lol

[@LucianCorrvinus]

For most that is not an unfimikar experience. Most kids don't make into fauna, you know.....

[@DelfontMackintoshLegal]

You must be new to ballet with that kind of ignorance

[@andrewjones1143]

@@DelfontMackintoshLegal bro I left this comment 5 years ago. How far did you scroll and when is the last time you went outside? 🤔

[@madiesison3121]

Ah, what a lovely performance by the trees. I see they stood still like last time. Magnificent.

[@wadu._.]

Madie Sison 😂

[@ArtisticallySpoken]

Honestly, I only go to shows to see the trees.

[@rwhBabb]

Lolx1000

[@SwimmingInSunlight]

Masters 👏 of 👏consistency 👏

[@Pockymochi8]

I would definitely audition for being that role 💀

[@sillystrings]

Obviously Zenaida was incredible, but the role was also created on her. It's a hard act to follow and Laura did a good job. Both great dancers

[@serenashaw-q3y]

Queen Zenaida! Hard act to follow.

[@miranda5972]

Honestly I prefer Laura I think her, as some people would say “overdone” acting gets the role across better and is more fun to watch

[@lilibetp]

Certain parts work better when the ballerina is taller than men, but her dancing and acting are terrific.

[@kinshimangila4852]

And also the trees

[@brahaha]

@@kinshimangila4852 that's actually the best part imo

[@meep2325]

Oh this is terribly funny and then I was expecting that Sleeping Beauty hand to hand pass but ohhh I love this! This must be great to see live!

[@meep2325]

Such great dancers too.

[@cefrinaldi8060]

You mean rose adage? They parodying it.

[@emmad.176]

@@cefrinaldi8060 I thought so! It's a clever idea :)

[@JordyJRT]

Omg the trees faces! They all look so depressed lmao

[@livingmeme6983]

JordyJRT i mean would you be happy to be cast as a tree in a ballet 😂😂😂

[@sl3epysle3py]

living meme69 Ikr, that's like first class seats 😂

[@tylerthewizator]

I love how flawless she is! How gracefully she flows across the floor then abruptly switching to a turned in fallen down mess, it will always make me smile!

[@dizzy2642]

"I'm in the Alice on Wonderland ballet!" *Checks what I'm playing* "Oh.. I'm a tree..."

[@catherineyang239]

As a past ballet dancer, I can safely say that this incorporation of comedy and acting in the choreography is absolutely mind blowing

[@adina1555]

.........aaaaand now I have nightmares XD In all seriousness though, Zenaida's original was a lot more of a straight faced comedy, Laura's is more overdramatic and psychotic. Honestly, I like both, and I like the fact that Laura put her own spin on the role rather than trying to be a carbon copy.

[@cameronzemail]

Yeah, carbon copies in any art form are extremely boring

[@user-qb3gm4pu2m]

Both were pretty good

[@risacupcake]

I don't usually find ballet entertaining. But man the queen was funny as hell. I don't know how you be able to do all that ballet and act at the same time.

[@emmad.176]

I was just thinking this would be a really good ballet to take someone to who isn't really a fan :) People are able to see the hard work and talent but also laugh at times :)

[@tortis6342]

Story ballets do require a decent amount of acting, but it’s all with the face and body. There is also a long history of comic ballets, although some of them aren’t really funny anymore without a guide.

[@jennacampbell7759]

Oh, this was amazing!! I never thought ballet could be so terribly funny! 2:03 killed me. I spit out my tea laughing, oh my gosh ! XD

[@NMoore-tw7yh]

Jenna Campbell, I actually sent this to my mother and she said that this is what I would be like if I did ballet. I was laughing so hard the first time and this part killed me. Dragging herself across the floor for a tart...who would’ve thought that a ballet would incorporate this into a routine!

[@wadu._.]

It scared me 😂

[@davaupchurch4015]

Idk why but I read this comment in a British accent

[@athetopofmylungs]

Yeah, Zenaida originated the role and we all love her queen of hearts. But there is a huge step from there to saying Laura’s queen is bad because it isn’t exactly like Zenaida’s. It would be just as stupid as saying the only acceptable Odette/Odile out there is Marianela. People would eat me raw for such a comment, and rightly so. It is logical to like one better than the other, we all have favourites. But do not dare to say Laura’s performance is “bad” or “awful” (i see you) just because you like another performance better.

[@hidayatosman4786]

Agreed. The same goes to the opinion that only osipova can be kitri.

[@mari_hase]

I love Laura's performance!

[@JaneDoe-ci3gj]

Well said!

[@cosmic9511]

It's really impressive to watch how effortlessly the Queen of Hearts embodies those comedic moments of intentional "imperfection" in the midst of the "proper" ballet technique. I have fairly limited high school level theater experience and I can only imagine how much skill that takes. Mesmerizing!

[@cynthiafletcher9845]

I have seen Laura dance both serious and comedic roles convincingly and with a great technique. It has to be very difficult for any dancer to follow a former beloved dancer who apparently set the " gold standard" for a particular role. C❤❤❤

[@pinkwings8036]

This is hilarious. It's interesting how you can still see Zenaida's influence on the role. Laura is unrecognizable!

[@lunarebony6122]

Have a wonderful farewell, Laura! I can't believe it's been 27 years. An absolute icon

[@emmetosullivan2695]

Laura is fabulous here! Such an underrated Principle in my opinion!

[@valeriagonzalezdelatorre2707]

I love how Laura gives such a different energy and comedy to this character. Every time I see this video it makes me laugh a lot. I can see this video hundreds of times and never get bored. Laura is such an awesome dancer❤️❤️ I think she gave the character the energy and comedy it deserves ❤️❤️

[@emmad.176]

Ok but this takes an insane level of talent! Everyone of course but especially the Queen - to be able to pull off both technical talent and the comedic timing, expressions, physicality, etc. Well done! :)

[@nineoffools]

She rocks this role. Finally ,some fun character in world of ballet!

[@MaddieFishblob]

KILLED IT!!! I like this roll cause it's not just smiling the whole time - it gives the dancer a chance to have fun and put way more personality into it

[@geraldinetaylor6231]

The expressions on Laura's face are perfect, you can tell exactly what she is thinking. From the stalls at the back it isn't easy to see this but on DVD and here it is and it is terrific. Just goes to show that you need to be an actor as well as a dancer and Laura certainly does both splendidly.

[@kita9620]

Her dance and facial expressions are really impressive... i can actually feel the heart queen in her protrayal of this character!amazing!

[@Glouryian]

Don´t know what everyone is talking about. This is a great performance with great dancers! As soon as I´m able to I will fly over to London and watch this ballet and it will be a dream come true!

[@roserivers4941]

Everyone is talking about the trees.

[@2themoonnstars]

When you see the heads in the bushes

[@politebadger5049]

and they're speaking Vietnamese.

[@eleanorsimmance5390]

I come back to this every now and again, watching the whole thing of course, but in particular to see the transition into the attitude and turn at 2:55-2:58. Her control is unreal (and helped by good partnering, of course!).

[@mikeyirish1967]

Laura Morera is a freaking STAR.

[@nyshaneemorris8298]

As much as I love Zenaida's performance, I loved Laura too. Theres so much i love about laura's take on this particular scene, it was fantastically humorous and unique.

[@raggeddollz_rzv]

Technique, Emotion, Character, Style, Story. You name it. It's all there. What an amazing performance. Especially the Queen of Hearts.

[@aliciarui3093]

2:25 : The red card that looks from behind the tree ... what a mood

[@PlasmicPenny]

Huge Zenaida fan but Laura’s take was just as entertaining in a different way- a true sign of a well integrated role! The more takes on a great part the better as far as I’m concerned

[@chonic_babyface1575]

0:35 THE TREE'S FACE OMG I CANT BREEEATH

[@chitlus]

I just realized this was a parody to the rose adage in sleeping beauty

[@chilechnag8670]

Y’all taking about the portrayal of the queen of hearts while I was just FASCINATED by the trees

[@edcrfv098765]

0:52 omg her face 😂 she's like "did you see that? I nailed it!"

[@Hermione.Granger]

me if i nail a double 😂

[@icarrus4u]

Laura Morera is such a great dancer!

[@emily_232]

When you’re so on top of your ballet game that the only thing left to do is subvert expectations. 10/10 best adage.

[@andreadickey7049]

Perfection! Just perfection! I loved the comedy. People don't realize how much strength and control it takes to also pull off comedic roles and stunts.

[@skypeters3034]

People seem to forget the role was created for Zenaida so of course Laura didn’t do it exactly the same but she still did pretty well.

[@bubblebass4202]

The trees were extremely amazing! I did not even notice that those were people! Bravo!

[@andrewjones1143]

It takes a lot of skill to both look clumsy and elegant at the same time! Bravo!

[@onceagain569]

The Queen's makeup is flawless! 🤩

[@phungao5684]

OMG, her acting skill is so perfect

[@YamiChan1231]

At first I was only focus at the queen and her guards amazed by their moves, didn't notice anything yet and when I scrolled through the comments and saw everyone talking about the trees, that's when I started noticed that there were someone's faces in there and after that I can't stop giggling through the whole video.

[@luisareis1824]

Laura Morera is a gift to the world

[@annabethelston8101]

why is this actually one of the most captivating things ive ever seen

[@skippymagrue]

I love the super romantic music with the comedy routine.

[@IracebethLovett]

I enjoyed watching Laura in Elite Syncopations but she and no one else will ever be to live up to the absolute immaculate performance of Zenaida as the Queen of Hearts.

[@DaemonDesiree]

I've never seen Zenaida, only Laura and this is hilarious.

[@andersonrothwell4427]

The acting in this is so good

[@maranatha_777]

This is amazing. She is so beautiful and flexible and not afraid to be funny. Stunning.

[@nicholasbavani2759]

One of the finest renditions of "Alice in Wonderland" I have ever seen. Bravo!

[@larissamartins7063]

this is SO AMAZING. the Queen is such a good actress

[@vivianleenet]

Oh my goodness the references to other ballets, like the Rose Adagio!!

[@fnstation]

Loved that magnificent performance by the trees. Really made the show complete tbh it wouldn't be the same without it

[@mistertea603]

GAWD, HOW BEAUTIFULLY DERANGED !!!!

[@emilylynch5140]

Bro aggressively scooting across the floor in splits is such a power move.

[@chookaschookas444]

This is my sort of comedy - Impeccable technique to muck around. All of them excellent

[@hope361]

the red pointe shoes are absolutely stunning omg

[@Rainbow_Pirate]

Most people here say that Zenaida was the best Queen of Hearts, but I actually think that Laura's technique is just as flawless and I like her facial expressions more.

[@leonorbazenga]

THE COREOGRAPHY IS INCREDIBLE! CONGRATULATIONS!

[@tiffani_ba5360]

How in the world did I not know this existed until now?? This is amazing 🤣

[@Kaydiasez]

I love this performance so much, it's insane. Been going to these since I was a little kid and I never saw such a perfect marriage of melodramatic acting and ballet. Really perfect.

[@emmaemerson1865]

All the dancers where amazing but the trees really stood out and gave a breathtaking performance

[@waynemcdonald4448]

Now this is ballet! Fun & beautiful. A spectacular performance.

[@vaslav030547]

The stars in this production are without doubt the sets, costumes and props. The choreography is pretty dire.

[@beestarjay]

I NEED to see this live someday. I didn't think it was possible to perfectly portray the Queen of Hearts without her trademark shouting, but clearly I was wrong.

[@mrpurple11]

Perfect! It's like watching a silent film.💗 which makes think someone as graceful and strong like Buster Keaton would have been great for ballet.

[@dreamystar1117]

I like how they both have different expressions when eating the tarts. When Zenaida ate it, she nodded her head and smile slightly as if saying "hmm, good." When Laura ate it, her face was showing that she was enjoying it much, like "hmmm this is sooo good" One is calmer another one is more dramatic, I think both did well in portraying the character. It's hard for Laura because people already had Zenaida's trait imprinted in their mind. I don't think you should criticise one because they failed to copy something completely, she did well in putting her own trait into the character. The over dramatic red queen.

[@sickbee2979]

Okay the queen of hearts expressions were On POINT

[@rrgallo967]

Supernaturally comical!!!!! Not a ballet fan, but WOULD LOVE to this this piece....

[@geraldineharrington6210]

That was amazing. I'm not usually into ballet that much but I watched this twice for picking up the extra details

[@alpaktug3347]

The trees in no joke are absolute legends.

[@fatalrob0t]

The trees being people was a nice touch to Crack ne up.

[@jojospencer5019]

I love this take on ballet. How it’s usually all serious but I love this comedic side

[@MS-fe4pw]

i love the adagio, she is really expressive. the last decapitation pose is my favourite.

[@anugerahpekertiislamilenia1869]

It's actually lighter than the previous version, but both equally as good! This play never disappoints 👌

[@pixietwitch]

She has a wonderful Carol Burnette vibe to her. Fantastic!

[@ZayPie]

I wish I saw this live!! So hilarious with all the interactions... hopefully another one like this pops up again and I will go!

[@yasminchecon]

Being honest I loved Laura in that role. She was fun and strange as the role calls for, but she was also elegant. I loved it.

[@MissSunflower242]

Even her biscuits were so elegant! This Tart adage is simply fun

[@cassiemoyles4177]

The Red Queen is just so captivating ♡♡ I love watching her expressions

[@blacklavoux]

This is very modern yet very entertaining. As a regular folk, i want to watch this performance.

[@angelicaruiz1406]

She has both technique in emotion a true challenge to maintain at once

[@taylornoelle3130]

They legit have people playing trees... for the Royal Opera House I love life

[@heyosii440]

Such a beautiful, strong, and funny too... I thought I love one and only Mad Hatter, but the Queen is mesmerizing too... And it's adagio! Oh Lord! Fast always looks like hard, but super slow movement is harder. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@brookesonnek5170]

This is honestly the best piece ever

[@ging9019]

I didn't know that ballet could be this fun

[@quentinbarrentine5114]

I just LOVE that thid is a comedic parody love letter to the Rose Adagio in Sleeping Beauty ^_^ basically almost the same choreography, give or take, but played funny lol.

[@calcifer8290]

her expressions!! i love this performance so much

[@zephyr755]

I'd thought I was watching Zenaida Yanofsky, but this is actually Laura Morera . She's marvellous! Brilliant facial expressions and very funny, as well as technically brilliant. The men are also great.

[@lovermuzak]

I loved this, and this dancer played this well. I feel her performance was better than the other clip I saw, of this part.

[@isartoxic3481]

this is one of my if not my most liked performances ever

[@TiwCozmo]

MDS ESSE ESPETÁCULO É PERFEITO uma apresentação mais linda doq a outra