BALLET
'PHENOMENAL' is a large word but it can con- fidently be used of Antonio, now at the Palace Theatre heading a troupe of Spanish dancers. His phenomenal quality is twofold; as a per- former he is scintillating, has the widest tech- nical range, and moves and times to a hair's breadth and a split second. The half-dozen world-beaters in ballet sometimes have two of these qualifications; only Antonio has all three.
As a creator he has invented his solos and dozens of numbers for the group; since chang- ing from a recitalist to a star company:leader he has been forced to become Lord High Everything Else. When he isn't on stage every- body else is singing or dancing what he has made, chosen or adapted. The programme also credits the lighting to him and its nine photo- graphs of dancers include eight of Antonio.
energy, his real concentration, his pretended ferocity, illuminate a technical skill which is the sum and crown of a three-hour entertain- ment (Cabaret Writ Large), which no other style of dancing could compass.
A. V. COTON
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