Royal Opera House Live Cinema Season 2016/17: Jewels (2017) watch online HD

'Jewels' is a highly interesting and beautiful ballet, it doesn't have a plot (being split into three sections that don't tell a definite story) and consists of pre-existing music but have always found it a feast for the eyes and ears, especially in the hands of George Balanchine.

Of the three sections, all great, my favourite has always been "Emeralds" set to the music of Gabriel Faure. Faure's music is so beautifully hypnotic and the whole section has such a lovely dream-like quality to it. Set to Tchaikovsky's Third Symphony (the most divisive of his symphonies and often considered his least, but to me it has wonderful moments especially the sublime third movement), "Diamonds" is not everyone's cup of tea but there is something about Balanchine's choreography, which is like an affectionate tribute to one of the most important influential choreographers in ballet Marius Petipa that captivates. My least favourite is "Rubies", not because of the choreography because it's wonderful and it's a hugely entertaining and uplifting segment, just that there is a preference for the music of Faure and Tchaikovsky over Stravinsky's (one of those "highly appreciate him" than "love him" composers, and it's the same with the music).

Although the Paris version is hard to beat (Mariinsky's is uneven but has a lot of great things), boy does this Royal Ballet production come close. It has been clear to me from the Royal Opera Live Cinema simulcasts that Royal Ballet have been on fire mostly with the productions shown, none of them have been less than decent and the best ones have been outstanding. Much more so than the house's opera transmissions which have been more variable, with some high-points but also major disappointments.

Visually, it is a treat with the sets and costumes being very well suited to their respective gemstones (green, ruby and white) and segment style (delicate and simple for "Emeralds", jazzy and elaborate for "Rubies" and dreamlike and somewhat mysterious for "Diamonds"). All lavish and glittering without ever being tacky or overblown.

When it comes to the choreography, all three segments doing a great job taking one to another world in their own way. It's delicate for "Emeralds", sensual and energetic for "Rubies" in Balanchine's ode to American Dance and like a tribute to traditional ballet in "Diamonds". Can't pick a favourite in this regard.

Musically, The orchestral playing has a really beautiful sound, there are some great stylistic touches especially in "Rubies", each section of the orchestra takes care to balance with one another and do very admirably with it and the way they play is in keeping to the contrasting moods of each section. The conducting is alert and sympathetic, especially in "Emeralds".

Dancing-wise, all the dancers are perfect for their roles, dance a dream and dramatically have all the energy, expression and pathos needed. All the dancers in "Emeralds", especially Beatriz Stix-Brunell, perfectly capture the delicacy and elegance of the choreography and atmosphere.

Sarah Lamb, Steven McRae and Melissa Hamilton are electrifying in their virtuosity, with some jaw-dropping extensions and leaps.

Finally, "Diamonds". Marianela Nunez dazzles in radiance and her chemistry with subtly powerful Tiago Soares is dream-like in the exquisite Pas De Deux (one of the highlights choreographically in the ballet).

In conclusion, this jewel sparkles and glitters in the best possible way. 10/10 Bethany Cox