The supreme artistry and expertise of Russian ice dancers was brought to Malvern this week after the auditorium had been transformed into an ice rink, using 14 tonnes of frozen ice.

All the dancers taking part had competed in world class events, including the Olympic Games.

The story was the Russian version of Snow White, so we encountered seven woodcutters, a comic group who befriended Snow White.

Scenes were suggested by using creative backdrops together with an atmospheric music score by Maestro Silva Amato. Drama was heightened as smoke was emitted across the stage and bubbles were blown and floated around.

Fairytale costumes were most attractive with dresses in velvet matched to costumes of male partners. The wicked witch was sinister in black and dark red. Prince Eliseo loved Snow White and when they came together eventually, they danced with elegance, displaying many impressive lifts. Other important characters were two delightful geese who helped Snow White, and a crow.

This thrilling production of wonderful ice dancing continues until Sunday.

Jill Hopkins