The Dance Scene: November 2001
Oh, darling, what a month! As if the sheer brilliance of the Royal Balletâs season opening wasnât enough, we were whisked off to New York to witness the divine Twyla Tharpâs new creation, before returning to London for a spectacular, intimate encounter with Sylvie Guillem. Now, Iâm not usually one for hyperbolic pronouncements, but the world of dance has been simply ablaze this past month. Itâs positively brimming with exhilarating energy and daring innovation. Come, let us unpack some of the monthâs highlightsâŚ
A Royal Affair: As the Royal Ballet unveiled their Autumn season at Covent Garden, one couldnât help but feel a wave of anticipation rippling through the air. And what a start to the season it was! It was a real pleasure to finally see Frederick Ashtonâs âMonotonesâ in its full glory â the choreography simply glows. Each dancer was positively incandescent, illuminating the stage with sheer technical virtuosity and artistry. And letâs not forget the ethereal beauty of âThe Two Pigeonsâ, a true masterpiece in its elegant, whimsical narrative. The tender ballet brought forth both genuine emotion and a thrilling showcase of dazzling virtuosity. With such a compelling programme, the opening night set the bar extraordinarily high for the remainder of the season.
Tharpâs Thrilling New Creation: Crossing the pond, I found myself in the captivating energy of New York City â what a fabulous, inspiring atmosphere! I simply had to see Twyla Tharpâs newest piece, âThe World of Sleep,â which premiered at the New York City Ballet. Now, let me be honest, Tharpâs works often border on the eccentric â but thereâs a certain undeniable genius at play! âThe World of Sleep,â is no exception. She takes choreography and pushes it to the extreme, blending a compellingly dark and dreamlike atmosphere with a vibrant contemporary edge, leaving me questioning reality for a moment! I was most impressed by the masterful performance of Maria Kowroski - a true master of her art! A daring, unexpected choice for the lead â Tharp truly challenges the conventional, offering a deliciously unique artistic vision.
Sylvieâs Sensual Symphony: And speaking of challenges, how can I forget Sylvie Guillemâs recent solo performances at Sadlerâs Wells? Sylvie! She remains, darling, simply divine! The programme offered two of my absolute favorites: the ethereal and emotive âIn the Middle Somewhat Elevatedâ by William Forsythe â it never ceases to amaze me, and the utterly stunning and poignant âWithout Wordsâ by Akram Khan, a truly mesmerizing fusion of ballet and Kathak dance. Guillem glides across the stage, transforming movement into an extraordinary, sensual language that simply enthrals. She moves with a captivating grace, her every movement an expression of emotion and breathtaking physicality.
Beyond the Ballet: The dance world doesn't stop at ballet, darlings! We witnessed the brilliance of contemporary dance this month at The Barbican in London, where the phenomenal company, "Dance Theatre of Harlem" truly left me awestruck. I've been watching their development for years now and their performance, this time of âForce of Nature,â was absolutely captivating, showcasing such a masterful blend of contemporary dance with African and Caribbean rhythms. I've always admired the passion they bring to every step, every pose â truly, a testament to their dedication to preserving this unique cultural fusion. Itâs these moments of pure artistry, of raw energy, that truly enthrall the senses, making each performance a uniquely personal experience, darling. A bit more accessible than the usual, say, Twyla Tharp experiment â and oh, so beautiful!
The dance scene is absolutely brimming with extraordinary talent and innovation. I eagerly await the next chapter, darling.
Must-See: - "Monotones" at the Royal Opera House - âThe Two Pigeonsâ at the Royal Opera House - âThe World of Sleepâ by Twyla Tharp, New York City Ballet - Sylvie Guillem's âIn the Middle Somewhat Elevatedâ and âWithout Wordsâ, Sadlerâs Wells - âForce of Natureâ by Dance Theatre of Harlem, The Barbican
Emerging Trends:
- The continuing influence of contemporary dance techniques in ballet is exciting and refreshing, creating new forms of artistic expression.
- Choreographers are pushing the boundaries of whatâs possible within dance, exploring themes and utilizing techniques that were unheard of only a decade ago.
- Dance is becoming increasingly more diverse and inclusive, reflecting the diversity of cultures and backgrounds in society, from African and Caribbean traditions to Indian Kathak, as evidenced by Dance Theatre of Harlem and Sylvie Guillem.
Hot Topics:
- The Role of Tradition: Thereâs ongoing debate about the balance between maintaining ballet tradition and exploring contemporary forms, but one thing remains undeniable: both are needed to fuel the future of ballet.
- The Future of Ballet: What will the future hold for ballet? Weâve seen a rise in the fusion of different forms, but the future, darling, is full of wonderful possibilities for even greater expression!
A Few Closing Words:
So, darling, what will be your next dance fix? For a night of captivating narrative and artistry, dive into the Royal Balletâs offerings. If you seek the cutting edge, Twyla Tharpâs works are certainly not to be missed. And if you wish to be transported to a world of pure emotion and beauty, look no further than Sylvie Guillem. Thereâs a dance world waiting to be explored â get out there and discover it!