A Garland of Dance: May 2020
Darling, what a month! With the world still adjusting to the unsettling new reality of a pandemic, the arts, and ballet especially, has had to become rather more creative, resourceful and frankly, dare I say it, technologically proficient. But this isn't about Zoom calls and blurry screens, this is about the tenacious spirit of our beloved art form, dancing through the storm with an unparalleled elegance and ingenuity. Let's raise a glass, shall we, to the remarkable resilience of the dancers and companies, who have defied the odds to continue to captivate and inspire us, bringing joy and escape to our own, albeit virtual, balconies.
A Whirlwind of Online Experiences
First things first, darling, let's face it, online is where it's at these days, isn't it? And, surprisingly, some truly stunning work has come to life on our screens. Itās amazing what a talented videographer and a high-speed connection can do. Who would have thought weād be watching the Paris Opera Ballet, live from the Palais Garnier, on our laptops?
- Speaking of Paris, their offering of "Le Sacre du Printemps", that audacious and raw masterpiece, was truly breathtaking, wasn't it? I just adored the use of close-ups, showing the dancers' every grimace, the strain, the pure visceral energy that defines Stravinskyās work. It was an absolutely electrifying experience. It almost felt more intense than a live performance, a sort of personal, private glimpse into the heart of the dance.
- I do adore the Bolshoi, however, I confess to feeling a slight pang of nostalgia for the grandeur of the Bolshoi theatre. "Swan Lake" streamed from their stage was absolutely gorgeous but felt a touch too pristine. It's as if, even online, they couldn't escape the expectations of perfection. The choreography was of course immaculate, and the costumes divine, but perhaps a little more imperfection would have felt more human, and certainly more intimate.
- Now, you simply cannot discuss online dance without mentioning the New York City Ballet's āDigital Seasonā at Lincoln Center. They've truly embraced the online world, showcasing diverse work from young choreographers and established stars. āThe Officeā, filmed in the homes of dancers, brought the lighthearted humor and brilliant technique to our screens in a delightful, albeit chaotic way. There was a lovely touch of realism in it too, that charming chaos you find when you watch a rehearsal, and the vulnerability of the dancers felt so relatable, and human, particularly in these uncertain times.
Glimmers of Hope on Stage
For all the brilliance of the virtual realm, I am so thankful to say, the real deal still exists, even if it feels a little precarious, with social distancing guidelines, masks, and that peculiar empty space in the audience. But those who have dared to step back on stage have proven that nothing can truly replace the visceral energy of live performance.
- The Royal Ballet's "Giselle", a return to the familiar and comforting, was a beautiful and poignant reminder of the power of classical ballet. The poignancy of Giselleās tale was only intensified by the palpable sense of uncertainty in the air, and those few members of the audience looked on with an almost reverent appreciation. The balletās ending, Giselle joining the Wilis, suddenly felt less of a haunting image, and more a metaphor for the unknown and uncertain times we face.
- And speaking of hauntingly beautiful, I've always admired American Ballet Theatre, haven't you? They opened their season in New York with a stunningly emotional "Swan Lake" that brought the entire audience to tears. The way the dancers' performance was tinged with melancholy and a hint of weariness really added depth and soul to the ballet. They were masterful at capturing the raw emotion and vulnerability that makes "Swan Lake" such a masterpiece. There's nothing quite like the collective catharsis of shared tears at the ballet. And I am thrilled to see them return with new works in the Autumn! Let's all hope that a return to full audiences is within sight.
- In Moscow, the Kremlin Ballet Theatre, while perhaps less familiar to us Western audiences, brought a spark of joyous audacity to the scene. Their āCarmenā was nothing short of extraordinary! They pushed boundaries and embraced an experimental choreography with breathtaking, captivating fluidity and theatricality, as if responding to the limitations of this era with pure artistic dynamism.
Beyond the Stage
As a ballet devotee, my world is never truly limited to the confines of the theatre. And during these unprecedented times, it seems there's an added need to seek solace in the wider world of the arts.
- I adore, with my whole heart, the work of the London-based sculptor, David Mach, and I was enthralled by his recent "The Dance of Creation" exhibition. His bold sculptures capture the primal energy and fluidity of dance with breathtaking simplicity, often using repurposed, even mundane materials. Seeing his work juxtaposed against the delicate fragility of a dancer's movements, both captured at their peak, is truly an unparalleled artistic dialogue, isnāt it? Thereās a lovely sense of poetry in it all.
- Thereās something thrillingly rebellious about how the photographer, Anne-Katrin Sonntag, portrays the art form, bringing raw intimacy and realism to dance photography. Her work often blurs the line between performer and audience, creating a sense of personal connection. Thereās nothing artificial about her photography, it is visceral and emotionally honest, reminding me that at the heart of dance, lies vulnerability and, dare I say, a hint of raw beauty. Her current exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery, "Behind the Curtain," features dancers candidly engaged in warm-up, rehearsals and backstage rituals. This peek behind the curtain, into the dancerās private rituals, creates such a moving sense of connection, even with strangers.
A World Redefined
As we continue to navigate this unprecedented world, darling, it's important to remember the power of the arts, especially ballet. It's a reminder that beauty and artistry can thrive even in the face of adversity. This month, in a way, was a celebration of human resilience and a reminder of the vital role art plays in enriching our lives. We witnessed ballet's extraordinary ability to adapt and reinvent itself, dancing with elegance and grace, through challenging times.
So, hereās to the resilience, creativity, and sheer artistry that continues to illuminate the stage, both real and virtual. Until next month, darlings, dance on!