My dear diary, Tonight, I witnessed a ballet that sent shivers down my spine, a performance that danced with my soul. Le Diable boiteux, by the incomparable Casimir Gide, a whirlwind of passion, intrigue, and, dare I say, even a touch of the supernatural. From the very first moment the curtain rose, I was transported. The set, a glorious tableau of Spanish architecture bathed in the warm hues of sunset, painted a scene of such vibrancy, I felt as though I could reach out and touch it. The music, oh, the music! A masterpiece of Spanish flamenco rhythms and melodic Spanish flourishes. The lilting guitar, the pounding castanets, they were intoxicating. And then, the dancers! A Cast of Angels First, there was the divine Mademoiselle Dubois, in the role of Luisa, the woman at the heart of our tale. Her movements, so elegant and refined, a cascade of silk flowing in the wind. She moved with such effortless grace, her every step a delicate whisper in the language of ballet. When she danced with the Devil, or rather, the Devil’s human guise in the form of Don Juan, her every move was a symphony of conflicting emotions - desire, fear, and a hint of the forbidden. Speaking of the Devil, or should I say Don Juan? Played by the enigmatic Monsieur Legrand, this was a performance of raw magnetism. He moved with the confidence of a lion, his every gesture conveying power and intrigue. Yet, his eyes, oh those eyes! They spoke of a hidden sorrow, a melancholy that underscored the playful and cunning facade he presented to the world. The duets between Mademoiselle Dubois and Monsieur Legrand were electrifying. A constant dance of temptation and resistance, passion and despair. I found myself captivated by the other dancers as well. Monsieur Dubois as the proud and fiery Spanish noble, and the nimble young Madame Cartier as the vivacious Isabella, each character etched with the perfect blend of physical prowess and dramatic finesse. Even the corps de ballet, their movements like waves of shimmering silk, perfectly embodied the spirited ambiance of this magical production. A Touch of the Macabre What made this ballet truly unique was the incorporation of the supernatural element. The character of the Devil, played so expertly by Monsieur Legrand, was not a cackling demon with horns and a pitchfork, but rather, a seductive, alluring figure who embodied both good and evil. This subtle, almost subliminal use of the fantastical, infused the ballet with an undercurrent of suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat. It’s almost as if the veil between the mortal world and the world beyond had thinned, inviting us into the realms of imagination and mystery. Dancing Beyond the Boundaries of Time and Reality What I admired most about Gide’s creation was its daring. He wasn't afraid to venture beyond the confines of traditional ballet, blending classical ballet with elements of flamenco, creating a captivating fusion of elegance and passion. I left the theatre in a state of complete exhilaration. Le Diable boiteux is more than a mere performance. It's an experience, a journey into a world of dreams and desires, where love and temptation intertwine in a dangerous, mesmerizing waltz. It's a ballet that will linger in my memory, long after the applause has died down. A few reflections * The music, a captivating mix of Spanish flair and a touch of darkness. * Monsieur Legrand's embodiment of the Devil: A fascinating portrayal that danced on the edge of temptation. * The dramatic intensity of the duels, showcasing the raw emotions of love, desire, and jealousy. * The seamless blend of classic ballet techniques with the dynamic rhythm of flamenco. * Gide's clever use of the supernatural, leaving an eerie impression of magic and the unknown. I cannot recommend this ballet highly enough. If you want to be captivated, to feel the thrill of love and the shadows of intrigue, then do not miss Le Diable boiteux!
