Ballets 156

The shimmering stage lights, the anticipation thrumming in the air, the hush of the audience - it’s the magic that happens just before the curtain rises that always sends a shiver down my spine. Tonight, though, it was different. The air buzzed with a vibrant energy, a nervous excitement that wasn’t just for the opening of the ballet, but for what lay beyond – the promise of a bold and innovative piece, “L’Éventail de Jeanne,” a collective creation by a constellation of France’s most esteemed composers.

To think that nine masterful minds – Maurice Ravel, Pierre-Octave Ferroud, Jacques Ibert, Alexis Roland-Manuel, Marcel Delannoy, Albert Roussel, Darius Milhaud, Francis Poulenc, and Georges Auric – would collaborate on a single work! Each a distinct voice in the French musical landscape, a tapestry woven from the rich threads of their individual styles, harmoniously coalescing in the form of a ballet. It was an unprecedented act, an audacious venture that promised to shatter expectations and redefine what ballet could be.

And shatter expectations it did. As the curtain ascended, I was immediately captivated by the vibrant colours and elaborate costuming that swathed the dancers like living works of art. The setting was a vision of whimsical fantasy, a realm of vibrant colours and playful patterns, a perfect reflection of the spirit of the music.

• Each composer presented his unique voice through individual tableaux, a brilliant exhibition of musical mastery. Ravel, with his characteristic elegance and sophisticated wit, unveiled a delicate dance in the “Menuet” section. His orchestration, masterful as ever, infused the music with an air of sophisticated whimsy.
• Pierre-Octave Ferroud brought a delightful dash of romanticism to his “Intermède,” the music cascading like a gentle stream, a flowing melody brimming with tenderness and introspection. I found myself lost in the world he painted with music, drawn into his wistful melody and poignant orchestration.
• The swaggering and infectious rhythms of Jacques Ibert’s "Espagnole" brought a wave of lively energy to the performance, the dancers' movements mimicking the jaunty energy of the music. His composition showcased his unique flair, a captivating combination of folk elements and bold orchestrations.
• Then, a shift in mood, a moment of contemplation brought forth by Alexis Roland-Manuel’s “Sicilienne.” The melancholic tone of his music transported us to a realm of introspective longing, a journey of reflection conveyed through delicate movements and soft harmonies.
• The dramatic "Danse" section, a captivating masterpiece by Marcel Delannoy, showcased his talent for writing music that compels attention, the score full of vibrant energy and driving passion. The dancers mirrored the intensity of the composition, each step resonating with the urgency and raw emotion of Delannoy's creation.
• The stage felt awash in gentle, introspective energy during Albert Roussel’s “Andantino," a graceful and lyrical composition imbued with an ethereal quality. His score was a perfect accompaniment to the subtle movements of the dancers, evoking a dreamy atmosphere that carried the audience away.
• The fiery temperament of Darius Milhaud’s “Capriccioso” ignited a flurry of movements on stage, the energetic rhythms urging the dancers forward, the music reflecting a spontaneous and captivating energy. His piece brought a breath of wild energy to the ballet, a sharp contrast to the previous sections, demonstrating the diverse moods and styles encompassed in this singular piece.
• The poignant introspection of Francis Poulenc’s "Nocturne" added a layer of quiet beauty to the performance, a touching moment of tenderness contrasted by the other dramatic sections. His musical touch, always distinctive and evocative, brought a depth of emotion to the work.
• The final piece, Georges Auric's “Bourrée,” echoed the exuberance of a Parisian fête. With an infectiously upbeat rhythm, it was the perfect conclusion to this collection of musical jewels. Auric's composition infused the air with a festive air, the dancers mirroring the vivacious spirit of the score. It was a triumphant culmination of the individual talents woven together in this masterful tapestry of music.

Each individual composition was a testament to the mastery of its creator, but what truly set “L’Éventail de Jeanne” apart was not just the brilliance of the individual pieces, but how they cohesively interacted, complimenting each other like a musical dialogue, a continuous flow of artistic expression. This collection was not simply a sum of its parts, but a completely unique entity, a masterpiece forged in the crucible of shared creativity.

The dancers, a symphony of movement in themselves, beautifully interpreted each section’s individual character. I was especially captivated by the elegance and precision of the corps de ballet, their every step flawlessly synchronized, their movements a fluid extension of the score’s emotive energy. I felt a tangible connection between the dancers and the music, as though their bodies were simply extensions of the melodies, embodying each emotion, each tempo, each transition seamlessly.

But what truly enthralled me was the skill and virtuosity of the individual dancers. They brought to life each composer’s individual vision, embodying the distinct moods of each section, showcasing the range of the human form with effortless grace. Their gestures, subtle yet expressive, infused each movement with a depth of meaning, breathing life into the musical stories they danced.

There was a moment in the "Sicilienne" where one of the female dancers captured my attention with her delicate portrayal of heartbreak, her movements filled with a bittersweet beauty. Every step she took echoed the melancholic tone of the music, her hands trembling with emotion, each subtle gesture drawing my heart into the depths of her poignant dance.

And during the fiery "Capriccioso", another dancer brought the stage to life with his energy and charisma. He was a whirlwind of movement, a beacon of fiery passion. His every step was bold and decisive, his powerful jumps mirroring the powerful bursts of energy from Milhaud's music. This moment underscored the sheer artistry of the dancers, their mastery of their bodies and ability to communicate emotion and musicality with their every step.

Beyond the virtuosity of their steps, what truly touched me were their genuine interactions, their connection to the music. They were not simply dancers enacting pre-ordained choreography but living, breathing artists, weaving a narrative through their movements. Their expressiveness was truly breathtaking, their dedication palpable. It was the type of performance that left you speechless, filled with a sense of awe and inspiration.

The final bow was a heartfelt expression of collaboration and artistry. The entire ensemble radiated a collective satisfaction – the shared accomplishment of a successful journey into the realm of musical expression. This shared joy resonated with the audience, leaving them with a feeling of wonder and exhilaration, a feeling that remained long after the curtain had fallen and the music faded.

"L’Éventail de Jeanne" is a testament to the transformative power of collaborative artistry. Each composer contributed his unique vision, each dancer offered their own interpretations, blending into a masterpiece, a joyous symphony of musical and kinetic energy.

This performance was a true celebration of music and dance, a showcase of how the collaboration between great minds can transcend boundaries and forge a collective brilliance. “L’Éventail de Jeanne” will stay with me long after the lights have dimmed. The artistry of each composer and dancer, their passion, dedication, and creativity intertwined to create a truly remarkable artistic experience, one that left a lasting imprint on my soul.