Les Gentilhommes, to music by George Frideric Handel, 1987
The programme note described this ballet as "a witty and stylish romp through the social whirl of 18th-century France," and, with its intricate choreography and shimmering costumes, it certainly delivered on that promise. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't exhilarating to watch the dancers navigate the stage with such finesse and vigour. There was an almost palpable sense of joy in their movements, and that energy radiated out into the audience. I confess, the first few minutes had me completely captivated.
The opening sequence was a real eye-catcher. As the curtain rose, we were presented with a tableau of elegantly dressed dancers in a stately salon, their postures and gazes hinting at a simmering undercurrent of social tension. The music – a sprightly and slightly cynical selection from Handel's "Concerto in B flat" – immediately set the tone, weaving through the intricate footwork with playful ease.
I particularly admired the ensemble work in the first act. It was a breathtaking display of synchronized movement. Their unison was almost uncanny, and it was fascinating to witness the choreography shift effortlessly from controlled elegance to almost frenzied chaos, always responding perfectly to the score. This shifting tide of emotions, particularly conveyed by the corps de ballet, added depth to the performance. They were not just background figures; they were actively participating in the story being told.
Of course, no ballet is complete without its standout performances, and this production had its fair share of dazzling individuals. I must admit I found myself completely mesmerised by the Principal dancer, a young man who embodied the carefree swagger of a nobleman with absolute conviction. The sheer power in his leaps was incredible, and he seemed to effortlessly glide through the intricate choreography with an unerring sense of precision and joy.
One particularly memorable scene involved a pair of ballerinas who were initially a little hesitant in their pas de deux. I watched them navigate their complex steps – an impressive display of intricate, intertwined legwork - but what truly stole my attention was the emotional journey they both embarked on through this performance. As the music became more intense, their hesitancy was gradually replaced by a growing sense of trust, culminating in a heart-stopping moment where their movements intertwined into a single expression of pure grace and passion. I couldn't take my eyes off of them - the vulnerability that the female dancer portrayed in that moment, and the confidence and strength she received from the support of her partner; I can't remember the last time a ballet had left such a powerful emotional impression on me.
Of course, a ballet isn't just about the dancers. The costumes in "Les Gentilhommes" deserve their own round of applause. I've rarely seen such exquisite detailing – think vibrant silks, delicate lace, and the unmistakable flourish of 18th century elegance. The designer certainly wasn't afraid to add bold splashes of color and intricate patterns, all adding to the sheer opulence of the production.
In all honesty, I wouldn't be doing this production justice if I didn't address the slightly… anachronistic nature of the choreography. Yes, there were moments of exquisite grace and technical prowess. But the dance felt… jarring in certain places, like trying to slip a pair of modern sneakers into a period costume. At times, I found myself longing for a more classical sensibility in some sequences - more traditional vocabulary with greater focus on a classical style would have complemented the beautiful costumes and opulent set even more.
As I pondered the choreography, I found myself questioning what this ballet truly sought to convey. While there were captivating moments - the intricate footwork, the exquisite use of the entire stage and the ensemble work - the narrative, the core emotion of the work seemed slightly blurred at times, particularly in the second act. It lacked a clear trajectory, the powerful energy of the first act lost somewhere in a string of fleeting emotions.
Ultimately, I'd categorize “Les Gentilhommes" as an intriguing production, with some undeniable flaws, but definitely worthy of a watch, if for nothing else than to witness the remarkable talents of its performers.
The dancers
- The **Principal Dancer** delivered a truly masterful performance, bringing a sense of athleticism, charm, and unmistakable stage presence. His jumps were powerful and effortless, while his partnering showcased his technical brilliance, conveying a sense of power yet intimacy.
- The **two Ballerinas** displayed both extraordinary technical ability and profound emotional range. Their nuanced performance resonated with the audience. Their intricate footwork exemplified exquisite partnering, while their ability to communicate vulnerability and trust within a seemingly light-hearted ballet was profoundly moving.
- The **ensemble cast**, with their flawlessly synchronised movements, was a highlight of the production. Their precision and seamless transitions were mesmerising to watch. Their vibrant presence heightened the already remarkable energy of the ballet, making the choreography even more impressive and compelling.
The music:
The chosen Handel pieces were absolutely fitting, perfectly reflecting the drama, romance, and occasional social satire of the ballet. The way the choreographer incorporated the music’s varied tempo and energy into his choreography – from the light, playful moments to the more passionate, melancholy sections - was ingenious. The music felt an integral part of the dance, shaping the emotional journey, and not simply providing an atmospheric backdrop.
However, I have to admit there was a certain inconsistency to the overall musical composition, with occasional transitions between selections that felt jarring. The chosen scores didn't seem to follow a linear narrative arc. A few of the pieces felt more like a collection of musical moments rather than a coherent piece of composition.
Final Verdict:
"Les Gentilhommes," while entertaining and undeniably skilled, felt slightly uneven in its execution. Its strongest moments – particularly the intricate footwork and the energy of the corps de ballet - showcased remarkable technicality and skill. The overall concept, however, lacked clarity and coherence. Nevertheless, if you're looking for a visually captivating performance that pushes boundaries and explores complex emotional terrain, "Les Gentilhommes" might be worth checking out.