Ballets 196

The stage lights dim, anticipation hangs in the air. I am backstage, a swirl of silk and tulle, amongst the other dancers, the heat of the stage lights hitting my face even before I've taken the stage. We are poised, ready to transport the audience to the Golden Age. This ballet, Dmitri Shostakovich's 1930 masterpiece, is more than just dance, it's a journey into a time of exuberance, romance, and the undeniable energy of a new era.

The music itself is a vibrant, rhythmic landscape. Shostakovich captures the optimistic spirit of the Soviet Union in the 1930s, a time of significant social and cultural change, with an array of tempos, moods, and musical colours. The ballet's score is infused with the energy of folk music, classical elements, and a palpable sense of joy. It's impossible to stand on the stage and not feel the infectious rhythm driving the dance.

From the moment the curtain rises, we are whisked into the vibrant world of a seaside resort. The stage explodes with energy, the ensemble dancers, vibrant and dynamic, paint a scene of joyous revelry, a microcosm of a new world of possibility.

This ballet is a narrative ballet with characters and their stories that weave through the grand choreography, all to the music of the fantastic Shostakovich. The story, crafted by the renowned Nikolai Volkov, is a compelling love story interwoven with the hopes and dreams of this newfound age.

At the centre of the ballet, there is a young woman, a delightful ballerina named Rita. It's a beautiful role that requires strength, vulnerability, and the ability to convey a complex array of emotions. The young sailor, Boris, who catches Rita's eye, is a captivating blend of youth, bravery and an impassioned romantic heart. As the audience watches Rita and Boris navigate their love story, their individual struggles with their dreams, and society’s expectations against the backdrop of a lively, bustling, youthful backdrop of the era, it feels both timeless and undeniably relevant.

And of course, as a dancer, one can't forget the magnificent and demanding role of The Woman, a dancer of exceptional skill and stage presence. This dancer portrays a world-weary woman with an intoxicating blend of wisdom, power and seductive grace. Her complex character adds a fascinating layer to the narrative, a constant reminder of the complexities of life in this ‘Golden Age’.

This ballet is not just a collection of dazzling steps, it's a tapestry of emotion woven into each movement. The success of a performance like this hinges on the ability of each dancer to become more than a mere performer; they must become an embodiment of the characters they are portraying, feeling and transmitting those emotions. Each dancer brings an unparalleled understanding of the movement vocabulary to the stage, executing complex balletic combinations with the precision and fluidity.

The sheer athleticism of the dance is astonishing. There is a sense of liberation and abandon in their movements. Each leap and turn is not simply technical; it’s imbued with passion, a celebration of life, love, and a fresh optimism. From the vibrant ensemble sequences to the complex pas de deux between Rita and Boris, the energy is infectious.

It's not all about grand jetés and dazzling turns. Some of the most captivating moments come in the stillness, the subtle expressions, and the nuanced character portrayals that highlight the skill of each individual dancer, their command of a technique and their unique understanding of the story and emotion of the music.

The role of the ensemble in The Golden Age is paramount. They're not simply filling space; they are the very fabric of this vibrant, optimistic society. They paint a vibrant picture of the era, from the playful scenes at the seaside, the rhythmic dancing around the bonfire, to the elegant scenes in the ballroom. Every dancer contributes, from the lithe elegance of the corps to the strength and character of the supporting male dancers, to paint a picture of life in this optimistic new world.

And let's not forget the powerful soloists! Each character – the sailors, the tourists, the musicians - bring a unique flair to their moments. You see the hopes and aspirations of an era, the thrill of discovery, the love stories blooming under a hopeful sun. There is humour, joy, and even melancholy as characters are introduced and develop in a rapid, engaging manner. Each role brings a different dynamic to the ensemble, and their skill in portraying their character with individual expression enriches the visual story so greatly.

The Golden Age ballet is not simply a production; it's an experience that is alive on stage. You feel the hope, the optimism, and the energy of this new era with the same force that it had in the 1930s. It's a powerful experience and one that never fails to inspire. This isn’t a passive ballet - it is alive and it is vibrant.

No ballet would be complete without the magic of costumes, and the Golden Age’s costuming plays an integral part in telling the story. The design speaks of the new era, reflecting its optimism and freedom of expression. The colours, vibrant and playful, add an exciting energy to the scenes, adding to the joyous and celebratory nature of the era depicted. We are brought right into the bustling social life of this vibrant new era.

The costumes are as dynamic as the dancers and the music itself. They shift seamlessly through a multitude of scenes from casual and playful seaside scenes to the more glamorous ballroom attire, all beautifully rendered in a palette of vibrant hues, a perfect reflection of this ‘golden age.’ The elegant, tailored ensembles worn by the characters during their formal scenes highlight both their strength and confidence.

The ballet itself uses bold colours and contrasting patterns in its costuming to enhance its visual appeal, playing with light and shadow. The bold use of color, the fabrics chosen for the costumes - luxurious velvet, sheer chiffon, and flowing satin - add an exquisite level of detail and elevate each dancer to a higher level, showcasing not only the physique, but also the expression of their emotions.

The costumes, however, don't solely serve as visual adornments; they help tell the story through their design. We are shown glimpses of characters’ personalities - and their roles within society. From the bold costumes of the lead dancer, The Woman, and her unique and elegant style, to the youthful exuberance shown in the clothing of the main characters like Rita and Boris. Their contrasting styles create a delightful tension as the audience witnesses their changing emotional journey and social dynamics.

A journey through time is not simply about historical context or historical events. A journey through time requires the dance, the music, and the individual skill of each dancer, each actor to fully realise the experience and transport the audience through a specific moment in time. The dancers in The Golden Age successfully pull this off with each and every performance. And every night the curtain rises and The Golden Age is presented, it never feels simply a production - it feels like an experience, a gift shared with the audience.

Watching the dancers in The Golden Age is always a rewarding and transformative experience. It’s an exhilarating reminder of the enduring power of dance to move, inspire, and touch us in a way that no other art form can. The dancers, driven by Shostakovich’s breathtaking score and the visual flair of Volkov's storytelling, create an evening that is exhilarating, powerful and unforgettable. As a fellow dancer, I am always blown away by the skill and technical mastery of those who share the stage with me in this ballet - there is no lack of heart in each performance, in each step, each turn. Each performance becomes a powerful testament to the beautiful art of ballet.