Ballets 21

Francis Poulenc’s *Les Animaux Modèles* – A Whimsical Journey Through the Animal Kingdom The air crackles with anticipation as the lights dim, and the orchestra’s gentle, playful melody fills the theatre. Tonight, we are whisked away on a delightful journey through the animal kingdom, thanks to Francis Poulenc's masterful *Les Animaux Modèles*, choreographed by the iconic Roland Petit. The music, so intricately woven into the fabric of the dance, speaks to each creature, its unique personality shimmering through every note. It's more than just a ballet; it's an embodiment of joy, a celebration of the whimsical, the ridiculous, the beautiful and the tender in the animal world. **The Choreography: A Dance of Individuality and Unbridled Joy** The very first moments of the ballet, the "Lion" scene, already reveal the genius of Roland Petit's choreography. A solo performance of exaggerated grace and powerful elegance, the lion is a true regal figure. The dramatic music with its fierce staccato bursts underscores the lion’s predatory grace, as the dancer’s powerful, commanding movements and captivating, piercing gaze create an arresting visual experience. Next, we encounter a flock of "Ostriches." A visual feast of colourful, sweeping patterns, it's pure delight to watch the dancers' limbs fly through the air in perfect synchronization, mimicking the flightless bird's flamboyant, unpredictable movements. This sense of shared expression is particularly charming, each dancer becoming a feathered dancer, contributing to a grand symphony of movement. As the choreography progresses, we experience the stark contrast between the gentle grace of the “Elephant” and the playful antics of the "Tortoise" . The "Elephant" is a mesmerizing tableau of controlled, powerful, and utterly captivating movements that speak of immense weight and gentle wisdom. The dancer moves with a delicate precision as the weighty and languid choreography suggests both the elephant's imposing presence and its careful, steady tread. It’s a scene of raw beauty that commands our attention and captures our imagination. But Poulenc and Petit offer an equal measure of humour, too. The "Tortoise," is a hilarious study of slow and deliberate movements. Every moment, a slow and deliberate crawl, every pause, a deliberate moment of contemplation, a comedic triumph. It's pure, unadulterated comedy that draws chuckles from every corner of the theatre. **The Music: Poulenc’s Masterful Musical Landscape** As a trained dancer who adores ballet, it's the music, for me, that is the heart of this enchanting experience. Poulenc's musical masterpiece is simply unforgettable, its infectious energy enlivening the dance and capturing the essence of each animal. Every note, every instrumental choice, adds another layer to this magnificent world that Poulenc paints for us. **A Few Key Examples**: The "Turtle" and "Cow" reveal Poulenc's mastery of contrast, the turtle a soothing and slow-paced cello theme while the cow, a boisterous brass and percussion driven piece. The “Giraffe” and “Hippopotamus”, respectively are delicate flute melodies that express a sense of fragility and, a powerful bass and horn motif that suggest a weighty, slow, and somewhat intimidating presence. Poulenc also depicts the animal’s inner feelings through musical phrasing – the gentle lullaby for the "Peacock", the frenetic tempo for the "Fish" , and the sombre, mournful strings for the "Dolphin.” **A Tapestry of Expression** Ultimately, the dance, as an art form, allows us to connect with our humanity in a unique way, and the animals become mirrors of our own complex emotions and vulnerabilities. Each dancer’s powerful performance becomes a tribute to the individuality of the animal it represents. Here are some examples of individual dancers who I found especially memorable: * **The Giraffe**: Her elegant form is transformed by a delicate flute solo. The dance’s languid and fragile movements reflect the tall and gentle creature she represents. * **The Peacock**: A breathtaking solo performance that captivates audiences, and is not merely a graceful dance but also an expression of pride and exuberance. She becomes a vision of radiant colour, radiating beauty and sensuality, evoking the beauty of the animal and a unique, feminine strength that makes her a real star of the show. * **The Hippopotamus**: His solo, a powerful and engaging display, demonstrates a physical strength that makes his slow and deliberate movements appear both regal and comical. His characterization captures the animal’s weight and stature, evoking laughter and a sense of awe in equal measure. * **The Dolphin**: She brings a poignancy to this role. Her performance evokes a sense of melancholy and a longing for freedom. The music perfectly mirrors her expression as a poignant dance is created with subtle movements that evoke a deep sense of sadness and a profound sense of loss. In the final moments, we watch as a sense of harmony washes over us. It’s a triumphant and joyous ending that echoes through the theatre as the last notes of the symphony fade away. *Les Animaux Modèles* is a ballet that is both enchanting and playful, with beautiful and compelling choreography and exquisite music that is deeply captivating. It is a triumph of the human spirit's ability to imagine, create and connect with the natural world in a beautiful, joyous way.