Ballets 24

Apollo, Igor Stravinsky, 1928: A Review Stepping onto the stage, I was transported back in time, to the world of ancient Greece where the gods danced, and music flowed like honey from the Muses' lips. Igor Stravinsky's "Apollo" is a ballet that does not merely portray a story, it *is* a story - one etched into the very fabric of the dance and woven through the soul of the music. A God Born of Light and Dance From the very first chord of the score, a delicate, almost fragile, motif on the strings, you feel the purity and stillness of the dawn. Apollo, the god of light and music, is still nascent, learning the language of dance from the Muses, embodied by three breathtaking ballerinas. The choreography is at once elegant and rigorous, a precise reflection of Apollo's youthful and untamed spirit. His steps, born from his own physical expression of the world, are less about technique and more about discovery. There's a sense of burgeoning energy in the first few movements as he struggles with his newly discovered limbs and body, his movements at first tentative, clumsy even, as he searches for expression. You witness his struggle, his confusion as he tries to translate inspiration into movement. This raw, youthful energy, contrasted with the measured grace and lyrical beauty of the Muses' dance, adds depth and texture to the narrative. **A Ballet of Growth, Discovery and Transformation** As Apollo grows, his dance reflects his own maturation, the steps becoming bolder, more daring, the energy escalating in a breathtaking crescendo. The first time his feet touch the earth with a resonant power is a revelation. It's a visceral moment, his awakening, and we're carried with him on his journey. One cannot forget the role of the three Muses. Their presence on stage is an aura of beauty, wisdom and constant support. Their dance, flowing and ethereal, serves as a counterpoint to Apollo’s increasingly vibrant movements. Their solos, imbued with a tenderness and quiet intensity, reveal their own internal struggle, their deep understanding of both Apollo’s vulnerabilities and his limitless potential. The Power of Music and the Poetry of Dance The music, so intimately connected to the dance, creates a sonic tapestry that unfolds simultaneously with Apollo's own journey. Stravinsky's score, composed in neo-classical style, embraces the purity of the classical tradition, yet it possesses a distinctive edge, a raw power that reverberates throughout the theatre. The music's rhythmic pulse is echoed in the dancers’ movements, creating a symphony of light and shadow. In one scene, where Apollo attempts to master his control over rhythm and sound, the dancers are like instruments in a grand orchestra, their movements becoming the crescendo of music itself. It is truly magical to witness such perfect synergy. The Evolution of Style and Form There's an astonishing evolution of dance style throughout the ballet. From the early tentative movements, we see the transition to the refined elegance of his growth, a stylistic journey from raw inspiration to deliberate mastery. The dancers must be agile enough to move effortlessly through these styles, embodying Apollo's metamorphosis. They're not just dancing, they’re breathing life into the very essence of artistic expression. The ballet’s structure is not based on narrative; instead, it's a sequence of choreographic tableaux, each focusing on a particular facet of Apollo’s creative development. This minimalist structure, while seeming simple, allows the dancer to delve into the emotions of each scene with genuine depth, to explore every subtle nuance of his evolution as an artist. **Beyond Technique: A Ballet that Touches the Soul** The technique on display in "Apollo" is undeniably impressive, showcasing the epitome of classical ballet artistry. However, what elevates this ballet above the ordinary is its emotional core. It's not just a performance; it’s an experience. You become a participant in Apollo’s journey, his triumphs and his failures. The dancers aren't just actors, they're the conduits of a deeply human experience that transcends any genre. A Lasting Impression As the final notes of Stravinsky’s score faded and the curtain fell, I found myself completely engrossed, awash in the emotions that resonated throughout the ballet. "Apollo" is a masterclass in the artistry of dance and the power of music to connect with the soul. It’s a reminder of the raw, unyielding passion that fuels artistic creation, and the beauty of the human journey as we strive to understand, and then master, the language of our own expression. A ballet that celebrates the power of artistic potential, it lingers in the mind long after the curtain has fallen.