Ballets 37

Stravinsky's *Le Baiser de la Fée*, a ballet composed in 1928, is a captivating exploration of the realm of fairy tales, drawing upon themes of love, loss, and the transcendent power of imagination. While not a traditional story ballet in the vein of Tchaikovsky's *The Sleeping Beauty*, it weaves a narrative tapestry rich with evocative imagery, employing the medium of dance to express the subtle nuances of human emotion and the potent enchantment of the supernatural. As a dancer, the technical virtuosity of the work demanded of the performers is something that I find immensely fascinating, as well as the choreographic mastery with which it's executed.

The music itself is a testament to Stravinsky's ingenuity, embracing both delicate lyricism and vigorous bursts of rhythmic energy. The composer's use of instruments, particularly the oboe and clarinet, allows for an ethereal beauty that seamlessly blends with the poignant orchestral textures that represent both the tender romance and melancholic sorrow embedded within the story.

The choreography, a collaboration between Stravinsky and the visionary ballet master Bronislava Nijinska, showcases Nijinska's signature neoclassical style, blending elegant, balletic movements with an intriguing rhythmic dynamism. Nijinska’s ballets are known for their strength, and *Le Baiser de la Fée* is a striking example of how movement, whether angular and athletic or flowing and supple, can become symbolic expression.

The story centres on the tale of The Firebird (an elegant female character), inspired by the original Russian folktale by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. In this ballet version, however, the Firebird acts as an overarching symbol of enchantment rather than the story’s protagonist.

The opening scene, "Le Palais du Tsar", begins with a vibrant waltz, creating an opulent and celebratory atmosphere. This waltz is executed in a powerful yet graceful fashion, with the dancers forming intricate patterns. We are then transported into the “Fairy’s Magic Spell” where we see the transformation of a wooden doll to a graceful ballerina. The scene's subtle nuances bring to life the ethereal magic that surrounds this young doll.

In "L’Evasion," the tension increases with each move. The music evokes a sense of urgency and anxiety, reflecting the impending peril. The movements here are powerful and desperate, revealing the young girl’s helplessness and a hint of sadness. Here, the female dancer is alone on the stage with her elegant, but often strained, balletic motions drawing the viewer’s eye and our sympathies for her lonely plight.

The final scene of "Le Palais du Tsar", is infused with an ethereal beauty that captures the serenity that the protagonist finds when they become a part of the natural world and, in this context, embrace death. The movement, now soft and expressive, emphasizes the stillness that prevails in nature and the inevitable yet peaceful passage to the afterlife that the young girl has experienced. It leaves one with a feeling of gentle closure.

Throughout the ballet, Nijinska's choreography deftly portrays the contrasts and emotions at play: from the joy of the courtly waltz to the haunting allure of the forest and the sorrowful resignation that ends the piece.

Stravinsky’s composition perfectly echoes the steps, jumps and delicate formations employed. There’s a clarity in his notes which echoes the purity of the choreography's line.

As a dancer, one always tries to get a sense of an older ballet performer's career trajectory and for *Le Baiser de la Fée*, there are a number of luminaries that made the work iconic.

• **Olga Spessivtseva,** the fiery ballerina with an extraordinary intensity that graced the stage in the late 1920s played the role of the Firebird, which she did, one would imagine, with extraordinary dynamism and fire. Her acting was both restrained and captivating, reflecting the dark beauty of the mystical creature.
• **Tamara Karsavina,** an accomplished and charismatic dancer of the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, danced the character of “The Bride”. It was a part she embraced with grace and pathos. Her dramatic skills allowed her to embody the character's transition from mortal maiden to supernatural being, drawing the audience into the tragic story.
• **Alexandra Danilova,** known for her powerful yet subtle acting, would have also embodied the Bride. Her strong yet lyrical dancing made her ideally suited for this role. It must have been truly captivating to see her convey the pain of loss, the longing for life, and the ultimate embrace of death in the finale.
• **Alicia Markova, ** with her incredible technical abilities, could have excelled as “The Firebird”. She danced with ethereal beauty, capable of expressing complex emotions with simple but precise gestures.
• **Serge Lifar, ** known for his athletic and flamboyant movements, played the role of "The Young Man”. Lifar's mastery of technique allowed him to convey the character’s emotional trajectory.

These dancers' exceptional skill, combined with their expressive interpretations, would have made *Le Baiser de la Fée* a thrilling and emotional experience. They bring a captivating intensity to each moment on the stage.

The essence of *Le Baiser de la Fée* is not merely a captivating dance performance, it's a glimpse into a realm of the magical. The music’s ethereal qualities, Nijinska’s masterful choreography and the performance by ballet’s finest in its time give the audience a unique experience; it is as if we ourselves are whisked into the heart of an old fairytale. It invites us to ponder the mysteries of life, death, and the elusive nature of enchantment. The work explores these themes through delicate gestures, powerful rhythms and expressive facial work that allows viewers to witness the beauty and melancholy inherent in these ancient stories.

One might say that *Le Baiser de la Fée* is a ballet for the soul; it is a testament to humanity’s need for both physical and spiritual transcendence, allowing for our own imagination to take flight and join us on a journey through an enchanted landscape.

Though it was initially perceived with mixed reviews, *Le Baiser de la Fée* became an essential piece in the development of ballet. Its uniqueness and innovative combination of musical textures and dance made it a vital and lasting contribution to the genre.

Even now, the ballet continues to resonate with contemporary audiences and dancers. The work’s unique aesthetic and enduring power have secured a place for it amongst the classics and inspires the contemporary choreography that follows in its wake. *Le Baiser de la Fée* is a ballet worthy of a close examination as it is rich in imagery and profound themes. In the words of dancer and writer, Anna Pavlova, "It is an expression of something much greater than just the human spirit. It’s a magical journey that continues to mesmerise.” As a dancer, *Le Baiser de la Fée* will forever occupy a place in my memory and, I hope, the hearts and minds of those who witness it for years to come.