Ballets 80

The stage lights dim, the orchestra strikes the opening chords, and we are transported back to the 19th-century New England seaside. Richard Rodgers’s score, brimming with that quintessential Americana charm, washes over the audience as the first act unfolds. This isn’t your average “Carousel” adaptation, mind you, not the beloved Broadway musical that captured hearts in the 1940s. No, this is "Carousel, to Music by Richard Rodgers", a 2002 ballet by choreographer Alexei Ratmansky. This ballet aims for something more: a nuanced exploration of the intricate, poignant story, with its bittersweet love story and unflinching social commentary.

Ratmansky's choreography is a joy to behold, a symphony of movement and expression that seamlessly blends the lyrical with the theatrical. Every gesture is infused with meaning. The intricate pas de deux between Billy Bigelow, the brash carnival barker, and Julie Jordan, the gentle mill worker, pulsates with a raw passion, a delicate dance of attraction and tension, ultimately culminating in a bittersweet romance.

From the first steps, Ratmansky weaves a tapestry of motion. The townspeople, a vibrant ensemble, populate the stage with a gentle sway, their everyday lives punctuated by bursts of energy. We witness Julie’s naive innocence in her delicate steps, a youthful charm beautifully brought to life by the graceful ballerina. But it is the fiery, brash Billy who dominates, the sheer force of his personality resonating in his forceful leaps, his powerful turns, and the undeniable charisma he projects across the stage.

There’s a vulnerability beneath Billy’s bravado, evident in the fleeting moments of tenderness that emerge in his dancing with Julie. We see the glimmer of good within him, his yearning for redemption and love, despite his checkered past. And then there's Carrie Pipperidge, Julie’s good-natured friend, played with an endearing blend of strength and softness. Carrie's duet with her love interest, Enoch Snow, exudes warmth and affection. Their earthy, down-to-earth steps stand in stark contrast to the tempestuous affair of Billy and Julie, emphasizing the distinct qualities of each relationship.

Beyond the individual stories, there is a masterfully constructed sense of the collective, of a community grappling with issues of love, loss, and forgiveness. The carousel itself, a pivotal element in the ballet, becomes a visual symbol of the ephemeral nature of life. Its vibrant colours, swirling motion, and hypnotic rhythm provide a backdrop for the swirling emotions of the story. The chorus dances beautifully, like intricate movements within a mechanical heart, each turn, every gesture, reflecting the rhythm of life.

Rodgers’ music serves as the ballet’s beating heart, the vibrant pulse that propels the narrative. With its lush orchestrations, evocative melodies, and captivating rhythms, the music transports you into the heart of the story. We hear the soaring strains of love in "If I Loved You," the soaring heights of longing in "Soliloquy," and the haunting depths of despair in the "Carousel Waltz." It is the music that underscores the raw emotions and brings the characters' complexities to life, creating an almost cinematic experience for the audience.

As the music builds and crescendos, so too do the dance sequences. Each moment resonates with a potent emotion, perfectly reflected in the choreography. We experience the full range of human experience: joy and despair, passion and heartbreak, redemption and regret. Ratmansky uses every aspect of movement, from delicate fluttering gestures to powerful leaps, to express the inner turmoil of the characters.

Rodgers’ genius lies not just in his melodies but also in his understanding of dramatic form. He uses motifs to depict character, setting the tone for the entire ballet, adding to its layered narrative. We see the familiar melody that accompanies the Carousel return as a symbol of Billy's cyclical destiny, both in life and beyond. This musical tapestry adds an extra layer to Ratmansky's storytelling.

The dancers embody the story with raw emotional honesty and incredible technical prowess. This is a true testament to Ratmansky's choreographic genius, as he weaves in moments of pure technical brilliance with those of powerful emotional resonance. The dancers are able to express the characters’ conflicting desires and internal battles through every turn, leap, and gesture. It is the nuanced way they communicate, with subtlety and vulnerability, that makes the production so captivating. We witness Billy's passionate dance with Julie, his bravura leaps, his powerful jumps - a dance of raw energy that embodies his tumultuous love for her.

requires a dancer who can express a potent blend of charisma, raw masculinity, and simmering vulnerability, all while executing demanding choreography. We feel his passionate nature as he lifts Julie, his dance with her imbued with that tender desperation. This performance is an incredible example of what the power of dance can accomplish in storytelling. And let's not forget about the nuanced way in which the ballet deals with the difficult and morally ambiguous nature of the characters. Billy's rough edges are present in the dance, but his moments of genuine love are powerfully presented.

is equally demanding, requiring the ballerina to express youthful naivety and blossoming love, evolving to portray her character's evolving sense of strength and resilience.

doesn’t simply exist as background scenery; instead, it pulsates with a powerful, emotional current. The precision of their movements is stunning, yet they retain an air of natural grace. Every individual is given their moment to shine, even in the bustling choreography that encompasses the entire stage. And while the spotlight often rests on the leads, the supporting cast delivers captivating performances.

"Carousel, to Music by Richard Rodgers," stands as a masterful example of ballet’s capacity to bring complex narratives to life. It’s not simply about pretty pirouettes and impressive leaps. This ballet explores a deep, resonating theme. It delves into the complexities of love, regret, and forgiveness with an unflinching honesty that makes it profoundly relevant and undeniably powerful.

The final tableau is both heart-wrenching and poignant, leaving the audience pondering the weight of choices and the consequences that ripple throughout life. As the curtain falls, you can’t help but feel a powerful blend of sadness and beauty. You feel moved by the strength of the human spirit and its ability to find solace, even amidst heartache.

If you are looking for a ballet that goes beyond the mere physicality of dance and explores the depths of human emotion, then "Carousel, to Music by Richard Rodgers," is a production you must see.