Ballets 85

## **The Chairman Dances: A Symphony of Power and Politics** John Adams' "The Chairman Dances" is a ballet unlike any other. It's not your typical tutu-and-tights affair, nor does it offer the saccharine sweetness of traditional ballet narratives. Instead, it throws you headfirst into the chaotic and complex world of power, politics, and the individual's struggle against overwhelming forces. And in the centre of this maelstrom? Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States. The ballet's core premise - using the figure of Nixon to explore broader themes of power, history, and the fragility of control - is both brilliant and deeply unsettling. As the opening bars of the score erupt, a sense of foreboding fills the air. Adams' music, with its frenetic pace and unsettling dissonances, mirrors the chaotic nature of Nixon's presidency. The dancers, seemingly imbued with this frantic energy, are never quite still. Their movements are angular, jerky, and almost spasmodic, mirroring the tumultuous events of the time. The use of "The Nixon Tapes" as source material is particularly effective. Snippets of Nixon's voice, captured on the infamous recordings, weave through the ballet, giving a chillingly personal glimpse into his inner thoughts. His paranoia, his obsession with power, and his ruthless drive become embodied in the choreography, as dancers seem to twist and contort around his spectral presence. However, it's important to recognise that the ballet isn't simply a damning portrait of Nixon. There are moments of grace, even tenderness, woven into the fabric of the work. These moments, while fleeting, offer glimpses of a human being beneath the layers of power, ambition, and deceit. They humanise Nixon, revealing the complex and often contradictory nature of a man who occupied the highest office in the world. **The Dance of Power and Control** The choreography, by the legendary Twyla Tharp, is the heart and soul of "The Chairman Dances". It is simultaneously visceral and intellectual, a thrilling combination of movement styles. There's the muscularity and aggression of contemporary dance, interspersed with elements of ballet, jazz, and even vaudeville. The result is a unique language of movement that perfectly encapsulates the chaotic energy of the period. The use of props, from a lone microphone to a pair of Nixon’s infamous black loafers, is masterful. They add layers of meaning to the choreography, becoming symbols of Nixon's ambition, paranoia, and ultimate fall from grace. Each prop feels deliberately chosen, contributing to the overall sense of claustrophobia and the feeling of being trapped within the machinery of power. The dance vocabulary, however, is never straightforward. Instead, it thrives on complexity. There are intricate patterns woven into seemingly simple formations, with dancers constantly shifting positions and interacting in unpredictable ways. Each gesture, each step, feels purposeful and driven by an unseen force. This makes the experience of watching the ballet exhilarating, a constant negotiation between chaos and control. **The Power of the Score** The score itself is arguably the most vital element of "The Chairman Dances". Adams, known for his neo-classical compositions, created a work that is both electrifying and hauntingly beautiful. It captures the spirit of the time, with its blend of jazz, minimalist influences, and contemporary music techniques. The music is complex and sometimes unsettling, reflecting the tension and chaos that permeated the political landscape of the 1970s. **The Cast and their Choreography** The dancers are, without question, the beating heart of "The Chairman Dances." Their athleticism, their expressive power, and their ability to translate such complex and often contradictory emotions is truly breathtaking. It's impossible to talk about the ballet without acknowledging the dancers who bring it to life. Each individual brings a unique energy and depth of characterisation, and the overall effect is truly captivating. The character of Nixon, played by a lone dancer (sometimes male, sometimes female), is often portrayed as both larger-than-life and eerily fragile. This ambiguity adds to the complexity of the character and the broader thematic concerns of the ballet. The Cast as Icons: * **The Chairman (Nixon)** embodies power and paranoia, moving with an air of controlled instability. They are never fully at ease, perpetually caught in the spotlight of public scrutiny. * **The Chorus:** This ensemble of dancers embodies the diverse elements of the Nixon era, from the fervent supporters to the silent critics. They move as a collective, yet also stand out in moments of individual rebellion. * **The Shadow Figures:** These faceless dancers often encircle the Chairman, adding an air of mystery and intrigue. Their presence alludes to the constant suspicion, surveillance, and machinations that permeated the era. Individual Standouts: The dance lexicon Tharp crafts for these figures is a marvel in itself, each character carrying their own distinct aura and narrative. For example, the "Chorus" embodies the complexities of the Nixon era through their intricate ensemble work. Moments of intricate unity quickly transform into fractured chaos, mirroring the political climate of the times. They are simultaneously a part of the system and defiant individuals trapped within it. The "Shadow Figures," on the other hand, embody an aura of constant surveillance and scrutiny that defined Nixon's era. Their presence is always haunting, lingering at the fringes of the stage, mirroring the constant pressure and the fear of being under constant watch. The Chairman’s Dilemma: A Reflection of Power and Powerlessness The ballet’s narrative is both immediate and enduring. It transcends the specific historical moment of the Nixon era, instead posing broader questions about the nature of power, control, and human nature. The figure of Nixon is presented not as a one-dimensional villain but as a complex and conflicted figure grappling with the weight of his own ambition. His vulnerability shines through in the physicality of the dance, as the dancer struggles against an invisible force, caught in the web of their own making. This paradox – the struggle for ultimate power while feeling utterly powerless to escape the weight of one’s own choices – is one that resonates powerfully even today. The Ballet’s Enduring Impact The lasting power of "The Chairman Dances" lies in its ability to weave together dance, music, and historical context to create a profound and lasting experience. It challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about power, manipulation, and the human desire for control. The ballet's relevance only intensifies with time as we grapple with the growing influence of technology, the erosion of privacy, and the ever-present threat of political instability. Beyond its thematic brilliance, the ballet stands out for its groundbreaking approach to the genre. Tharp's choreography transcends traditional ballet styles, incorporating a wealth of influences from jazz and modern dance to vaudeville and even theatrical gesture. This dynamic fusion creates a thrillingly unpredictable experience, ensuring the ballet remains both intellectually stimulating and intensely captivating. In conclusion, "The Chairman Dances" is a tour-de-force that should be experienced by anyone interested in dance, politics, or simply a glimpse into the dark side of human nature. It's a masterpiece that demands to be seen, dissected, and pondered, its lasting power resonating long after the final curtain falls.