Randomramblings

This is so funny and unrealistic that I just had to post it.

Labels: ballet

Despite being a known ballet enthusiast, it's been ages since I've seen a ballet performed by Slovenian dancers. In short: I grew tired of waiting to see something that's worth my time and money. Compared to what I see in companies abroad, we're a billion light years behind.

When I see a Slovenian dancer perform something like this (see the video below) I might reconsider my position. Until then no Slovenian ballet company is getting any of my money. (And don't tell me technique isn't everything. You're right, it isn't. But it's the foundation for everything else.)

This coda (part of a pas de deux) is from Swan Lake, 3rd act. In this part a witch Odile (conspiring together with evil Rothbart) in her black costume is trying to persuade prince Siegfried that she is indeed the swan princess he fell in love with at the lake. To totally convince him, she does a series of tricks, including this series of 32 turns, called fouettes. The dancer, Gillian Murphy, does more as at times she does triple and quadruple turns instead of one.




This is a video of the last part of this pas de deux, a dance for two. Please note that towards the end, Siegfried (in white tights - hope you're enjoying yourself, Ambala :) wants to tell Odile that he loves her, but Rothbart (the funny looking guy in red) breaks him off and tells him he needs to swear to love Odile forever. As Siegfrid does so - he extends his arm and two fingers - he breaks the vow he gave earlier to the real swan princess Odette - in white, shown as a memory in the back. Odile and Rothbart - their mission accomplished - escape.

Labels: ballet

I noticed that some bloggers went to a ballet performance and - against all odds - enjoyed it. (Hip - hip - hooray!) But when I was reading their reviews of the performances, I felt like they were missing something. It is much better to watch ballet with someone who is knowledgeable about the performance. There are details in music, costumes, characters and plot that need to be explained. Such a companion can point out and explain the mime sequences. In short: you leave the theatre knowing something about the ballet besides the fact that it was nice and you enjoyed it. Such an explanation of the background of a certain ballet can deepen your understanding and appreciation for this art.

It was only today, while I was randomly clicking on YouTube, that I realised they have tons of ballet videos. And because it is my desire to spread the knowledge and appreciation for ballet, and most of all, because I think that being shown the good from the bad is important, I'm going to do a weekly post about ballet. I might explain a bit of history, but mostly I'll show you clips from famous ballets and give a short explanation.

But for today - something light and humorous. Men-only ballet troupe Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo do their own rendition of Swan Lake (second act) .



I'm very fond of Trocks, because they're exceptional dancers (which man would willingly do pointe work?!?) and make me laugh hard.

If you think this new segment is a good/bad idea, please let me know. I'm also willing to answer all your questions regarding a certain ballet/dancer etc. Just put your thoughts in the comments - feedback is greatly appreciated! :)

Labels: ballet