Autor: ballettlovers

I danced ballet as child, albeit with little success. Despite this, my passion for ballet and dance has carried into adulthood. I still love to watch ballet performances and would love to share my passion with you.

Choreografie von Kim Brandstrup: OF LIGHT, WIND AND WATERS

Uraufführung am 18. Januar 2025 Opernhaus Zürich

Vor genau 150 Jahren starb Dänemarks berühmtester Dichter, Hans Christian Andersen, in Kopenhagen. Um sein Leben und sein Werk zu würdigen, tauchen das Ballett Zürich und Kim Brandstrup tief in Andersens Märchenwelt ein.

Der dänische Choreograf, der seit fast vierzig Jahren in London lebt, hat bereits zahlreiche Ballettabende für das Royal Ballet London, das Royal Danish Ballet und viele andere internationale Kompanien geschaffen. Er ist mit Andersens Märchen aufgewachsen, die Idylle und Nostalgie mit dem Ideal einer scheinbar sicheren bürgerlichen Gesellschaft verbinden. Andersen selbst war jedoch ein Aussenseiter. Er stammte aus armen Verhältnissen und fühlte sich, auch als er längst die verdiente Anerkennung als Schriftsteller erlangt hatte, nie der bürgerlichen Gesellschaft zugehörig.

Kim Brandstrup © carlosquezadaofficial

Und so sind auch in seinen Märchen die Aussenseiter allgegenwärtig: die kleine Meerjungfrau, die durch das Bullauge ins Innere eines Schiffes blickt und sich nach einem Zuhause bei den Menschen sehnt, oder das kleine Mädchen in der „Schneekönigin“, das im Eispalast verzweifelt nach seinem besten Freund sucht. Als Aussenseiter, die nirgendwo dazu gehören, sind sie alle gnadenlos den Kräften einer rauen und bedrohlichen Natur ausgesetzt… Kim Brandstrup verbindet in seinem neuen Ballettabend Motive aus dem Leben und Werk seines berühmten dänischen Landsmannes phantasievoll miteinander. (Pressetext Ballett Zürich)

Mehr Informationen

ballett-zuerich.ch

Ballett von Kim Brandstrup 
Sounddesign Ian Dearden 
Choreografie Kim Brandstrup 
Bühnenbild und Kostüme Richard Hudson 
Lichtgestaltung Martin Gebhardt 
Dramaturgie Michael Küster 

Uraufführung 18 Jan 2025, 19.00 Uhr 

Weitere Vorstellungen
19, 23, 24, 26, 30 Jan 2025 
7, 14, 22 Feb, 20 Mär 2025 

Einführungsmatinee 12 Jan 2025, 11.15 Uhr im Bernhard Theater 

Werkeinführung jeweils 45 Min. vor Vorstellungsbeginn 

Interview mit Kim BrandstRup

https://www.opernhaus.ch/spielplan/kalendarium/of-light-wind-and-waters/2024-2025/?share=169485

Titelbild
Erstes Probenbild vom Ballett Zürich: Erik Kim und Pablo Octavio
©carlosquezadaofficial

Theater Winterthur startet mit grossartigem Tanz

Zu Gast sind die renommierten Tanzcompagnien BALLET JUNIOR DE GENÈVE und GAUTHIER DANCE

Tanz-Fans kommen mit dem BALLET JUNIOR DE GENÈVE und GAUTHIER DANCE voll auf ihre Kosten, die beiden Compagnien bringen mitreissende Werke von Hofesh Shechter, Marcos Morau, Marne van Opstal und Rachid Ouramdane auf unsere Bühne.

BALLET JUNIOR DE GENÈVE
Choreografien von Marcos Morau, Marne van Opstal und Rachid Ouramdane
Das Ballet Junior de Genève, eine renommierte Ausbildungsstätte mit über 50 Jahren Geschichte und Wurzeln beim Choreografen George Balanchine, präsentiert in Winterthur einen dreiteiligen, facettenreichen Ballettabend. Den Auftakt bildet Marcos Moraus «Cathedral», ein Stück zur spirituellen Musik von Arvo Pärt, das mit 12 Tänzer:innen das Mysterium des Menschseins erforscht und durch aussergewöhnliche Bildwelten besticht.
Es folgen zwei weitere Werke: «Touch Base» von Marne van Opstal, bekannt für seine Arbeit beim Nederlands Dans Theater, bietet eine surreale Auseinandersetzung mit den Grenzen von Körper und Geist. Rachid Ouramdanes Klassiker «Tenir le temps» beleuchtet in präzisen Bewegungen das Zusammenspiel von Individuum und Gemeinschaft und schafft eine temporeiche Reflexion über existenzielle Kräfte.

16./18. Januar 
17. Januar, Restkarten
Für alle ab 12 Jahren, in der Liebestrasse.

U30-Special: Tickets und einen Drink an der Bar zum halben Preis für alle unter 30 Jahren.
GAUTHIER DANCE

Choreografie von Hofesh Shechter
«Contemporary Dance 2.0» beginnt mit einem überraschenden Auftakt, der das Publikum sofort in einen hypnotischen Flow zieht. Angetrieben von Hofesh Shechters charakteristischem Sound und dynamischen Bewegungen entfaltet sich ein spektakulärer Tanz, der das Genre neu definiert. Ursprünglich für Göteborgs Operans Danskompani entwickelt, wurde das Stück für Shechters Nachwuchskompanie Shechter II adaptiert. Der elektronische Soundtrack und die kaleidoskopischen Gruppenformationen erinnern an einen Rave, während Shechter seine Handschrift bewahrt. Ganz ohne gesellschaftspolitischen Subtext oder düstere Atmosphäre schafft er hier einen reinen Tanzmoment – kraftvoll, intensiv und immersiv.

29. Januar, Restkarten
30. Januar ausverkauft, Restplätze mit eingeschränkter Sicht können hier reserviertwerden.
31. Januar und 1. Februar, Restkarten
Für alle ab 12 Jahren, in der Liebestrasse.

U30-Special: Tickets und einen Drink an der Bar zum halben Preis für alle unter 30 Jahren.

Pressetext und Fotos © Theater Winterthur

My Best Post Ever: The Richest Dancers Worldwide

The 5 Richest Ballet Dancers in the world*

The world of ballet is full of dancers who dream of making a living from their passion for the art form. But in truth, professional ballet dancing is a cut-throat industry where less than perfection is rarely tolerated. The odds of actually “making it” in the ballet industry with a major dance company such as the New York City Ballet or the Bolshoi Ballet are very slim.

When a dancer first joins a company, they form part of a group called the Corps de Ballet. The industry is notoriously underpaid, with the majority of dancers working long hours for very little financial reward. Payscale cites the average ballet dancer’s salary as a tiny $15,080 – $26,419. Midlevel dancers, often soloists, could earn as much as $50,000-$58,000 a year.

Weiterlesen „My Best Post Ever: The Richest Dancers Worldwide“

Which is the best Christmas ballet

Depends if you like more: classical or contemporary

It’s for sure that the classical NUTCRACKER is the most popular ballet all over the world.

„The Nutcracker“ is one of the most iconic ballets of all time, and over the years, many choreographers have created their interpretations of the classic. Here are the most popular choreographies of The Nutcracker:

1. Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov (1892)

  • Why it’s iconic: This is the original production, choreographed for the Imperial Ballet in Russia with Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. Ivanov’s work on the „Waltz of the Snowflakes“ and the „Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy“ remains a significant foundation for all subsequent productions.
  • Signature element: Traditional storytelling with an emphasis on large, ensemble-driven sequences.

2. George Balanchine (1954)

  • Company: New York City Ballet
  • Why it’s iconic: Balanchine’s version is considered one of the most influential interpretations in the U.S. It helped solidify The Nutcracker as a Christmas tradition in America.
  • Signature elements: Focuses on Clara’s perspective, with a prominent role for the Sugar Plum Fairy and added technical precision.
  • Watch: New York City Ballet highlights.

3. Rudolf Nureyev (1968)

  • Company: Royal Ballet and others
  • Why it’s iconic: Nureyev’s darker and more psychological take shifts the focus to the Nutcracker Prince and his transformation, making the ballet more about maturity and self-discovery.
  • Signature elements: Complex, nuanced choreography with male solos highlighted.

4. Yuri Grigorovich (1966)

  • Company: Bolshoi Ballet
  • Why it’s iconic: Grigorovich’s version focuses on the dreamlike aspects of the story, making the boundary between fantasy and reality ambiguous.
  • Signature elements: Grand, athletic choreography with an emphasis on dramatic storytelling.
  • Watch: Bolshoi Ballet production.

5. Matthew Bourne (1992)

  • Company: Adventures in Motion Pictures
  • Why it’s iconic: Bourne’s reimagined, modern retelling is whimsical and satirical, set in a Dickensian orphanage rather than a grand holiday party.
  • Signature elements: Bold, contemporary visuals and a focus on humor.
  • Watch: Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker trailer.

6. Christopher Wheeldon (2020)

  • Company: The Joffrey Ballet
  • Why it’s iconic: This version is set in 1893 Chicago during the World’s Columbian Exposition, creating a historically grounded interpretation.
  • Signature elements: Rich visual designs and thematic exploration of immigrant stories.
  • Watch: Joffrey Ballet’s trailer.

7. Alexei Ratmansky (2010)

  • Company: American Ballet Theatre
  • Why it’s iconic: Ratmansky’s interpretation draws inspiration from the original Petipa-Ivanov choreography while adding a modern, lively flair.
  • Signature elements: Vibrant costumes and staging with meticulous historical details.
  • Watch: ABT highlights.

These productions illustrate the versatility and timelessness of The Nutcracker, from traditional renditions to modern reimaginings. Each offers a unique perspective on this holiday classic.

—-

My research on ChatGpt – Tell me the best classical and contemporary ballets

Here are some of the best classical and contemporary Christmas ballets, with links to videos showcasing these performances:

Classical Christmas Ballets:

  1. The Nutcracker
    • A beloved holiday classic with Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score and a magical story. It is performed worldwide by leading ballet companies like the Royal Ballet and New York City Ballet.
    • Video: Watch an excerpt from the Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker here.
  2. **Scottish Ballet’s Cinders!
    • A unique interpretation of Cinderella with Prokofiev’s score and Art Nouveau-inspired designs.
    • Video: Highlights from the Scottish Ballet’s performances can be viewed here.

Contemporary Christmas Ballets:

  1. Smuin Contemporary Ballet’s The Christmas Ballet
    • A lively mix of classical and contemporary dances set to holiday tunes, blending ballet, jazz, swing, and pop.
    • Video: See highlights from The Christmas Ballet here​BroadwayWorld.
  2. Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater’s The Polar Express
    • A creative ballet adaptation of the beloved holiday story, combining dance and multimedia.
    • Video: Watch a sneak peek from the production here.
  3. Finnish National Ballet’s A Christmas Carol
    • A new ballet based on Charles Dickens‘ classic, featuring an original score and innovative choreography.
    • Video: View a preview of the production here.

These ballets capture the magic of Christmas, offering a variety of styles and experiences, from traditional tales to modern reimaginings. Enjoy exploring the performances through the linked videos!

Header Image: Made by AI in WordPress.com

Do you know Marcos Morau?

Shooting Star Marcos Morau

Affordable Gifts for Dance Enthusiasts

For every ballet and dance lover

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to gift well this Christmas. Here are a few of my favorite stocking stuffers.

Enjoying a ballet performance online for free

Invite your ballet loving friend for a great evening together at your home watching a ballet or dance show online with a nice glass of champagne to get you both in the Christmas mood. Stream ballet, opera or dance full performance on youtube, Netflix, Amazon Prime or Marquee.TV (get a 7 days free trial) on demand.

Weiterlesen „Affordable Gifts for Dance Enthusiasts“

Unique Christmas Gifts for Ballet Lovers

Only 15 Days Until Christmas – Still Plenty of Time to Plan!

Watch The NUTCRACKER – the most famous Christmas Ballet! 

One of the most magical gifts you can give is the experience of a live performance. Treat your loved one to tickets to The Nutcracker or Swan Lake, paired with a glass of champagne to toast the evening. The thrill of seeing ballet on stage is unforgettable and makes for a truly special holiday memory.

For a more budget-friendly option, consider gifting tickets to a ballet cinema screening. The Royal Ballet’s incredible cinema programme brings breathtaking performances to screens worldwide, allowing ballet lovers to enjoy world-class productions without the travel expense.Link to the Royal Ballet Cinema  https://www.rbo.org.uk/about/cinema-2425

If you’re planning a more intimate celebration, invite your ballet-loving friend to a cozy night in. Stream The Nutcracker on YouTube in full length, have some Christmas cookies, and enjoy the timeless beauty of this Christmas classic from the comfort of home.

THE NUTCRACKER – my suggestions
Sergei Polunin & Natalia Osipova https://youtu.be/3_HjBqVq_Lk?si=soHwy_lD7RCIC_2K
New York City Ballet https://youtu.be/ya4DasxL47g?si=wm1ACuHYoB4YvFEy

Mariinsky Theater https://youtu.be/xtLoaMfinbU?si=5pLJLe8qi-zrBNsS

Christmas ormaments

One of my favorite things is hunting for ballet-themed ornaments or ballet inspired jewelry at Christmas markets. A tiny pointe shoe or sparkling ballerina for the tree feels like bringing a bit of the stage home.

img_8855-1

Ballet cookie cutters are another fun idea. I’ve made cookies shaped like pointe shoes and tutus—they’re so easy to decorate and make a sweet, personal gift.

81i3jnwqitl._ac_sl1500_

Personalized presents are always a winner too. A monogrammed journal, a custom photo book, or a framed poster of their favorite ballet shows how much you care.

Weiterlesen „Unique Christmas Gifts for Ballet Lovers“

Why I love MINUS 16

Now at Deutsche Oper Berlin and St. Galler Theater

Ohad Naharin’s Minus 16 is a celebration of everything I adore about dance—its energy, humor, and raw joy. Originally created in 1999, this masterpiece feels timeless, as though it reinvents itself with each performance.

Set to an eclectic soundtrack that ranges from mambo to Dean Martin, techno, and traditional Israeli tunes, the music itself is a journey. But the real magic lies in the movement—a seamless blend of precision, emotion, and playfulness. The dancers bring an unparalleled dynamic quality, captivating the audience with every gesture and step.

“The volume, the dynamics, the humor, the sentiment—it makes the work available.”

Ohad Nahrain

And it does—welcoming everyone to share in the magic. If you love dance, Minus 16 is a must-see.

Rehearsal MINUS 16 at Staasballett Berlin

Link Staatsballett Berlin: https://www.staatsballett-berlin.de/en/spielplan/event-detail/stid/minus-16-en/145.html#a_303

Link Theater St. Gallen: https://www.konzertundtheater.ch/programm/a-z/moved/

Insight MINUS 16

Interview with Ohad Nahrain

Learn about Gaga – what is it?

“What is Gaga?” This question cannot be answered simply with a few words. Choreographer and Artistic Director of Batsheva Dance Company, Ohad Naharin, began discovering Gaga out of his curiosity to explore our body’s availability and capacity for unique movement. Naharin claims that Gaga gives talented dancers a toolbox to “discover their hidden treasures.” 

Header Image: Ensemble Staatsballett Berlin © by Admill Kuyler

The Nutcracker: A Cash Cow During the Holiday Season

Did you know that the NUTCRACKER Ballet is a cash cow for US Ballet companies?

I read an article in The Economist years ago which stated that this ballet can generate up to 45% of a ballet company’s annual revenue in America. That’s why you can see at least one version in every state. It’s a tradition for families to come together and attend a performance of this famous Christmas ballet. Often, children from ballet schools are involved, dancing in the roles of small mice or toy soldiers. Magic happens when the beautiful music of the Waltz of Flowers starts.

Weiterlesen „The Nutcracker: A Cash Cow During the Holiday Season“

Who Are The Most Popular Choreographers Today?

Ask ChatGPT about contemporary ballet

I started googling about this topic months ago but couldn’t decide. There are so many amazing young and upcoming choreographers around. So I asked ChatGPT to help me.

What do you think of this list? Who is missing?

ChatGPT replied:

Weiterlesen „Who Are The Most Popular Choreographers Today?“