Kategorie: Ballett

Balletttänzer, Balletttanz, professioneller Tänzer

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“

Homage to Ballet 2024: Ein Highlight für Ballettfans

A Night with the Stars im Theater 11 mit Rahmenprogramm

Auch die 3. Ausgabe der Homage to Ballet bietet ein abwechslungsreiches Programm aus klassischen und zeitgenössischen Stücken, präsentiert von internationalen Gaststars aus renommierten Ballettkompanien. Ein Ballett-Highlight in Zürich, auf das ich mich sehr freue.

Weiterlesen „Homage to Ballet 2024: Ein Highlight für Ballettfans“

Cathy Marston’s neues Ballett: CLARA Schumann im Fokus

Here is a first peak into our preparations for the upcoming premiere of CLARA!
Cathy Marstons new creation based on the life of Clara Schumann. (Facebook)

Sensationeller Saisonstart am 11. Oktober 2024 im Opernhaus Zürich 

Nach ihrem Ballett «The Cellist» widmet sich die Ballettdirektorin Cathy Marston erneut der Biografie einer berühmten Musikerin:

Weiterlesen „Cathy Marston’s neues Ballett: CLARA Schumann im Fokus“

20 Jahre Staatsballett Berlin

JUBILÄUMSGALA AM 7. JULI

Ich kann mich noch gut erinnern, wie 2004 unter der Intendanz von Vladimir Malakhov aus den drei unabhängigen Ballettkompanien das Staatsballett Berlin entstand. Nach der Gründung wurde die größte Kompanie in Deutschland mit über 90 Tänzerinnen und Tänzern schnell zu einer der besten Ballettkompanien der Welt.

Weiterlesen „20 Jahre Staatsballett Berlin“

We will miss you, Daniel!

Daniel Mulligan says Farewell to Ballet Zürich

It’s hard to believe that this extraordinary journey has come to an end. What a shame that I missed the very last performance of this outstanding artist on 23th June who I have admired on the stage of the Opernhaus Zürich for so long.

Weiterlesen „We will miss you, Daniel!“

William Forsythe’s Triple Bill

Premiere des Staatsballetts Berlin am 16. Februar 2024

Was für eine Gelegenheit, gleich drei Werke des weltberühmten amerikanischen Choreografen an einem Abend zu sehen. Wie Ihr wisst, bin ich grosser Fan von William Forsythe.

Meiri Maeda und Ensemble in ONE FLAT THING, REPRODUCED, ©Yan Revazov Photography (Quelle: Facebook Staatsballett Berlin)
Weiterlesen „William Forsythe’s Triple Bill“

Best Ballets of All Time

What does ChatGPT know about ballet?

I really miss ROMEO & JULIA and CINDERELLA. It’s hard to say which are the most iconic classical ballets.

Determining the „best“ classical ballets of all time is subjective and can vary based on personal preferences and historical significance. However, several ballets are widely celebrated for their artistic merit, impact on the art form, and enduring popularity. Here are some considered among the greatest:

  1. „Swan Lake“ (1876): Composed by Tchaikovsky, this ballet is a timeless classic known for its exquisite music and the story of Odette, a princess transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse.
  2. „The Nutcracker“ (1892): Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score accompanies this ballet, telling the magical story of a young girl’s journey through a whimsical world of fantasy on Christmas Eve.
  3. „The Sleeping Beauty“ (1890): Another Tchaikovsky masterpiece, this ballet showcases elaborate choreography and tells the story of Princess Aurora under the spell of a wicked fairy’s curse.
  4. „Giselle“ (1841): Considered a quintessential Romantic ballet, „Giselle“ tells the tragic story of a peasant girl who dies of a broken heart and becomes a spirit protecting her lover from vengeful spirits.
  5. „Don Quixote“ (1869): Based on Cervantes‘ novel, this lively ballet features Spanish-inspired choreography and follows the adventures of the chivalrous Don Quixote and his loyal squire, Sancho Panza.
  6. „Coppélia“ (1870): A charming and comedic ballet about a toymaker who creates a life-like doll, captivating the attention of a young man and his sweetheart.
  7. „La Bayadère“ (1877): Set in exotic India, this ballet combines intricate classical choreography with a captivating love story and mesmerizing scenes.

These ballets are celebrated for their beautiful music, intricate choreography, captivating storytelling, and their lasting impact on the world of dance. Their enduring popularity ensures their place among the most beloved and respected classical ballets of all time.

ChatGPT

See Header Image: Alexei Ratmansky reconstruction of SWAN LAKE for the Ballett Zürich © ballettzürich

Alexei Ratmansky, one of the most important choreographers of our time, has reconstructed this three-act version by Petipa/Ivanov for Ballett Zürich in 2016.

Erste Premiere 2024 Timekeepers

Ballettabend der goldenen 20er Jahre in Zürich

Am 20.1.2024 startet das Ballett Zürich mit dem dreiteiligen Ballettabend das neue Jahr. Wie immer vor einer grossen Premiere gibt es nur wenig Details und keine Fotos. Aber am Sonntag 14.1. um 11.15 spricht Dramaturg Michael Küster mit der australischen Choreografin Meryl Tankard und dem jungen südafrikanischen Choreografen Mthuthuzeli November in der Einführungsmatinee im Bernhard Theater. Auch dabei sind der Nijinska-Spezialist Christopher Saunders und Ballettdirektorin Cathy Marston.

Probentrailer LES NOCES – Ballett Zürich
Weiterlesen „Erste Premiere 2024 Timekeepers“

Memorable Moments in 2023

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