31 replies to this topic

[Kevin Ng]

I heard that one of the Neumeier ballets is called "Now and Then".  It was also danced by the Royal Danish Ballet several years ago.

[ 04-30-2001: Message edited by: Kevin Ng ]

[Kevin Ng]

I heard that one of the Neumeier ballets is called "Now and Then".  It was also danced by the Royal Danish Ballet several years ago.

[ 04-30-2001: Message edited by: Kevin Ng ]

[NO7]

As far as I know the premiere of Neumiere's ballets at Mariinsky Theatre included:
Spring and Fall (Dvorak)
Now and Then (Ravel)
Sounds of Empty Pages (Shnittke)
Each dancer appeared in more than one piece, but it seems the highest acclaim went to Lopatkina and Vishneva in Spring and Fall.

[Marc Haegeman]

Interesting to read that Zakharova is already considered "too classical" now  

[Marc Haegeman]

Interesting to read that Zakharova is already considered "too classical" now  

[Dale]

An article from St. Petersburg Times on the Neumeier ballets:
http://www.sptimes.r...ures/a_3158.htm

Personally, I saw ABT do Spring and Fall and found it boring.  Lots of bare chested men running around and looking earnest while the woman keep the home fires burning.

[Alexandra]

Some of Neumeier's dramatic ballets are, well, dramatic, at least, but as a choreographer, his charms elude me.  The choreography is so...awkward.  Not deliberately ugly in the provocative avant-garde sense, which can often be very interesting, but just plain awkward when he seems to be trying to be lyrical.  (His Romeo and Juliet pas de deux, for example.  They run down the stairs from the balcony, stop, grin at the audience, and then he flips her over his shoulder.) I keep thinking about the "born to dance Neumeier" line.  I suppose it was meant as a compliment.

[Marc Haegeman]

Quote

Originally posted by alexandra:
I keep thinking about the "born to dance Neumeier" line.  I suppose it was meant as a compliment.

Considering the context (the Kirov Ballet), I wouldn't think of it this way.

[Alexandra]

Marc, obviously *I* wouldn't use it as a compliment, but I thought in the context of the new, improved Kirov it might have been so intended.  

[Marc Haegeman]

I see, Alexandra. Well, it's "new" alright, but I still have to find out about that "improved" part  .

[Marc Haegeman]

Isn't this the world turned upside down? There is something I've missed here, but can somebody please explain me why "being too classical" is (in the contect of the Kirov Ballet) all of the sudden a shortcoming?

[Marc Haegeman]

Isn't this the world turned upside down? There is something I've missed here, but can somebody please explain me why "being too classical" is (in the contect of the Kirov Ballet) all of the sudden a shortcoming?

[Sonja]

Interesting discussion!
We have quite a lot of Neumeier ballets here in Munich (what surprise - with Ivan Liska as AD... ;)), but I haven't seen any of those performed by Kirov now.
Personally, I prefer Neumeier's older ballets (I ADORE his "Nutcracker"!) - I have found it a bit difficult to follow his recently sometimes quite mystique approaches to themes and music...(lots of running and walking, as you said, Alexandra)
I have been wondering if the "born to dance Neumeier" was meant as a compliment, as his style is so different now from pure classical ballet - but in general, I believe it is something that cannot be judged objectivly but is an expression of personal taste...? Just similar as calling someone "too classical"...

[Sonja]

Interesting discussion!
We have quite a lot of Neumeier ballets here in Munich (what surprise - with Ivan Liska as AD... ;)), but I haven't seen any of those performed by Kirov now.
Personally, I prefer Neumeier's older ballets (I ADORE his "Nutcracker"!) - I have found it a bit difficult to follow his recently sometimes quite mystique approaches to themes and music...(lots of running and walking, as you said, Alexandra)
I have been wondering if the "born to dance Neumeier" was meant as a compliment, as his style is so different now from pure classical ballet - but in general, I believe it is something that cannot be judged objectivly but is an expression of personal taste...? Just similar as calling someone "too classical"...