22 replies to this topic

[Alexandra]

Even for those who don't read Danish, this link is worth the click for the photo.

It's of the snow scene in the RDB's "Nutcracker" (one in which the designs are king, and the choreographer a hired hand, according to reports of the premiere last year).  It's striking.  

http://www.berlingsk...kel:aid=235838/

[citibob]

Wow!  Slightly stark, in my opinion.

[katharine kanter]

do unto others as thou wouldst etc.

Who in heaven's name is the fellow who designed those "costumes", if that is the word ?

[Alexandra]

He's an opera singer turned Designer/Dramaturg -- he did the costumes for Tomasson's Swan Lake.  Michael Milbyoe, and I've probably mangled the spelling. (It's in the review)

I would expect he'll be doing some designs for Bournonville ballets for the festival.

[Farrell Fan]

Dancing snowmen can't be far behind.

[Manhattnik]

Didn't we see these girls in Robert LaFosse's new ballet?

[Juliet]

I think they are really, really interesting.

Not what I would like to make, but perhaps they are effective on stage.

Someday certain designers are going to learn that what is good design for fashion, or visually arresting is not necessarily what is good for dance design.

Here is the next step from the Dancing Hostess Cupcakes of SFB's Paquita--the Danish Snowballs.  Now I just have to wait for the Twinkies....I hope that Hostess is handsomely subsidizing these costumes.

[Alexandra]

I really meant it when I said striking -- I agree, Juliet.  This is one example, for me, of thinking that a design is good -- or at least interesting, and certainly professional -- without liking it.  But it made me interested to see how they'd look MOVING -- and they might move very well.  

I think they reflect the designer's idea (which, of course, I think is wrongheaded, but reflects a certain European take on things) that Nutcracker is without redeeming value, a stupid children's show with stupid stupid dancing in it, so we have to make it Dark, make it Meaningful, make it Now.  (I read the program notes.)  And, of course, still lure in the kiddies and make lots and lots of money.  So the frigid atmosphere of that scene would suit the production, and is quite Nordic.

[Farrell Fan]

Are these bodies divided vertically or horizontally?

[Alexandra]

Circularly, Farrell Fan.  Circularly

[Giannina]

I'm with Juliet about liking them but not wanting to make them (that's so darn funny, Juliet!) and Alexandra in wanting to see them move.  I really like it.  Of course this could be because I'm in the midst of my yearly tape/DVD Nutcracker marathon and I'm slightly blotto.

Giannina

[Alymer]

I thought the Royal Danish Nutcracker had been choreographed by Ratmansky who recently did Cinderella at the Marinsky.  I've seen an extract from that and another pas de deux that he did.  Those costumes look weird, But Ratmansky is a serious choreographer, whether or not one likes his work.  He was the guy who pulled out of the Kirov Nutcracker over disagreements with the designer, who insisted on putting the snowflakes into black!  Perhaps this was a reaction.

[Alexandra]

Yes, Alymer, Ratmansky did do the choreography.  He was brought in at the last minute, after former Artistic Director of the RDB, Aage Thordal Christensen, pulled out.  This means he did the dances.  The CONCEPT (and design) was Mickael Melbye's A very polite interview in the program book gave hints of perhaps a clash of visions


Here's a link to a page on the RDB web site with two tiny trailers of dancing from the production:

http://www.kgl-teate...allet/frame.htm

[Roma]

Poor Ratmansky--he just can't get a break with the "designer-dramaturgs". But even Shemyakin's black snow was better--at least the dancers didn't look like they were wearing pom-poms.

[BalletNut]

Actually, the designs for Tomasson's Swan Lake are by Jens-Jacob Worsaae, not by Mikael Melbye. Melbye did the designs for Tomasson's Giselle, which is, believe it or not, somewhat attractive, or would be save for Berthe's cardboard-box-looking hat...then again, it's entirely possible he is capable of doing decent costumes for traditional ballet productions, which Tomasson's Giselle is, more or less, and Ratmansky's Nutcracker is not...

BLACK snowflakes, eh? Perhaps Shemyakin wanted to show that snow as it looks three days later, all dirtied from the cars driving over it. :eek:

But look what we have now! Danish Snowballs, SF's Hostess Paquita costumes, Juliet's proposed Twinkies...I can design some Dancing Ho-Ho costumes, and we'll have ourselves a Nutcracker for the New Millennium!!!

I'm going to shut up now.