Ari Posted July 2, 2004 Share Posted July 2, 2004 With summertime here and performances petering out until the start of the 2004-05 season, we're going to need something to talk about on BA. Of course, there are always interesting issues that can be discussed at any time, but in the absence of live performances, we thought we'd go to the videotape (or DVD). In a couple of weeks -- whenever enough people have watched the video -- we'll be discussing the 1968 recording of Ashton's Cinderella by the Royal Ballet. We thought this would be an appropriate choice for two reasons: this is the start of the Ashton Centennial year (his birthday is in September), and the Royal is touring with its new production of the ballet, and those in the Los Angeles and New York areas (and, of course, London, where it was performed this past season) will have a chance to see it live. Comparing the two productions, and the dancing in 1968 and 2004, will be two of the topics we can discuss. The 1968 recording is available on both videotape and DVD. See these links: Videotape at Amazon DVD at Deep Discount DVD Or you might be able to find a rental copy at a video store. This video seems to be available virtually everywhere, so those outside the U.S. will be able to join in the fun, too. This is an opportunity for all of us, wherever we are located, to watch the same performance and talk about it. I thought I'd let people know in advance so they can arrange to get a copy of the video, and then post some suggested topics for discussion. I'd like to wait a couple of weeks to allow people to get the video and, if possible, see the live performances in LA and NY. Anyone interested? Link to comment
perky Posted July 2, 2004 Share Posted July 2, 2004 Check your local library too. That's how I first saw Ashton's Cinderella. Link to comment
Giannina Posted July 2, 2004 Share Posted July 2, 2004 Yes indeed! I have the DVD, and it's so good that I suggest everyone see, or better yet, buy it. I'll be going to 2 performances of Royal's Cinderella next week. Giannina Link to comment
sandik Posted July 3, 2004 Share Posted July 3, 2004 What a fun idea -- like a book club! Link to comment
Alexandra Posted July 3, 2004 Share Posted July 3, 2004 Ari, thank you! This is a wonderful idea, and a perfect choice, for all of the reasons you've stated. Your punishment for having such a brilliant idea is, of course, that you will have to lead the discussion!!! Would you be willing to do that? This could be a "book of the month" type idea. Thank you!!!! Link to comment
Giannina Posted July 3, 2004 Share Posted July 3, 2004 Just watched the DVD. Choice, or in honor of Brando, "cherce". I have a question or 2. How many companies perform Ashton's Cinderella? And who choreographed ABT's Cinderella? Giannina Link to comment
Giannina Posted July 3, 2004 Share Posted July 3, 2004 Forgot....I had another question. Can someone describe "Fred's step" and where does it appear in Cinderella? I think I read a description in one of his biography's, using the name of ballet steps, but I didn't quite get it. Giannina Link to comment
Jane Simpson Posted July 4, 2004 Share Posted July 4, 2004 Up till 1991, Cinderella had also been danced by the Australian Ballet, PACT Ballet (South Africa), the Dutch National Ballet and the Royal Swedish Ballet. Fred Step: David Vaughan defines it as 'pose en arabesque, coupe dessous, small developpe a la seconde, pas de bourree dessous, pas de chat'. Quoting from an article by Adrian Grater from 'Following Sir Fred's Steps' - "In Cinderella...Ashton uses the step... for a small mise-en-scene in which the Dancing Master is attempting to prepare the Ugly Sisters for the ball, first demonstrating the basic version with absolute precision to a dreamily delighted Ashton... It is also danced by Cinderella herself, when she performs it in the kitchen to her imaginary Prince" [though this is a slightly adapted version] Link to comment
Giannina Posted July 4, 2004 Share Posted July 4, 2004 Thanks, Jane. Yes, David Vaughan's description is the one I read but I don't know ballet terms well enough to form a picture. I'll go back to the tape. Giannina Link to comment
Jane Simpson Posted July 4, 2004 Share Posted July 4, 2004 Also I've remembered there's a company in Tokyo that does Cinderella - the RB sold them the sets and costumes from their last production. Link to comment
Alexandra Posted July 4, 2004 Share Posted July 4, 2004 And ABT's version is by Ben Stevenson. Could I suggest we wait awhile to start the discussion, as many people won't have the video handy and may have to order it? I spoke to Ari about this, and the thought was to post topics for discussion -- as well as open-ended discussion, with people giving opinions, of course. Ari had posted: "I'd like to wait a couple of weeks to allow people to get the video and, if possible, see the live performances in LA and NY." I don't mean to suggest that Giannina's question was inappropriate, but wanted to refer to Ari's original plan because often people just read the last comment on a thread, and don't start at the beginning. Questions now are fine, of course, but I didn't want to get too deeply into it before everyone was ready. Thanks!! Link to comment
Ari Posted July 13, 2004 Author Share Posted July 13, 2004 Just a reminder that we will soon be discussing this video. I was thinking of starting the "Virtual View" next Monday, the 19th, when the Royal will have performed the ballet in New York. Not that that's a requirement for participating -- not at all! I just think it will be interesting to hear the opinions of those who have seen the ballet live in 2004. But it's the 1968 video we'll be discussing. Is next Monday good for everyone? Link to comment
carbro Posted July 14, 2004 Share Posted July 14, 2004 Maybe. Depends when my dvd (ordered special for this ) arrives. Link to comment
art076 Posted July 14, 2004 Share Posted July 14, 2004 Good to go for Monday. What a great idea! Link to comment
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