Lyrical Dance

[Buddy]

Again from a world of ‘Lyrical’ dance that somewhat parallels Western ballet is this charming excerpt from China. It should be remembered that only for a few brief epochs was dance an independent ‘high art’ in China. It was often part of Chinese opera. Thus, its level of refinement must be seen in contrast to the long and unbroken development of ballet.   

Chinese Dance Drama - Scene from Hong Lou Meng

 

Another element of ‘Lyric’ that has been mentioned is the coming together of ballet and contemporary or even ‘pop’ dance. Last summer I saw the Complexions Contemporary Ballet. The company has an interesting and natural way of doing this. The first few works were dominated by very successful, high energy male virtuosity. Then came a very lovely solo performance by a woman dancer to the music of Beethoven(?) that strongly established an embracingly female and more ‘lyrical’ presence. Another female dancer, with a charming resemblance to the Mariinsky’s very versatile Ekaterina Kondaurova, was highly noticeable throughout the second half of the program. It will be interesting to see how companies like this and Ballet Black in London will further develop.

 

 

[Buddy]

This is another one from China that I like very much.

(the same video is officially posted but the video quality is better in this one)

“Do you know what a "green [countryside?]" is? The most beautiful program of the Spring Festival Gala, "Only This Green", uses dance to bring to life the ancient Song Dynasty painting "Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains" across thousands of years! Breathtakingly beautiful~”

(Google translation)

Edited January 27 by Buddy

[Buddy]

At the core of what I would call “Lyrical Dance” would be Christopher Wheeldon-Wendy Whelan’s “After The Rain.” It remains, perhaps the finest example that I’ve yet seen.

It’s as close to ballet in look and feel as you can get without actually being ballet. It’s also ‘contemporary’ in being a collection of self contained, emotional statements.

So once again, “After The Rain” — starting at 14:10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D316-KMBU8

The other work (by Christopher Wheeldon) performed, if it weren’t for the use of pointe work in pointe shoes, would probably be just as much “Lyrical Dance.” It’s another beautiful example — “This Bitter Earth” (“…may not be so bitter after all”.) — starting at 2:00.

 

[Buddy]

 

This one is ballet, especially because of the use of pointe work with the feet, but it contains all the essence of what I’d call “Lyrical Dance.”

It’s probably one of the most beautiful works of dance ever created. In feeling and beauty of motion it’s the finest statement of “Lyrical Dance” that I know of.

“The Swan” — Mikhail Fokine — performed by Oxana Skoirk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf9AqDajr_0

 

 

Edited January 29 by Buddy

[Buddy]

This is the most charming example of ‘pure’ ‘Lyrical’ or ‘Lyrical Dance’ that I’ve yet seen. It’s performed by the granddaughter of Jacques d’Amboise, Shelby Mann, at the age of eleven. It’s ‘Lyrical’ because of its closeness to ballet without actually being ballet.

See 40:40

(thanks to Helene for posting this)

Here’s another interesting and lovely performance on the same video. It was created by Christopher d’Amboise, the son of Jacques d’Amboise. It’s ballet but has a resemblance to Christopher Wheeldon’s “After The Rain,” posted just above, which I consider the finest ‘pure’ ‘Lyrical’ work that I’ve seen. It was probably done around the time that Christopher Wheeldon (most likely with input from Wendy Whelan) created his work. It’s ballet that maintains traditional elements (feet on pointe, turns, etc.) and grace, but also reaches into a more personal and abstract type of expression. It seems to fit into the Wheeldon-Whelan-Robbins ‘Lyrical’ sort of thing that was happening then. Also, I haven’t seen much of Ashley Bouder (here with Tyler Angle), but it’s the most beautiful that I’ve seen her dance.

See 28:20

 

[Buddy]

Here's a lovely one that I would call pure 'Lyrical.'

 

Africa Guzman´s Sweet and Bitter (Pas de Deux) - Ballet West

 

[Buddy]

A Lyrical Landscape

 

** "Good Morning Sunshine" **

 

** “She Lives on Love Street” **

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fny9canjUWE

 

** Dreamscape **

Dancing On Air

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh6Zv4GuN2c&t=1s

"Only This Green" —"Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains"

 

** “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” **

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SIeJ5PZQSw

 

** Sesame Street **

Big Bird Dances With Bird Watchers on The Ed Sullivan Show

"Show Yourself" From "Frozen 2”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrZxwPwmgrw&t=183s

Luo Tianyi (Projected Animation ( Amazing ! ))  --  "The Most Beautiful Night”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6vfObEPMe0

 

** Gala **

“Beyond” — Mariinsky Ballet (see 1:28:50-1:34:20)

Twyla Tharp's "Waiting at the Station”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgDkxoJCVd0

 

** "We Always Came Back To The Songs We Were Singing" **

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers -- "Let's Face The Music And Dance"

 

 

** "Golden Slumbers Fill Your Eyes" **

"The Swan" -- Oxana Skorik -- Mariinsky Ballet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf9AqDajr_0

"Walking in The Air"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1-41Memra0

"Ta Ge" -- A Celebration of Nature’s Beauty

 

 

Edited April 14 by Buddy