Drew Posted August 4 Share Posted August 4 14 hours ago, Meliss said: What is "presence" in ballet? Hmm..I think when I use the word I mean someone who makes you want to watch them no matter what they are doing or where they are on stage —and seemingly without trying. But also, ideally, at least among the best and most experienced artists, someone whose qualities radiate so that the entire company around them somehow looks better.At a performance I saw of Cojocaru in Act I of Giselle, she didn’t just draw the eye, she interacted with everyone on stage so believably (including members of the corps de ballet in the role of un-named villagers) that the whole stage scene came alive not just HER performance. But mostly when I use the word, I mean someone who draws the eye and makes you want to watch them no matter what they are doing. And who projects to the entire theater—you shouldn’t have to be sitting in the first row to appreciate the performance. (I exaggerate.) Charisma might be another word for this. In June, Mr. Drew came with me to see Mira Nadon in Diamonds and his first words after that performance were “some people just have star power…” Though presence of THAT kind probably can’t be taught, people can be taught to stand and walk and mime on stage with greater elegance and weight. And they can be taught to project. What do you think about “presence?” Link to comment
Meliss Posted August 5 Author Share Posted August 5 (edited) 15 hours ago, Drew said: .I think when I use the word I mean someone who makes you want to watch them no matter what they are doing Thank you. So to have presence means to be interesting for spectators. I think it also means feeling at ease on stage. Edited August 5 by Meliss Link to comment
ECat Posted August 5 Share Posted August 5 This is a great topic! Thank you @Meliss for getting it started. I agree with everything @Drew said. It could be very subjective. What resonates to one ballet-goer may not resonate the same way for another. However, some dancers have presence that is undeniable. I have not had the fortune of seeing Mira Nadon dance live yet, but from every thing I read - she is undeniable! Years ago I say the Bolshoi perform Don Quixote in Orange County, CA with Ivan Vasiliev and Natalia Osipova. They both exuded a visceral energy that was o exciting to watch. I believe it also comes from confidence which I think comes from feeling ease on stage that Melissa mentions. Two other ballerinas that comes to mind are Maria Alexandrova and Marianela Nunez. I've only seen videos of them, but their elegance and style make them so compelling and satisfying to watch. Link to comment
Meliss Posted August 5 Author Share Posted August 5 3 hours ago, ECat said: However, some dancers have presence that is undeniable. Can you see presence here? Link to comment
ECat Posted August 5 Share Posted August 5 1 hour ago, Meliss said: Can you see presence here? Yes. Especially with the clips of the variation from what I think is Other Dances by Jerome Robbins. I imagine it was a special privilege to witness Godunov dancing live. Link to comment
Meliss Posted August 6 Author Share Posted August 6 7 hours ago, ECat said: Yes. Especially with the clips of the variation from what I think is Other Dances by Jerome Robbins. I imagine it was a special privilege to witness Godunov dancing live. Thank you. I agree with you completely. Link to comment
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