La Spectre de la Rose
Before I start, I have to set something clear, preferably from the mouth of the master himself:
From Wikipedia:
“Le Spectre de la Rose is a ballet of the Ballets Russes based on a choreographic poem by Théophile Gautier. The music, by Carl Maria von Weber, was taken from his short piece Invitation to the Dance. Choreography was by Michel Fokine and set and costume design by Léon Bakst. It premiered on April 19, 1911 by the Ballets Russes in the Théâtre de Monte Carlo.
The story is about a debutante who falls asleep after her first ball. She dreams that she is dancing with the rose that she had been holding in her hand. Her dream ends when the rose escapes through the window. The dancers at the original performance were Vaslav Nijinsky as the Rose and Tamara Karsavina as the Girl. …”
Youtube was a great help. I was able to watch so many great dancers performing that piece. I could see, compare and decide what I like and what I don’t like in every performance. You get a couple of clips right beside here, so you can get an idea about the piece:
Manuel Legris:
Baryshnikov:
Nureyev:
Ruzimatov:
These are just a few and there are even more on Youtube to watch.
This piece of dance is pretty delicate to dance since it’s pretty different from what I’ve done. It’s far more important how you move and involve your arms and hands.
What is really dangerous is that all the big names of ballet history (starting with Nijinsky) danced that piece already and as an audience it is really tempting to just be lazy and start comparing. Who is jumping higher, who is doing which version etc…, but in the end please keep in mind there is no perfection possible in any art form and therefore comparison is useless.
I don’t know how about you, but for me it’s important if a performance/photo/painting/show, plainly said any art piece, gives something or not. This giving may be private or public, strong or weak, delicate or bold, but if you’re satisfied with this ‘present’ please be satisfied. There is no need for comparison.
Oups, I got kinda drawn away from my main subject, but whatever…just my two cents ;-).
If everything goes right I will be able to perform it the first time in Taipei on June 20th and 21st.
Migyeong says:
It is one of lovely ballet piece.
Their arms, legs, show expressing themself…all different and they are not the same person. I think there the good thing is that only remain happiness to has a chance to watch various version by each dancers with not comparison.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:11 am
Philip says:
Daniil, I have never seen SPECTRE yet…and I’ve decided to wait until YOU are dancing it…at ABT. It will be something to look forward to. There is a memorably staged excerpt from it in the 1980 Herbert Ross film NIJINSKY.
I agree with Migyeong that one can enjoy multiple interpretations of the great ballets without making comparisons.
Have you ever listened to the Hector Berlioz song SPECTRE DE LA ROSE from LES NUITS D’ETE?
May 3rd, 2008 at 12:49 am
Kathy says:
Damil,
The Rudi’s version is no longer available. Do you know where else I can go to see his?
May 15th, 2008 at 4:40 am
pourpasseletemps says:
Hi, Danil.
I am looking forward to seeing your first perfomance of ‘Le Spectre de la Rose’ in Taipei.
See you soon!
June 17th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
ashley says:
I saw your Le Spetre de la Rose in Taipei “two times”!I bought the most expensive tickets and use a telescope to see you.It’s so clear and your facial expression is sooooo great!
June 22nd, 2008 at 4:46 pm
ashley says:
By the way.I born on 1987,too.
June 22nd, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Serena says:
I saw you dance in Taipei twice, too! I was almost crazy!!! You’re really awesome!!! Hope next time you could come to Taipei again.
June 24th, 2008 at 5:20 pm