Maurice Bejart choreographed Bolero in 1960 for the Ballet du XXe Siècle (Ballet of the Twentieth Century). In Bolero Béjart returns to the spirit of his 1959 Rite of Spring, by negating the easy choices of a picturesque exterior in favor of a stripped down simplicity. He gives the central role, the Melody, to a solo dancer and the ensemble is described as the Rhythm. Argentinian dancer Jorge Donn was best known for his work with Bejart. His theatricality and androgynous attack epitomized the 80’s.
Tag: Out and About NYC Magazine
O & A With Rita Rubino: Herb Roasted Chicken Breasts with Savory Pan Gravy
By Rita Rubino
Deglazing a pan is a simple technique that can open up a world of sauce possibilities, yielding full flavor and that gourmet finishing touch to your dishes. Continue reading
Jamal Rashann Callender: Artist on the Rise
By Walter Rutledge
Jamal Rashann Callender has been a member of Ballet Hispanico since 2010. He was part of the new wave of dancers recruited at the start of Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro incumbency. Over the past three seasons Callender has distinguished himself with the company. His clean execution, artistic commitment to the roles, and fashion model good looks have made him a company standout. Continue reading
Rudolph Nureyev: Encore Performance- Afternoon Of A Faun (1981)
Vaslav Nijinsky himself did the choreography for Afternoon of a Faun, using the music of Claude Debussy. In this interpretation, Bakst’s scenery and costumes have been stunningly reconstructed by Ralph Holmes. The original choreography, designed to evoke the two-dimensional flatness of a Greek frieze, was reconstructed by Elizabeth Schooling and William Chappel. Continue reading
Nureyev – Finale: Nureyev and Fonteyn in Pas de deux from ‘Le Corsaire’
The pas de deux from Le Corsaire, is an excerpt from the ballet created by Marius Petipa, in Saint Petersburg in 1899. Based on a poem by Byron, and was one of Rudolf ’s first successes. Once in the West, Nureyev danced this pyrotechnic pas de deux from Le Corsaire many times, always setting off wild enthusiasm. It was one of his bravura numbers. We find him, splendidly barbaric, erotic and feline with Margot Fonteyn as his partner, in a film from 1963. In general, the applause and the curtain calls lasted longer that the performance itself. Continue reading
4/4/14 O&A NYC DANCE: Rudolf Nureyev as Valentino (1977) Tango Scene ft. Rudolf Nureyev & Anthony Dowell
Rudolph Nureyev as Valentino. A biographical drama film very loosely based on the life of Rudolph Valentino, directed by Ken Russell in 1977. In this scene former dance hall performer Rudolpho Valentino dances a tango with dance legend Ballet Russe star Vaslav Nijinsky. Continue reading
Rudolph Nureyev and Denise Jackson: Spectre de la Rose
Le Spectre de la rose (English: The Spirit of the Rose) about a young girl who dreams of dancing with the spirit of a souvenir rose from her first ball. Jean-Louis Vaudoyer wrote the ballet story. He based it on a verse by Theophile Gautier. The dances were designed by Michel Fokine. The music is Hector Berlioz’s 1841 orchestration by Carl Maria von Weber’s piano music Afforderung zum Tanz (English: Invitation to the Dance). Leon Bakst designed the original sets and costume. The ballet was first presented in Monte Carlo on 19 April 1911. Nijinsky danced The Rose and Tamara Karsavina danced The Young Girl. Continue reading
8/17/17 (Repost) O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: D’Angelo- Untitled (How Does It Feel)
Untitled (How Does It Feel) created a music video scandal. The music video helped boost D’Angelo’s visibility and the song’s public appeal. Continue reading
Ailey II: The Creative Process- Choreographer and Dancer/ a conversation with Benoit-Swan Pouffer and David Freeland
Paris-born choreographer Benoit-Swan Pouffer and Ailey II dancer David Freeland discuss the creative process following a rehearsal of Rusty prior to the Ailey II New York season April 2 through April 14 at the Ailey Citgroup Theater. Continue reading
11/29/17 O&A NYC DANCE: Rudolf Nureyev and Zizi Jeanmaire: Le Jeune Homme et La Mort by Roland Petit (1966)
Le Jeune Homme et La Mort was choreographed by Roland Petit choreographed in 1946 to Bach’s Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor, BWV 582, with a one-act libretto by Jean Cocteau. It tells the story of a Young Man driven to suicide by his faithless lover. Sets were by George Wakhevitch and costumes variously reported as being by Karinska or Cocteau. Continue reading