Eva Kistrup

Looking Forward

 

Interview with Nikolaj Hübbe,

November 22, 2016

This month Nikolaj Hübbe not only appointed a new principal dancer and presented a new production of “Giselle”. He also signed on for another three years as Artistic Director for the Royal Danish Ballet.

Nikolaj Hübbe’s tenure so far at Royal Danish Ballet has been an oeuvre of presenting quality in spite of dwindling budgets and government forced cuts. He remains optimistic for the coming years:

“It looks like we would be able to squeeze in more productions in each season. We are aiming at making our procedures and rehearsals more effective, and that will create enough space to do five instead of four production per half season”.

The Team Player

Magnus Christoffersen has just had his first leading role as Hilarion in “Giselle”. He is part of the strong young generation at Royal Danish Ballet, who has moved to the top of the company in record time. I meet with him to learn more on how he sees his role in the golden generation and his future in the company.

Power & Lightness

 

Silja Schandorff & Nikolaj Hübbe:

”Giselle”

Royal Danish Ballet,

The Old Stage

October 30 & November & 2016

Following the young cast of the premiere of Schandorff’ and Hübbe’s “Giselle” the two additional casts represented experience. Gregory Dean gave the stellar performance at his best and noblest as Albrecht in the second cast, combining strong acting, bravura and partnering skills. It could look like he had studied film with Arne Villumsen from the 1979 production. The dropping of the sword when the charade is up, reminded one of Villumsen’s control of that scene. In all Dean brought everything, you would want from a danseur noble.

In third cast, Ulrik Birkkjær returned to Albrecht, which was one of his first starring role as a young dancer. He had his moments, but it was difficult to get a clear picture of his interpretation this time around.

Also on the male wing, Jonathan Chmelensky presented a dashing and sympatric Hilarion. He shared the role with young Magnus Christoffersen, who also managed to build a strong character. A fine performance in his first big leading role. Heather Dunn and Alexander Bozinoff created a charming and wells danced Pheasants Pas de Deux.