The Chamber Ballet
The Loft, the Opera House
Members of Royal Danish Ballet
And Trio Vitruvi
Adam Lüders:
“Suite Italienne”
Kristian Lever:
“Unravel”
Tobias Praetorius:
“Chorale Dances”
Kristian Lever:
“Fracture”
Sebastian Kloborg
“Absolute Pitch-Black”
August 14, 2019
In 2017, RDB dancer Tobias Praetorius got his big break in the dominating role of Herman in Liam Scarlett´s creation “Queen of Spades” for Royal Danish Ballet. Although he already had covered a broad repertoire including character roles as trolls, modern dance and classic ballet, his interpretation of Herman showed that he could also carry the role of leading man and in this case, a very complex character.
However, this magnificent performance did not lead to bigger chances in leading roles. He was more or less stocked with the same supporting roles; he already had presented and developed for the company.
He then engaged in a project with the classical ensemble Trio Viviro on cocreating a new format for dance and music. The first season took place last year and became a significant succes. Now the partnership is back, this time with more dancers and impressive choreography by significant choreographers.
Apollo minus One
As in 2018, former NYCB Star and teacher at Royal Danish Ballet, Adam Lüders was one of the choreographers for “The Chamber Ballet”. His “Suite Italienne” played tribute to the Balanchine style, especially “Apollon Musagetes”, although one muse short.
It was well put together. Tobias Praetorius partnered two tall girls’ soloist Stephanie Chen Gundorph and corps dancer Emma Håkansson. Never the less Tobias Praetorius more than hold his own. He actually showed that if wanted, he could produce an outstanding Apollo himself. He was in total control, partnering the tall girls excellently and showing his own skills, speed and presence.
He was soon back on stage in a rerun ofKristian Lever´s “ Unravel” which was the big hit in last years performance.The strong pas de Deux with Alba Nadal to Ravel´s “Pavane pour une infante défunte”did as well as last year. Following yet another musical interlude, Tobias Praetorius could then present his own first work as a choreographer “Corale Dances” with Principal Ida Praetorius, soloists Liam Scarlett and Guilherme de Menezes and Vitor de Menezes. A fine and coherent work from a debuting choreographer.
Absolute Wonderful Pitch-Black
For this season, Kristian Lever also created “Fracture” a pas de deux for Alba Nadal and Stephanie Chen Gundorph, one in her underwear and one in masculine pants and shirt. It did not quite reach Lever´s own “Unravel”.
The final ballet was created by Sebastian Kloborg, the former RDB dancer who is now focusing on choreographing. His contribution “Absolute Pitch-Black” combines some of his trademarks, going back in time, glamourous costumes, theatrical settings and lots of humor.
Set in wardrobe of a night club or theatre, five dancers, including former RDB Principal, Ulrik Birkkjær, now staring at San Francisco Ballet, is not only full of gags but also make sports of the basic of the Chamber Ballet´s trademark to include musicians in the dancing. It was light stuff; however, it certainly reached its target and questioned whether there really is a need to separate dancers and musicians, which have been a 300 years custom in Denmark and in other countries.
So the Chamber Ballet both started and ended on a high. The RDB have lost a significant amount of leading male dancers over the last year. This performance showed that there is still great talents in the company, able and available. May they get the chances; they so clearly can fill out. Our great tradition for good male dancers is challenged. The Chamber Ballet showed that there are still talent in abundance. Please use it.
Photos: Copyright(c) Kammerballetten
- Tobias Praetorius and Alba Nadal in Unravel
- Tobias Praetorius
- Scene from "Absolute Pitch Black"
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