Kim Brandstrup: “Shaken Mirror”
Royal Danish Ballet
Streamed on kglteater.dk
May 5th 2020
There is a Danish saying, “Nothing is so bad that it is not good for something” and the Royal Danish Ballet has certainly proved that during the Corona lock down in Denmark.
This week´s premiere on the computer screens is Kim Brandstrup “Shaken Mirror”; one of the best modern ballets created on the RDB ensemble, but unfortunately only got a handful of performances in 2016.
It was listed for a rerun a few years later but nothing happened. It can be argued that seeing a ballet on a pc is not seeing a ballet. However getting “Shaken Mirror” back is a treat even on a small screen and some difficulties with getting the magnificent décor and lightning effect on a small screen.
Since his early years as choreographer, Kim Brandstrup has strived to mix dance and film effects in his work. However, when he arrived to “Shaken Mirror”, the technology had catched up with his vision and this is one of the reasons why “Shaken Mirror” is so outstanding.
The Stand Out
“Shaken Mirror” is a group effort. However, one cannot write a review without praising Tobias Praetorius in the leading role, presumable as a young man committing suicide. Tobias Praetorius was very young when he nailed this role, and he has developed over the years to be one of the most interesting and unique dancers in the RDB ensemble.
Combining good technical skills with dramatic talent gives him a big repertoire to reign. However, if Nikolaj Hübbe wants to make a big man out of him, he is taking the slow road. Luckily, Tobias Praetorius has found his own road.Together with a group of dancers and musicians, he has started “The Chamber Ballet” which has had two successful summer runs. Another was planned for this summer, but was cancelled due to the Corona.
However, Lady Corona has stopped not only “The Chamber Ballet” but also the RDB summer tour and several others planned performance.
Next week Nikolaj Hübbe will present the 2020-2021 season. It is not yet clear whether the RDB will be allowed to perform to a plus 1000 audience. We all hope so. Denmark has been very successful in limiting the effects of Corona.
However, it must be a difficult challenge for Nikolaj Hübbe. Rumors has it that the John Neumeier “Gustav Mahler 3rd Symphony” which was planned for a May run this season will gets it run the upcoming season. However, we cannot predict what will be green lighted and how much audience will be allowed.
So much is still in the air. Being so generous with streaming ballets, RDB is keeping a line to their audience and keep reminding us what ballet can do. I hope that the fans can return as soon as possible.
Photos:
1. Tobias Praetorius and Christina Michanek in "Shaken Mirror" by Christian Als
2. J´aime Crandall in "Raymonda" by Henrik Stenberg
3. Tobias Praetorus in Shaken Mirror by Christian Als
Copyright (c) Royal Danish Ballet
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