Dans2GO
Royal Danish Ballet
The Old Stage
November 7th
November 9th
2020
“Already Night”
by Sebastian Kloborg
"Persistent Persuasion"
By John Neumeier
”Zakouski”
by Peter Martins
“Uprising”
By Hofesh Shechter
“La Sylphide”
By August Bournonville
One of the first ideas, Nikolaj Hübbe put on stage when taking over, as Artistic Director of Royal Danish Ballet was the “Dans2Go” concept aiming to bring in new audiences to the art form.
The original concept combined outtakes from a classical ballet and a modern ballet. Nikolaj Hübbe also included a classical Pas de Deux from the repertoire. The ticket price was affordable even on a student’s budget.
It became a success and Dans2GO became a mainstay in the RDB repertoire. However, for this season Nikolaj Hübbe presents a significantly broader program, including a new creation “Already Night” by Sebastian Kloborg and “Uprising” by Hofesh Shecter from2006.
Winning Streak
It has certainly been Sebastian Kloborg´s season. A weeks ago he was the recipient of the “Crown Prince & Princess’ Award” which gave him the significant sum of 100.000 Danish Crown, which will help him develop as choreographer.
For his new creation “Already Night”, the RDB has gifted him with a big cast and impressive décor. Character dancers Poul-Erik Hesselkilde and Esther Lee Wilkinson open the ballet as an aging couple. They are soon surrounded by 15 dancers in black tricots, probably illustrating the older couple in their youth. Sebastian Kloborg shows that he can work with larger ensembles. It is elegantly tuned. However, it is not a ballet that stays with you.
Pas de Deux Hour
For the middle part of the evening, Nikolaj Hübbe has decided to rely on two Pas de Deux´s: John Neumeier´s “Persistant Persuation” created for the RDB in 2020 and Peter Martins c, created for NYCB in 1995 with Nikolaj Hübbe in the male role.
“Zakouski” has previously been danced by RDB by various stars. For this performance, Principal Holly Dorger performed extremely well as the ballerina. Educated at School of American Ballet she is familiar with the NYCB style and repertoire.
Her partner, Principal Jonathan Chmelensky has not her grip on the American style. There will be two more casts for the runs of the two Pas de Deuxs .
Nikolaj Hübbe has choosed the John Neumeier creation for RDB last November, where The Royal theatre hosted a gala remembering the Century when Denmark finally was returned significant land, occupied by Germany for many years.
It was danced very well by Principal Ida Praetorius and Ryan Tomash. However, the audience was not oriented about the background for the ballet, and thereby miss the national significance of the ballet.
There will be two more casts for the runs of the two Pas de Deuxs ,Soloists Wilma Giglio & Liam Redhead and Emma Riis-Kofoed & Tobias Praetorius get the chances at upcoming performances.
Going Street
For the final, Nikolaj Hübbe has gone back more than a bit to present “Uprising” which was made in 2006 by Hofesh Shechter.
The ballet is build on seven boys playing and fighting. Partly having fun and partly having fun. The tempi is upbeat and it is physically hard work. Soloist Tobias Praetorius is the outstanding performer in the ballet. His grip on tempi, drive and movements is impressive. There is also strong performance from the team.
Going Back
Two days later we are back at The Old Stage, revisiting Nikolaj Hübbe´s new production of “La Sylphide” with the first cast, Ida Praetorius, Jón Axel Fransson, and Kizzy Matiakis in the leading role with strong support from the ensemble. While I still have some reservations about the décor, I cannot help noticing that this performance is one of the best performances of “La Sylphide” I have ever seen.
I count my luck that Covid 19 so far have not closed down the Royal Danish Ballet although it might happen. We wear our security masks and take every care. As the audience is reduced to 50%, the applause cannot fill the big theatre room. I hope that the dancers understand that we are deeply moved. Not only for the dancing but also for their courage on keeping on with an art form, that demand close physical contacts. May it last.
Photo Credits:
- Jon Axel Fransson as James in "La Sylphide" by Per Morten Abrahamsen copyright (c) Royal Danish Ballet
- "Already Night" by Camilla Winther copyright(c) Royal Danish Ballet
- Persistent Persuasion By John Neumeimer Copyright(c) Royal Danish Ballet
- Holly Dorger & Jonathan Chmelensky in Zakouski by Camilla Winther copyright(c) Royal Danish Ballet
- Tobias Praetorius by Selina Mayer copyright(c) Royal Danish Ballet
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