By Eva Kistrup
August Bournonville:
”A Folks Tale”
Re-choreographed by Nikolaj Hübbe & Sorella Englund
Royal Danish Ballet
On the Opera, the Big Stage
January 22, 2022
August Bournonville, the key founder of the Royal Danish Ballet have put his mark of his craft since the 1820th on ballet like “La Sylphide”, “Napoli”, and many other ballets in Denmark and abroad. One of his most important gifts is the development of the male dancer´s arts and skills. He had been the creator of the strong development of outstanding Danish male dancers.
Our Artistic Director, Nikolaj Hübbe, who returned from a career abroad to be the leader of the Royal Danish Ballet and has been involved in several Bournonville creations based either on the pure Bournonville works or his own interpretations. This year Nikolaj Hübbe and Sorella Englund has taken on a newer version of Bournonville´s “A Folk´s Tale”.
One thing that defines “A Folk Tale” is that the leading male role is rather week in the creation.
I once talked with one of our leading dancers about taking on the leading role of “Junker Ove”. His answer was straight: “The role of Junker Ove is not a gift. It is a role one takes on”. He was absolute right. There is very little to work on for the male lead as Junker Ove.
Nikolaj Hübbe and Sorella Englund decided to reviewh their own version of Bournonville´s “A Folk´s Tale”, they presented in 2011.
However neither Sorella Englund nor Nikolaj Hübbe could give their Junker Ove something to work on. On first night this week, Principal Dancer Andreas Kaas gave all his dancing and acting skills. However, it is very difficult for any dancer to stay in contact with audience and dancers, when one has extremely little time on stage.
Englund and Hübbe has brought on a large group of current dancers as well as bringing on retired solo dancers, who gave all their skills and talents. Young soloist Tobias Praetorius was outstanding as Viderik, the son of the troll diva Muri, this time played by Oliver Starpov. Muri’s other son Diderik was now played by retired principal Mads Blangstrup, doing very well. However, someone has overdressed him as the other leading dancers in the group. However, great to see him and we enjoy him anyway.
The Ladies Hour
“A Folks Tale” cover a significant list of ballerinas and character ladies. The leading role as the ingénue Hilda was in very good hands of Principal Caroline Baldwin, who is one of the international dancers who really has gained the Bournonville style and acting. The other leading female role as the rich and very difficult heiress was in the hand of Principal Holly Dorger, who found the humor in the role.
Bringing in the Men
One of the best part of “A Folk´s Tale” is the Pas de Sept for four ladies and three men. Especially the men´s part has usually been considered the best part of the ballet. Unfortunately, the male trio of dancers was not on the top performances. The group of men was unusually timid. It may have to do with the long closed period.
Sorella Englund and Nikolaj Hübbe has also brought a group of male dancers to the ballet. However, this group unfortunately showed the fact that Royal Danish Ballet currently only have five male principals, soloists and dancers, who has been educated at the RDB company.
Nevertheless it remains problematic that the RDB cannot attract more homemade talent. It must be a priority for the company and for Nikolaj Hübbe himself.
It is a joy to see the Royal Danish Ballet, and especially keeping the Bournonville heritage alive. However, it will demand even more teaching to develop - of not only Danish intake to the school and company, but also teach Bournonville to dancers from abroad. What some of the group dancing this week made it clear that there still is a significant gab.
I started this review on Bournonville. I will end it on the same theme. Bournonville´s works must continue to be a significant part of RDB. However, it cannot survive unless it is considered as the most important part of RDB. Luckily, if Bournonville is taught well will continue keeping RDB as the unique treasure.
Photo: Soloist Tobias Praetorius as the Troll Viderik (Copyright(c)
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