Fonteyn e Nureyev " Le Spectre de La Rose "
April 13, 2012 — Updated: 12:05 pm - April 13, 2012
Artistic collaborations spark expanding synergy
Stravinsky Influences Resound
The recent Tulsa Ballet “Ballets Russes” tribute and the OU ”Fantasia” concerts shared the Stravinsky influence. While Tulsa Ballet soared into the contemporary realms of Adam Hougland’s updated and chilling “Rite of Spring” interpretation at the Tulsa PAC, the OU Symphony Orchestra followed with a dramatic “Firebird Suite” performance included on the April 1 concert program at OU. Both “Rite of Spring” and “Firebird” were commissioned to Stravinsky, still in his 20s, by Serge Diaghilev for the famed Ballets Russes repertoires of new ballets at the time. Premiered in Paris in 1913 Stravinsky’s shocking and unconventional “Rite of Spring” historically represents modern choreography by Nijinsky for the Ballets Russes. The award-winning Hougland’s current contemporary production takes its inspiration directly from the challenges of the pulsating music, while putting aside the historical versions, to bring a more abstract drama to the storyline about a young woman chosen for sacrifice by her relentless “tribe.” Demands on the dancers require intense dramatic focus, Herculean strength and athletic skill. Stunning Tulsa Ballet ballerinas Sofia Menteguiaga and Alexandra Bergman both excelled (on consecutive nights) as “The Chosen One”— each with long strands of dark hair flying in the action to become part of the artistic drama of a character under siege on a stage set to minimally express contemporary background, aided by strikingly choreographed lighting techniques. Brava to these exceptionally powerful and graceful leading ladies who rose to the intensity of this production with amazing stamina and artistry — not for the faint of heart. The Ballets Russes tribute program opener was effectively served by Balanchine’s “Apollon Musagete,” another iconic Stravinsky inspired work, premiered in Paris in 1928. Alfonso Martin excelled as Apollo (Saturday) in this work that depicts the birth of the Greek/Roman god and the guidance of his three stellar key muses, who also triumph: Calliope, the muse of Poetry (Gabriela Gonzalez); Polyhymnia, the muse of mime (Alexandra Bergman); and Terpsichore, the muse of dance and song (Soo Youn Cho). Costumed in minimalist white attire, ala Balanchine, this classic foursome exhibits a sculptural quality in the iconic work, as its striking purity demands classic elegance at every pose — as sculpture would be viewed in bright light from all angles — no room for flaws. Martin continues to expand his dramatic vocabulary with ever more meaningful poise and authority, in turn. He exacts an authoritative, somewhat aloof Apollo, with classical grace. Bravo!
Memorable from the March 31 performance are the sensuous qualities of Rodrigo Hermesmeyer as the famed spirit of the rose in Michel Fokine’s iconic “Spectre de la Rose,” set to the music of Carl Maria von Weber, as premiered in Monte Carlo in 1911. Sleekly costumed in brilliant red rose petals, after the original designs of Leon Bakst for the Ballets Russes, Hermesmeyer tenderly breathes life into the spirit of a young girl’s dreams, after she attends her first ball, with exceptional dramatic flair. He exhibits a spirited elastic quality in his leaps, but the true artistry comes from his sensuous portrayal of the ingenue’s enamored dance partner in elegant dreams. He possesses that certain “je ne sais quoi” extraordinaire — the “duende.” Ascending from the corps de ballet to triumph in this demanding famous role, Hermesmeyer is a Brazilian award winner, former finalist for the prestigious Prix de Lausanne and a recent participant in major international ballet competitions. He is one to watch. Bravo!
Upcoming World
Premieres
TULSA — Tulsa Ballet presents three world premieres in “Off the Floor: Creations in Studio K,” April 27 through May 6 at Tulsa Ballet Studio K, a full-sized performance stage located at their headquarters, 1212 East 45th Place South. Thursday through Saturday performances are at 7 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
Exciting new works by celebrated choreographers Ma Cong, Douglas Lee and Darrell Grand Moultrie will be featured, “up close and personal,” in the more intimate Studio K theatre that seats about 300 — as the new ballets reflect additional collaborations with worldwide influence, both classical and contemporary. Tulsa Ballet’s own Ma Cong was named “one of the top 25 to watch,” by Dance Magazine. A former principal with the Stuttgart Ballet, Lee’s works have received three Golden Mask Award nominations, and Moultrie, according to The New York Times, “… moves his dancers around the stage with remarkable authority… obviously someone to watch.”
New Collaborations in Dance.
An “Off the floor” concert bonus will be featured in “the most significant collaboration between local dance companies in decades,” in a pre-concert Studio K event lasting about half an hour, says Katie Selvidge, community relations director, in a recent news release. In an effort to champion and promote the growth of modern dance statewide, performing companies will include Bell House Arts, Jennifer Mellor Dance Project, Living Water, Portico Dance Theater and TuMM. “I am pleased that these organizations are proposing truly leading-edge works and … developing an audience for this kind of dance,” says Marcello Angelini, Tulsa Ballet artistic director.
"Le Spectre de la Rose" - Tulsa Ballet
