Keith Money - Christopher Gable: The Dancer from the Dance

[Mark Alexander Wraith]

Thank you Jan — your warn welcome. Yes D & C! 😄 My first acquaintance with it was Keith's photo of Gable with Daphnis' crook; then the exquisite Ravel score which has remained my favourite since I was 18 years old — the ravishing voiceless choral part!; then, I read the Longus. Many years later I saw a revival at ROH. Chris was long gone and the Ashton somehow did not have the magic for me that Keith Money captured. I do find ballet photography a wonderful and important part of the art.

[Mark Alexander Wraith]

The first time you see a beautiful dance, a dancing body, the desire may emerge  — you may never be free from this desire. I used to take a book  from the library with poetic photographs of the dancer Christopher Gable. Then I saw the beauty of Netherlands Dans Theater dance, in Melbourne. An image of Euro high-art dance, sleek, elite, spare theatre, the beauty of body — this has never left me.

Pierrot has always been present, a fragile guide. The choreographer Glen Tetley said to me once Christopher Gable was his ideal Pierrot. However, he gave the role first to Jaap Flier. I did not know how many links there were between these things. I only knew that somehow I should gravitate towards Jaap and see what might happen. He was the first Pierrot. Would it be possible to enter his orbit? And to be under the wing of Willy de la Bye. To be nurtured as in no other family?

[Two Pigeons]

In the mid 80s the then SWRB performed Peter and the Wolf (Frank Staff as I remember) and Gable acted as the narrator.  The company had a tea party for their Friends.  I can still remember him walking into the room.  Talk about star quality on legs!  The room just lit up when he smiled.

[Mark Alexander Wraith]

How wonderful that must have been. I never saw Gable at all, though I played piano for Carol Gable a number of times. I remember other teachers at Central School telling me that Christopher was devoted to the Vaganova school. Strangely the new Gable Studio Theatre is at the end of my street in London. So many strange links, but I never had the experience of his presence that you describe. Thank you.

[Mark Alexander Wraith]

Dear Jan,

 

I am wondering whether I would be able to receive the pdf copy of the book through Pas de Quatre as was being discussed. I am hoping there might be some way. Please let me know how it might be possible. 

[Pas de Quatre]

Mark, I don't think you have enough posts to allow private messaging, but previously people forwarded their email to Jan who passed it on to me. Then I can transfer the file online. 

[Jan McNulty]

I've asked our members guru and he has said that @mark wraith should be able to DM.

[Pas de Quatre]

Thanks Jan that makes it easier, so send me you email Mark and I will arrange to send you the book online. 

[Henry]

Is this clip of Christopher Gable at home in Leytonstone of interest?  It's a Pathe News clip on the Youtube Pathe New channel, so I think posting is allowed.  1960's domesticity!  

 

 

 

 

[Mark Alexander Wraith]

Thank you so much for your reply. My email is xxx

Very grateful for your help.

 

regards,

 

Mark.

Edited January 4 by Jan McNulty
edited to remove email address