Buddy Posted December 2, 2022 Share Posted December 2, 2022 Lyrical Dance -- A combining of the lyrical beauty and style of the classical with the natural. It has the dreamlike quality that I can associate with Swan Lake, Giselle and even Far Eastern Classical. It’s a direction that I’d really like to see more developed. Here’s one nice example. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIKo7HqHdRs It’s an area that Christopher Wheeldon moves in and out of with some very good results, this one being perhaps one of the finest works in all of dance. “After The Rain” (Start at 14:10 ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D316-KMBU8 It’s a style used by some choreographers that in group presentations can take on an orchestral dimension. Here’s one example from Lar Lubovitch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gk-6cmpoMs Stylistically, here’s a more high energy one from Lar Lubovitch that I like very much. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmGJh0LfGiQ (all videos were already officially posted) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy Posted December 3, 2022 Author Share Posted December 3, 2022 These are several names that I would consider to be large influences on what I would call Lyrical Dance. Isadora Duncan — Ruth St. Denis — Jerome Robbins — Fred Astaire This is a charming example from Jerome Robbins, who was acknowledged by Christopher Wheeldon as being a large influence on his own work. I would say that this is noticeable in perhaps the most lyrically beautiful parts of Christopher Wheeldon’s works, his highly praised duets. New York City Ballet MOVES: Dances At A Gathering https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoigxYt5Hgk Isadora Duncan was acknowledged as a significant, personal influence by both Anna Pavlova and Sir Frederick Ashton. There’s hardly any visual record of her dancing, but this is a rather nice video of a young dancer doing her impression. This also is another pleasant example of what I would call Lyrical Dance. Starts at 1:10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnMLvYJ2Xjo There’s an ‘unofficially’ posted video with a very brief segment of Isadora Duncan dancing (not authenticated) followed by Anna Pavlova dancing perhaps her most famous performance, “The Swan.” This is intended to show Isadora Duncan’s influence on Anna Pavlova. Also John Hall has posted an interesting collection of photos and some film that he thinks could well represent her. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy Posted December 3, 2022 Author Share Posted December 3, 2022 For me, Lyrical Dance can vary from a Swan Lake type of refinement and ethereality, perhaps well represented here by Christopher Wheeldon’s “After The Rain,” to an almost jazzy feel. At the moment I search most for something in between, something with a Fred Astaire feeling, perhaps. He could tap or ballroom dance with the look and effect of a classical ballet artist. He was George Balanchine’s favourite male dancer. He had a charming, airy perfectness and excitement. And then there’s Ginger Rogers 😊 Swing Time ('36): “Pick Yourself Up” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06RlwN0nddQ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy Posted December 4, 2022 Author Share Posted December 4, 2022 (edited) I just realised that it’s still Saturday night where I am. Want to step out for a moment ? — outside the box, that is. Lyrical Dance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNCSij0hUp8 Edited December 4, 2022 by Buddy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy Posted December 4, 2022 Author Share Posted December 4, 2022 Ruth St. Denis — Take a look at her “Inciense” (Incense) video. As far as dance enchantment, it doesn’t get much better. And once again, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers — "Let's Face the Music and Dance." It’s as good as it gets. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy Posted December 4, 2022 Author Share Posted December 4, 2022 (edited) I’d like to say that my use of the term “Lyrical Dance” is based on my impression and use and not on a strictly agreed upon or precise definition. One element that might be totally personal and what I hope for is a sense of pleasantness, even joy. I think of what I’m writing to be within a general concept of what is and what could be called “Lyrical Dance.” I do consider “Lyrical Dance” to be a phenomenon of the last fifty years or so as illustrated by certain works, dance artists and choreographers. Two of the works and choreographers that I’ve mentioned are… “After The Rain” by Christopher Wheeldon -- (Start at 14:10) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D316-KMBU8 "The Legend of Ten” by Lar Lubovitch -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gk-6cmpoMs I’ve also listed some individuals as being “influences,” such as Isadora Duncan, Ruth St. Denis, Jerome Robbins and Fred Astaire. What I was delighted to find was that among them were artists and works that I feel would fit in perfectly in today’s world of Lyrical Dance. A favorite choice is Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers — "Let's Face the Music and Dance." Others could be Jerome Robbins “Dances At A Gathering” — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoigxYt5Hgk -- Ruth St. Denis “Incense” and George Balanchine “Der Rosenkavalier” from “Vienna Waltzes (1983).” I’d even go as far afield as Torville and Dean “Bolero” in figure skating. If anyone could add some more I’d be glad to hear about them. Edited December 4, 2022 by Buddy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beryl H Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 (edited) In the figure skating past there was a husband and wife partnership, their surnames were Protopopov (or similar) they were so serene and skated as one. Edited December 5, 2022 by Beryl H 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy Posted December 5, 2022 Author Share Posted December 5, 2022 (edited) 15 hours ago, Beryl H said: In the figure skating past there was a husband and wife partnership, their surnames were Protopopov (or similar) they were so serene and skated as one. Thank you very much, Beryl. And here they are. They are indeed beautiful skaters. They both seem to have an elegance that reminds me somewhat of Fred Astaire, a rare quality, especially in a man. Here’s a quote from another video poster that says a lot. “Beautiful skating from the Protopopov's in front of their home crowd to win the European title for the first time. Artistically light years ahead of their competitors.” Ludmila Belousova and Oleg Protopopov (SU) - World Championships Prague 1962 - ISU Archives For the skating start at 1:40, but the introduction is also very interesting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U4O4uI82us Maybe we can get back to this later, but I did want to post the video now. There’s always John Curry as well. And Hi ! , Sim. Thanks. 😊 Does anyone else have a “Lyrical Dance” example that they really like or any other related thoughts ? Edited December 5, 2022 by Buddy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beryl H Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Many thanks, this does bring back memories, and how could I have forgotten John Curry 🙂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy Posted December 5, 2022 Author Share Posted December 5, 2022 Thank you, Beryl. If I were to put something at the summit of the “Lyrical Dance” pantheon it would probably be this. For me it’s the Swan Lake Duet of “Lyrical Dance.” Christopher Wheeldon —“After The Rain” — start at 14:10 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D316-KMBU8 This video features Wendy Whelan and Craig Hall. Probably no-one could interpret it better, especially since Wendy Whelan most likely had a hand in its creation. If you want to view another take, this is an interesting example. It features the Mariinsky’s Maria Khoreva and Vladimir Shklyarov. I tend to focus somewhat more on Maria Khoreva’s performance because of her young age and sensitivity. Considering that they come from a different artistic background I think that they both do a very respectable interpretation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=az4IZUTtm2c Another performance that suggests the essence of what I call “Lyrical Dance” would be, once again this. I think that it’s an absolutely lovely representation. Jerome Robbins -- “Dances At A Gathering” — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoigxYt5Hgk I hope to be able to find more video examples. This is an area of dance that’s somewhat specific, one that combines much of the beauty and ‘style’ of ballet, especially, with a more natural physicality. Two companies that I have an eye on for the moment in this regard are The San Francisco Ballet and The Atlanta Ballet. I hope that it’s an area of dance that continues to grow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy Posted December 5, 2022 Author Share Posted December 5, 2022 “Lyrical Dance” — Swan Lake Meets Fred Astaire This is an element of it all that I like very much. 😊 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy Posted December 6, 2022 Author Share Posted December 6, 2022 “The Swan” A principal work from which a definition of “Lyrical Dance” can be derived is, for me, ballet’s transitional masterpiece, “The Swan,” by Mikhail Fokine. It will always be identified with Anna Pavlova. This in turn was probably derived from perhaps ballet’s most beautiful, overall masterpiece, ’The White Swan Duet’ from Swan Lake. This is “The Swan” by one of its most beautiful performers -- Oxana Skorik. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf9AqDajr_0&t=39s As for a Fred Astaire element in “Lyrical Dance,” well, he certainly possessed many of the superlatives that you’d use to describe a ballet star, even though he excelled in a totally different dance form. And he had a charm that was captivating. I would guess that he was one of the greatest dancers of all times and he created an artistic style and aura that could permeate and add life to other ones. I don’t post it because it’s been unofficially put on the internet, but…. Once again a work and a performance that might be definitive ones for a “Lyrical Dance” art form — Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers — "Let's Face the Music and Dance." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy Posted December 9, 2022 Author Share Posted December 9, 2022 (edited) The term Lyrical Dance does have some specific definitions, whereas mine tends to be a somewhat personal one. An expression that does seems to enter many of the stricter definitions of Lyrical Dance, or Lyrical Jazz and other Contemporary forms is…. * ‘….Combined with ballet.’ * From ballet itself I find this to be a rather charming example related to what I would call “Lyrical Dance.” Raisa Struchkova (1964) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUkFbFFTqYs Added: I might even go as far as to say that I see some Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers here, although these performers probably had no knowledge of each other and very little of the technique of the others’ dance form. Edited December 9, 2022 by Buddy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LinMM Posted December 10, 2022 Share Posted December 10, 2022 (edited) Those two skaters mentioned above are still skating in their 80’s!! I think there’s a video of them somewhere that’s very recent. They still look fab and very lyrical!! If can find a way of posting here I will! In Dance competitions in U.K. I believe the “lyrical” dance section is a piece expressed to a song but presumably a ballade type song? As it always seems to be quite a flowing and softer section of the Dance. Edited December 10, 2022 by LinMM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LinMM Posted December 10, 2022 Share Posted December 10, 2022 Here they are Belousova is 79 and Protopopov is 83!! How amazing are they!! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy Posted December 10, 2022 Author Share Posted December 10, 2022 (edited) 20 hours ago, LinMM said: Those two skaters mentioned above are still skating in their 80’s!! I think there’s a video of them somewhere that’s very recent. They still look fab and very lyrical!! If can find a way of posting here I will! In Dance competitions in U.K. I believe the “lyrical” dance section is a piece expressed to a song but presumably a ballade type song? As it always seems to be quite a flowing and softer section of the Dance. Thanks, Lin. Yes, they appear to be quite exceptional. Sadly, Ludmila.Belousova died in 2017, aged 81. Oleg Protopopov is 90. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oleg_Protopopov) This is personally interesting. They must have lived for quite awhile two hours away from me in Switzerland. I’ve been living there part of the year for about thirty years. It’s also where I started figure skating lessons, I’m a perpetual beginner, who’s been skating for about that same length of time. I’ll be eighty in March. I wish I had known about them. Maybe I’ll still bump into him some day. I also keep thinking that I might do the same with Roger Federer out hiking. Your definition of Lyrical Dance, the general one, seems quite correct. Here’s an example. (Mine is a more personal one.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERreyw5_AVs&t=3s I’d like to get back to my previous post for a moment. The video of Raisa Struchkova somewhat fascinates me in regard to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. As I believe that I mentioned, Fred Astaire was George Balanchine’s favourite male dancer. But why ? There was definitely a feeling of ballet in Fred Astaire, although his basic dance technique was completely different and he seemed to have little interest in ballet. Yet, I have to believe that he had observed enough ballet that some of its general manner of grace and style became part of his. I keep referring to him, because I think that he’s a foundational element in what I might call “Lyrical Dance.” This would, at least in part, be the ‘combining’ of ballet with other dance forms to create a perhaps parallel dance form of similar beauty and interest. Edited December 10, 2022 by Buddy 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy Posted December 13, 2022 Author Share Posted December 13, 2022 (edited) This would be a typical example of Lyrical Dance or Lyrical Jazz in America. My idea of “Lyrical Dance” would probably be much less ‘gymnastic’ and more refined in gracefulness. Yet, there are some technical accomplishments here that can’t be passed by and could be very applicable, perhaps, to a more ‘dreamlike’ expression. And, what this young dancer does, does touch me deeply, a part of “Lyrical Dance” (and other dance forms) to be hoped for. Besides that, I love the song. So do a lot of other young dancers it would appear by checking the number of video performances of it on the internet. 😊 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvHpfsfRtN8 Edited December 13, 2022 by Buddy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy Posted December 14, 2022 Author Share Posted December 14, 2022 Images and Feelings A major thing that I notice in the previously posted video is the large number of different, beautiful images and deeply touching feelings that she presents, both in her poses and her transitions. This is her own choreography. Although it uses much of the general vocabulary of this kind of dance, it’s still very personal and powerful. Her highlight poses are sculpturally compelling. A painter, except for the cubist-type artists, etc., usually presents a single image. Here it’s a constant and natural flow of picture perfect ones. That’s something that makes dance special. It’s a living art. Her taking of it all and using it to make a strongly emotional statement is also very embracing. She even makes highly energetic gymnastic moves part of this. And it’s not a formalised presentation, but rather — A Living Expression. Although this is a more athletic approach, it also has many qualities that would be very important in a more subtly nuanced idea of “Lyrical Dance.” But I would have to say that, for me, for the most part, it’s extremely fine as it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy Posted December 18, 2022 Author Share Posted December 18, 2022 I’ve mentioned this a lot and now I’ve found an officially posted version. It’s a ‘Cornerstone’ to “Lyrical Dance” as defined by Buddy. By whom ? 😊 Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers — “Let’s Face the Music and Dance” 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy Posted December 21, 2022 Author Share Posted December 21, 2022 Some more about Fred Astaire and ballet from The New York Times. "He was also a paragon among his professional peers. George Balanchine, the artistic director of the New York City Ballet and a man whose supreme standards rarely allowed for superlatives, called him, simply, ''the greatest dancer in the world.'' "Anna Kisselgoff, dance critic of The New York Times, gave this description of the Astaire genius: ''At its most basic, Mr. Astaire's technique has three elements - tap, ballet and ballroom dancing. The ballet training, by his account, was brief but came at a crucial, early age." https://www.nytimes.com/1987/06/23/obituaries/fred-astaire-the-ultimate-dancer-dies.html And getting back to the overall idea of “Lyrical” (‘ballet related’) for a moment, for me, Christopher Wheeldon’s “After The Rain” remains very significant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy Posted December 30, 2022 Author Share Posted December 30, 2022 (edited) Could I offer some more ideas, perhaps a sort of outline ? “Lyrical” Here are some definitions of the adjective “lyrical” that I like. (an * represents one that I particularly like) .*songlike lyric *melodic *musical *melodious rhapsodic *poetic (of literature, art, or music) expressing the writer's emotions in an imaginative and *beautiful way. the poet's combination of lyrical and descriptive power (Oxford Languages) “Lyrical” — as a dance style. It would contain lyrical qualities with the addition perhaps of charm, pleasantness, joyfulness…. High Art < > Entertainment High Art As dance it might also contain grace, flow, dreaminess, refinement…. An example…. “After The Rain” (Christopher Wheeldon)— as close to ballet as you can get without actually being ballet. . Entertainment An example…. “Let's Face the Music and Dance” (Fred Astaire (with Ginger Rogers)) Entertainment of High Art quality Christopher Wheeldon and Lar Lubovitch are two creators that, for me, are quite interesting when they work in this area. Edited December 30, 2022 by Buddy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amelia Posted December 30, 2022 Share Posted December 30, 2022 Several recordings of Ludmilla Belousova and Oleg Protopopov in 1960s when they became Olympic champions twice. It wasn't so much WHAT they did but HOW they were doing this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d61t0KQFa_ghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55RKCoVWuDYhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=me4FlewMtaIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1jZ4qWF-00https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tKNnbUJh4s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy Posted January 1, 2023 Author Share Posted January 1, 2023 On 30/12/2022 at 15:58, Amelia said: Several recordings of Ludmilla Belousova and Oleg Protopopov in 1960s when they became Olympic champions twice. It wasn't so much WHAT they did but HOW they were doing this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d61t0KQFa_ghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55RKCoVWuDYhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=me4FlewMtaIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1jZ4qWF-00https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tKNnbUJh4s Thanks, Amelia (and Beryl). They were indeed beautiful and amazing skaters. I’m off to try it myself tomorrow. What I lack in style I make up for in drama. 😊 Happy New Year ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnePigeon Posted January 17, 2023 Share Posted January 17, 2023 Fred Astaire did have ballet training as a child along with his sister Adele, which shows in his ability, strength and technique. They merged ballet, ballroom and tap and started out in vaudeville before becoming top Broadway and West End performers, hugely influencing the style and quality of Broadway dancing in the years to come. You can trace the lineage of 20th ‘lyrical’ dance from what Astaire was doing in the 1920s, influencing the likes of Balanchine and Robbins in the ballet world and Jack Cole, Gene Kelly, Bob Fosse, Michael Kidd, Mat Mattox etc in the Broadway/jazz dance world. I would also add Agnes de Mille and her ballet based choreography for Oklahoma and Carousel to the mix of the evolution of lyrical dance. I think one of Astaire’s most lyrical dances would be with Cyd Charisse in the beautiful Dancing in the Dark number from the Band Wagon. Charisse was a ballet dancer who I would consider one of the finest exponents of lyrical dance, using her grace and ballet technique, but not dancing en pointe and in a more Broadway based style. Jack Cole is definitely another hugely influential dancer and choreographer to consider in the development of lyrical dance. I think the golden age of Hollywood and Broadway is definitely where lyrical dance blossomed and there are so many dancers I could mention from this era. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted January 17, 2023 Share Posted January 17, 2023 Hello OnePigeon and welcome to the Forum! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy Posted January 18, 2023 Author Share Posted January 18, 2023 On 17/01/2023 at 09:41, OnePigeon said: Fred Astaire did have ballet training as a child along with his sister Adele, which shows in his ability, strength and technique. They merged ballet, ballroom and tap and started out in vaudeville before becoming top Broadway and West End performers, hugely influencing the style and quality of Broadway dancing in the years to come. You can trace the lineage of 20th ‘lyrical’ dance from what Astaire was doing in the 1920s, influencing the likes of Balanchine and Robbins in the ballet world and Jack Cole, Gene Kelly, Bob Fosse, Michael Kidd, Mat Mattox etc in the Broadway/jazz dance world. I would also add Agnes de Mille and her ballet based choreography for Oklahoma and Carousel to the mix of the evolution of lyrical dance. I think one of Astaire’s most lyrical dances would be with Cyd Charisse in the beautiful Dancing in the Dark number from the Band Wagon. Charisse was a ballet dancer who I would consider one of the finest exponents of lyrical dance, using her grace and ballet technique, but not dancing en pointe and in a more Broadway based style. Jack Cole is definitely another hugely influential dancer and choreographer to consider in the development of lyrical dance. I think the golden age of Hollywood and Broadway is definitely where lyrical dance blossomed and there are so many dancers I could mention from this era. Thank you very much, OnePigeon, for all these references and added ideas. Dancing in the Dark with Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse, 1953, would indeed be another ‘Lyrical’ classic. What interests me very much here is the way that Cyd Charisse mirrors Fred Astaire in style, ability and appearance. She gives you a glimpse into what a female Fred Astaire might be like, although it would be hard for anyone to actually match him in overall quality. Of all the ballet-like characteristics that Cyd Charisse possesses, it’s her statuesque beauty that I notice the most. You also mentioned Fred Astaire’s influence on George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. Would you have any particular works in mind ? I’ve mentioned the remarkably charming Der Rosenkavalier from George Balanchine’s Vienna Waltzes as a possibility. Thanks also for mentioning Agnes de Mille. Her artistic approach is something that I’d want to look at more carefully. This is my current idea of what ‘Lyrical’ might resemble. Lar Lubovitch "The Legend of Ten" Studio Showing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gk-6cmpoMs If you want to have some fun, maybe this. Twyla Tharp's "Waiting at the Station" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgDkxoJCVd0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnePigeon Posted January 18, 2023 Share Posted January 18, 2023 5 hours ago, Buddy said: Thank you very much, OnePigeon, for all these references and added ideas. Dancing in the Dark with Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse, 1953, would indeed be another ‘Lyrical’ classic. What interests me very much here is the way that Cyd Charisse mirrors Fred Astaire in style, ability and appearance. She gives you a glimpse into what a female Fred Astaire might be like, although it would be hard for anyone to actually match him in overall quality. Of all the ballet-like characteristics that Cyd Charisse possesses, it’s her statuesque beauty that I notice the most. You also mentioned Fred Astaire’s influence on George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. Would you have any particular works in mind ? I’ve mentioned the remarkably charming Der Rosenkavalier from George Balanchine’s Vienna Waltzes as a possibility. Thanks also for mentioning Agnes de Mille. Her artistic approach is something that I’d want to look at more carefully. This is my current idea of what ‘Lyrical’ might resemble. Lar Lubovitch "The Legend of Ten" Studio Showing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gk-6cmpoMs If you want to have some fun, maybe this. Twyla Tharp's "Waiting at the Station" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgDkxoJCVd0 I would say that the Astaire influenced Balanchine ballet that first springs to mind is his Gershwin ballet, Who Cares? The music obviously conjures up the 1920s and 30s and both Balanchine and Astaire were friends of Gershwin. My personal favourite interpretation that I’ve seen is the Baryshnikov version. Unfortunately it seems there was no recording of the original which was danced by Jacques D’amboise. I would also say that Balanchine’s choreography for the film of On Your Toes probably has some Astaire influence in evidence, though I’ve never been able to see the entire film. I’m no expert on Robbins sadly, but I know he choreographed a tribute ballet to Astaire called I’m Old Fashioned, though I’ve never seen it. I would say that Fancy Free definitely shows a huge musical comedy/ Broadway/ Hollywood influence and therefore Astaire. It paved the way for Bernstein’s musical On the Town where the premise of the three sailors on shore leave was expanded into the show which became the Gene Kelly hit film. I think Astaire influenced and inspired so many dancers, although I don’t necessarily think his influence is always apparent in their dancing styles or choreography. For example Nureyev and Baryshnikov both spoke reverently about him and I remember Lynn Seymour writing that she and MacMillan and dancers of that generation grew up watching Astaire and all those old musical films. interestingly, I came across this photo recently. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy Posted January 19, 2023 Author Share Posted January 19, 2023 (edited) 19 hours ago, OnePigeon said: I would say that the Astaire influenced Balanchine ballet that first springs to mind is his Gershwin ballet, Who Cares? The music obviously conjures up the 1920s and 30s and both Balanchine and Astaire were friends of Gershwin. My personal favourite interpretation that I’ve seen is the Baryshnikov version. Unfortunately it seems there was no recording of the original which was danced by Jacques D’amboise. I would also say that Balanchine’s choreography for the film of On Your Toes probably has some Astaire influence in evidence, though I’ve never been able to see the entire film. I’m no expert on Robbins sadly, but I know he choreographed a tribute ballet to Astaire called I’m Old Fashioned, though I’ve never seen it. I would say that Fancy Free definitely shows a huge musical comedy/ Broadway/ Hollywood influence and therefore Astaire. It paved the way for Bernstein’s musical On the Town where the premise of the three sailors on shore leave was expanded into the show which became the Gene Kelly hit film. I think Astaire influenced and inspired so many dancers, although I don’t necessarily think his influence is always apparent in their dancing styles or choreography. For example Nureyev and Baryshnikov both spoke reverently about him and I remember Lynn Seymour writing that she and MacMillan and dancers of that generation grew up watching Astaire and all those old musical films. interestingly, I came across this photo recently. Thank you very much, once again, OnePigeon. I think that if there’s any doubt that George Balanchine was a genius, “Who Cares?” alone would prove that he was. In one performance, Sean Lavery, the male performer in all the duets, has a remarkable resemblance to Fred Astaire in his dancing. The three women, as is usual I guess with George Balanchine, have the most prominent presentations. They could be seen as a highly crafted combination of Ginger Rogers, Cyd Charisse and perhaps others. Sean Lavery, as Fred Astaire, is dressed in black, which fades him into the background, and lets the women dominate. Yet, regarding him carefully, in an almost concealed but brilliant manner, he has all the presence, charism, appearance and dominating qualities of Fred Astaire. The interaction of Sean Lavery-Fred Astaire and the three women is Remarkable ! OnePigeon, I’ve posted several of your quotes below, followed by some more information. My mention of Der Rosenkavalier from George Balanchine’s Vienna Waltzes, as possibly being Astaire influenced, would be a much more subtle matter and is probably much more open to debate. The photo that you posted is a pleasure to see and worth a thousand words. Do you know the occasion ? Also, could I ask you what current works, individuals, elements, etc. might represent “lyrical” for you ? “I would say that the Astaire influenced Balanchine ballet that first springs to mind is his Gershwin ballet, Who Cares?” In addition to what I wrote above, this work has additional interest in that it’s the first reference that I’ve read that mentions “tap dance” and ballet together in regard to our discussion. “On Who Cares?, original cast member Karin von Aroldingen described, "You think it's so unlike Balanchine, it's so jazzy. One would think he'd just make a jazz ballet out of it, like everyone else, a dance like Broadway, but he put it on pointe – it's sort of like a tap dance on pointe.”[1]” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_Cares%3F_(ballet) A quick glimpse -- "Who Cares?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21WSmo-wmFg “I would also say that Balanchine’s choreography for the film of On Your Toes probably has some Astaire influence in evidence, though I’ve never been able to see the entire film.” “On Your Toes originally was conceived as a film, and as a vehicle for Fred Astaire. His refusal of the part, because he thought that the role clashed with his debonair image developed in his contemporary films, caused it to be presented initially as a stage production. [4]” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_Your_Toes “I’m no expert on Robbins sadly, but I know he choreographed a tribute ballet to Astaire called I’m Old Fashioned….” “I’m Old Fashioned (The Astaire Variations)….” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I'm_Old_Fashioned_(ballet) Edited January 19, 2023 by Buddy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy Posted January 20, 2023 Author Share Posted January 20, 2023 “Who Cares?” ( I Do 😊 ) I’d like to clarify somewhat the things that I wrote so enthusiastically about “Who Cares?” and George Balanchine & Sean Lavery in particular. What I was glued to at the time was the brilliant, opening duet to “The Man I Love" danced by Sean Lavery and Patricia McBride. All my enthusiasm remains the same and descriptively unchanged for this particular six minutes, Not having watched the group dancing completely and the duets-solos several times, this segment could be the key one, but I’m not familiar enough with the entirety to be certain. This duet, for me, remains the center of all that I wrote. I think that this six minutes is absolutely brilliant, perhaps genius, for the reasons that I suggested. The entire work seems exceptional as well, but for different reasons. What once again makes it so special is the way that Sean Lavery ‘becomes’ Fred Astaire. In his other duets and solo, there is excellence, but the Astaire characterisation is much less evident. It might be that George Balanchine wanted to make this the unmistakeable opening statement (and tribute) and then move on. The Patricia McBride dancer is much harder to pin down. She’s an idealised Hollywood goddess, who contrasts beautifully with Sean Lavery’s Fred Astaire, and I do see some charming elements of Ginger Rogers trying to emerge from this perfection, but overall she’s a Balanchine dance goddess. I do feel that “The Man I Love" duet is going to be another of my ballet favourites and does highlight the genius of George Balanchine. I also have to say that Sean Lavery’s interpretation is brilliant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnePigeon Posted January 20, 2023 Share Posted January 20, 2023 Here is a good comparison of the Liza variations from Who Cares? Sean Lavery is first, followed by Baryshnikov. I love Baryshnikov’s musicality and how he’s really dancing to the music and filling out each bar, rather than just performing his choreographed steps, as I feel some of the later dancers are doing. I love the little Fred Astaire tap moment with the tie adjustment. I would also point you in the direction of Viviana Durante’s interpretation of The Man I Love, if you haven’t already seen it - it’s just beautiful. It’s a shame Astaire didn’t want to work on On Your Toes - perhaps we would have got a Balanchine and Astaire collaboration. Imagine that! I was fortunate enough to see Adam Cooper, Sarah Wildor and Irek Mukhamadov perform it in London many years ago, though it was Cooper’s choreography, not Balanchine’s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnePigeon Posted January 20, 2023 Share Posted January 20, 2023 With regards to the photo of Astaire with Fonteyn and Nureyev, I just came across this video. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy Posted January 20, 2023 Author Share Posted January 20, 2023 12 hours ago, OnePigeon said: Here is a good comparison of the Liza variations from Who Cares? Sean Lavery is first, followed by Baryshnikov. I love Baryshnikov’s musicality and how he’s really dancing to the music and filling out each bar, rather than just performing his choreographed steps, as I feel some of the later dancers are doing. I love the little Fred Astaire tap moment with the tie adjustment. I would also point you in the direction of Viviana Durante’s interpretation of The Man I Love, if you haven’t already seen it - it’s just beautiful. It’s a shame Astaire didn’t want to work on On Your Toes - perhaps we would have got a Balanchine and Astaire collaboration. Imagine that! I was fortunate enough to see Adam Cooper, Sarah Wildor and Irek Mukhamadov perform it in London many years ago, though it was Cooper’s choreography, not Balanchine’s. Thanks again so much, OnePigeon. I was just about to post this when your post appeared. I'll look at your's as soon as possible. I’ve been watching parts of George Balanchine’s “Who Cares?”, mainly focussing on the Sean Lavery-Patricia McBride duet, which has the strongest literal resemblance to Fred Astaire. I’ve now watched the entire work and I think that it’s Brilliant (probably Genius) and Delightful ! ‘High Art’ meets Entertainment at its best. To the extent that Fred Astaire influenced the entire Broadway-Hollywood world of musicals (as suggested by OnePigeon), his influence on George Balanchine is probably present throughout. As for a literal Astaire resemblance, this can be seen most in the Sean Lavery-Patricia McBride duet, the opening duet, in the presence of Sean Lavery. From then on elements of Fred Astaire’s dance style remain very noticeable in Sean Lavery’s performance, but tend to build into a brilliant George Balanchine representation of the entire Broadway-Hollywood musical scene. By the way, facially in the duet, Patricia McBride reminds me most of Judy Garland. Once again.... 'Lyrical' Swan Lake Meets Fred Astaire 😊 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy Posted January 21, 2023 Author Share Posted January 21, 2023 (edited) On 20/01/2023 at 11:51, OnePigeon said: I would also point you in the direction of Viviana Durante’s interpretation of The Man I Love, if you haven’t already seen it - it’s just beautiful. And thanks again, OnePigeon. You have made some fine comments. For the moment, I’d like to respond to just one. I do indeed find the Viviana Durante interpretation of “The Man I Love” to be “beautiful.” I’d also like to say that I’m still entranced by the Sean Lavery - Patricia McBride interpretation, so can I offer this ? George Balanchine - Sean Lavery - Patricia McBride - “The Man I Love” I continue to watch this six minute duet from George Balanchine’s “Who Cares?” (now newly renamed (by me, by whom?) “Who Cares? I Do”) and am more and more drawn to it. I once started an entire topic on the Act II Divertissement Duet from George Balanchine’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” featuring Allegra Kent and Jacques d'Amboise. Being based on a work by William Shakespeare it seemed entitled to an in-depth analysis and the brilliant interpretation by Balachine-Kent-d’Amboise made it even more so. Balanchine-Lavery-McBride-“The Man I Love” might be just as fine, but perhaps analysing it too deeply is not the key. For me, it’s a remarkable work of dance-musical-poetry that’s perhaps best appreciated by just being enjoyed. It’s brilliant, it’s charming, it’s lovely — so maybe just sit back and feel good inside. I’m now going to watch it once more and probably will have to say something anyway. See you again in a few minutes. Hi, I’m back ! And, shucks, there’s just too much great stuff happening here to resist. I think that there’s an Eric Taub effect at work here as well. (Also, I’m not posting the video, as much as I’d love to, because I prefer to only post ‘officially’ released material, but it can easily be found on the internet) The key word is — Poetry. This work and performance are just that. There’s a wonderful balance between human attraction and poetic distancing. Sean Lavery not only recreates Fred Astaire literally, but adds a poetic dimension that’s almost enchanting. He’s drawn to his partner, embellishes her and then with the use of self-sculpture and motion perhaps transcends, taking us with him. Patricia McBride, who I read was probably in her early forties is poetically mature to the embraceable limits. I believe in artistic maturity. She’s also affectionately drawn to her partner and deeply loveable while creating herself as an idealised goddess. I could go on and on, and maybe will somewhere. In any case, I would really recommend finding and enjoying. ‘Lyrical’ — I believe that this work and performance are indeed related. Edited January 21, 2023 by Buddy typo correction Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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