What makes Concerto Barocco a
masterpiece?
A masterpiece, in my view, is a timeless work that stands on it's
own in any context. Concerto Barocco is the perfect
marriage of music and movement which Balanchine skillfully executes
in this work, a consummate example of excellence. Barocco was
originally created to serve as an exercise for students, and since
became the masterpiece it is today, and a signature piece of NYCB's
repertoire.
How have rehearsals been at Boston Ballet?
Working on Barocco with Boston Ballet provides the dancers
with an amazing education. Once the material is taught, my goal has
been to simply get the steps into their bodies, and then begin to
emphasize and perfect the aesthetics of Balanchine's choreography.
One of the challenges of this work is the sheer stamina, and
attention to musicality which is essential to all Balanchine
works.
How is staging different or similar to your experiences
dancing?
The difference between dancing in and staging a work is vast. As a
dancer, your primary focus is to prepare your role in the ballet.
As a stager, every role is your responsibility. Not just teaching
the correct steps, but communicating the intent and integrity of
the work and bringing all these elements together for the
stage.
Through this process, I am continually amazed at the insights I
discover into Balanchine's choreography. I continue to learn more
about the structure, connections to the musical score, and how
brilliant his ballets are each time I have the privilege to work on
them.
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