Everyone knows how classical ballet inspired by Tchaikovsky’s mythical universe Swan Lake can be boring. But, if it is the contemporary version, an extraordinary vision and exceptionally done, this can be an ultimate modern version of a classical ballet, with right images and associations automatically coming to a mind. A lake, the moonlight, little swans, the prince and white and the black swan and temptations of the black swan, the evil wizard. There were many traditional versions and modern interpretations of Swan Lake, also there were parodies, and if you like Tchaikovsky music and some aspects of Swan Lake this is definitely for you.
This is one of the latest swan lake versions of dance productions I really enjoyed. It is a newest dance called “The Swan Lakes” in a production of Eric Gauthier’s Stutgartt Dance Company Theaterhaus, with 25 min interpretations of the world’s celebrated choreographers Marie Chouinard, Marco Goecke, Hofesh Schchter and Spanish Cayetano Soto.
First choreography “Swansong: The Lake” by Marie Chouinard is an avant garde, female choreographer, always searching for what she calls “the mystery – the invisible”. According to Marie in choreography she is searching for “primordial energy of alive in bodies”. By now, she has created pieces such as “Les 24 Préludes de Chopin”, the controversial “Après-midi d’un Faune” with its all-women cast or “bODY_rEMIX / les_vARIATIONS_gOLDBERG, Act 1” etc…
In Hofesh Shechter’s version of Swan Lake at “Swan Cake” nothing is pure but in fact, dark undercurrent bubble, done by those who have no home, no place, no choice in the cracks of our own perception of beauty, in a bubble and a communal collusion and acceptance of the values. In choreography done by Hofesh Shechter dark, visceral, vibrant universe is positively having a political relevance.
The new 25 min work “Untitled for 7 Dancers” by phenomenal Spanish choreographer Cayetano Soto for the Gauthier’s “Swan Lake” presents the moment of transformation from man to animal, from woman to swan with kind of visible effects. The connecting element between humans and animals is the instinct. It is universal, cultural and inherent to all. Soto’s trademarks are the unusual ideas and the eccentric sensitivity. Soto is attracted to ideas who do not fit into usual concepts. His “Swan Lake” is exciting with original music commissioned by composer Peter Gregson.
And the last 25 min Swan Lake choreography “Shara Nur” commissioned by Stutgartt’s Eric Gauthier Dance Company is created by choreographer Marco Goecke, on music by Bjork. As a child he had a record of the fairy tale, and often used music of his fav music. With a group of dancers, he explores “what the ballet dream of Swan Lake might look like today”. His all-male cast dancer choice is contrasts with the romantic tradition that had female connotations for the swan. Goecke explores older myths in which the swan, as many European languages suggest cygne, cigno, cisne, lebed, and represents a male being. As a fan of Bjork he decided to use music that he likes.
Stuttgart’s Eric Gauthier Dance Company Theaterhaus production “Swan Lakes” definitely wins it all, brought to attention by Belgrade Dance Festival www.belgradedancefestival.com