5 - Marius Petipa’s Grand Pas de Deux Electrique from Bluebeard
I’m not sure if the reason I like Bluebeard is because it’s a classical ballet that I haven’t seen so many times over the years with multiple casts (so I haven’t gotten tired of it like most classical ballets), or because the only video of the ballet stars one of my current favorite male ballet dancers - Semyon Chudin. Whether it’s the gorgeous production value, the melodic music by Petoir Schenk, or the technically pleasing reconstructed Petipa choreography, it all blends into a ballet video I enjoy watching over and over again.
4 - William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated
I’ve always been vocal over my disdain of windy, twisty, continuous movement for the sake of moving. I need story, character, emotion, or at the very least motivation or intent. Because most contemporary ballets are void of those important choreographic tools, they usually don’t appeal to me. When it comes to more recent ballets in the grand scheme of time, I prefer to watch videos of the original cast. So, I enjoy watching the original Paris Opera Ballet cast of In the Middle (my favorite Forsythe ballet), and tend to lose interest with any other company or cast. But what an original cast!
3 - George Balanchine’s Serenade
Intelligently combining the classical with the unconventional. It’s successful at being both elegant and only slightly seductive, while showcasing technique that is controlled yet free. It’s a kaleidoscope of formations and movement that is somewhat academic but purely artistic.
2 - Vaslav Nijinki’s Right of Spring
A true rebellion against classical ballet that is turned-in, twisted and contorted, while still being beautiful. Audiences found it to be so disturbing when it debuted that they rioted. I hope to create something someday that will cause a similar reaction.
1 - Boris Eifman’s Firebird
An explosion of creativity unlike anything I’ve seen before, moving bodies in ways I didn’t think possible, but at the same time makes complete sense. This is another ballet that inspires me to push myself as a choreographer.
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