Let’s look at cupped hands for modern dancing, and why we use them in this genre of dancing. “The cupped hand is a reflection of the torso,” says Blakeley White-McGuire, principal dancer with Martha Graham Dance Company. “When I’m working with the movement as a deepening of the center, that reflects in the hand.” There … Read more
The Coppelia Ballet story has changed over the years and was first performed in the Paris Opera on the 25th of May 1870. This ballet comes out of the Romantic Ballet Era. The choreography was done by Arthur St Leon (1821 – 1870). The exquisite music was composed by French composer Léo Delibes. The first Swanhilda … Read more
Dark Elegies is a ballet in two scenes. Tudor did the Libretto and the choreography and the music was composed by Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) to Cycle Kindertotenlieder (“Songs on the Death of Children”). Nadia Benoit did the scenery and costumes. The first Performance Cast to do this ballet were Peggy van Praagh, Maude Lloyd, Antony … Read more
Jardin Aux Lilas (The Lilac Garden) is a one-act ballet that was choreographed by Anthony Tudor. The music was done by Chausson and the scenery and costumes by Hugh Stevenson. It was choreographed to a composition by Ernest Chausson entitled Poème, Op. 25 written in 1896. The Ballet Jardin Aux Lilas was first performed by Ballet Rambert at the … Read more
You are probably wondering who Antony Tudor is, and why is there an article about him on this website for dancers. He was a major creative figure who exerted decisive influence on both sides of the Atlantic when it came to his choreographic skills, but sadly, very few of his ballets are still staged today. … Read more
Five Brahms Waltzes is probably a ballet that you have never heard of. Five Brahms Waltzes in the Manner of Isadora Duncan. This piece was choreographed by Frederick Ashton and the music was by Brahms. The Waltzes used were Op. 39, Nos. 1, 2, 8, 10, 12, and 15 with the first one played as … Read more
Gary Burne, the famous male ballet dancer was born Algernon De Blois Hayes-Hill in 1932. Born in Rhodesia, now known as Zimbabwe, the famous male ballet dancer’s journey began at an early age, thanks to his grandmother. It was she who ignited the flame of passion within him, clandestinely whisking him away to Elaine Archibald’s … Read more
Once upon a time, in the enchanting world of ballet, there lived a remarkable ballerina named Gelsey Kirkland. Her story is as inspiring as it is extraordinary, capturing the hearts of dance lovers everywhere. This article may have affiliate links, which means if you purchase anything, I will get a small commission at no extra … Read more
Let’s take a look at the Enigma Variations Ballet, which some of you have probably never heard of, but this is one of Ashton’s most original and moving ballets and it is definitely worth an article on this website. Enigma Variations Choreography: Sir Frederick Ashton Music: Sir Edward Elgar Decor: Julia Trevelyan Oman The Enigma Variations … Read more
Ever since she began her dancing career, Phyllis Spira has been compared to legendary ballerinas such as Alicia Markova and Margot Fonteyn. It is said that she had the qualities of both these great dancers, but she still remains uniquely and totally herself. Phyllis Spira danced with such impeccable style, grace, and strength that she … Read more