A French soiree presents two totally different dance works – naturally with a good dose of French elegance. Carolyn Carlson’s Pneuma is sophisticated and philosophical, an ode to humanity. Serge Lifar’s Suite en Blanc radiates the style and glamour of pure classical ballet.
Though neither choreographer is French by birth, their work exudes a quintessentially French attitude. Each luxurious performance is flawless in its elegance. Très chic!
Recommended for children over the age of 9.
Pneuma is a luminous, poetic and symbolic work layered with dreamlike imagery. The dancers wear black and white and their movements are as clear and natural as breathing. The performance is about the duality of the human condition, the way it comprises of the body and the soul, the material and the mental. Pneuma is an ode to humanity, simultaneously poetic and passionate.
The French have described choreographer Carolyn Carlson as ‘un monument de la danse contemporaine’ – a monument of contemporary dance. With a career spanning over 50 years, during which she has created over 100 choreographies, this is a very apt description of the contemporary dance legend, even if it contradicts with her vivacious and lively personality.
Carlson’s works are inspired by her own lyrical vision of dance being closely connected to philosophy and spirituality. Pneuma is based on an essay by philosopher Gaston Bachelard in praise of the human nature, L’Air et les Songes (Air and dreams) from 1943. The beautiful music is by Gavin Bryars, a composer who started his career as a jazz musician. His work includes, for instance, four operas, string quartets and several concertos.
The choreographer, who has been awarded the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale, has had her work in the repertoire of the Finnish National Ballet before. Most recently, in 2016, If Leave is to Remember touched both the audience and the critics.
– Carolyn Carlson
Suite en blanc focuses on highlighting its dancers’ virtuoso technique and style. Its ballerinas in white tulle skirts epitomise French chic. The costumes also include sparkling earrings, red lips and chignons adorned with white flowers. Even without a plot, the performance is full of drama. Out of its many solo numbers, the most famous is unquestionably La Cigarette, in which a 1940s femme fatale performs a series of hypnotic pirouettes and seductive balancing moves.
Suite en blanc, which had its world premiere in Paris in 1943, was named after the white costumes of its dancers. According to choreographer Serge Lifar, it represents neoclassical ballet style, a more modern take on classical ballet made famous by George Balanchine.
Suite en blanc had a glowing reception, and it remains in the repertoire of Paris Opera Ballet and many other notable ballet companies. Its solo numbers are often performed in international ballet competitions.
Suite en blanc was first seen at the Finnish National Ballet in 1960 when the choreographer himself came to Helsinki for the rehearsals. The ballet became an instant hit, with approximately 60 performances over nearly a decade in Helsinki and on foreign tours in Spain, South America and elsewhere.
Pictured: the choreographer and soloists pose in the premiere at the Finnish National Ballet in 1960.
– Serge Lifar
Suite en blanc is presented by arrangement with Foundation Serge Lifar.
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