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Presenter: Stuttgart Ballet

Venue: National Centre for the Performing Arts – Opera House
Dates: October 13, 2009    19:30
Price:  VIP    600    500    300    200    120 RMB

Programme Introduction

More from Stuttgart Ballet “The Taming of the Shrew”

The collection gathers seven superb ballet programs created by four internationally renowned choreographers, displaying the unique and avant-garde style of German ballet. Magnificent stage designs along with novel artistic expression will be refreshing to the spectators. While being pleasantly surprised by the ballet’s unexpected expressions, the Chinese dance fans will then broaden their views in art.

Programs
John Cranko’s Works
Brouillards
Aus Holbergs Zeit – Pas de Deux
Legende
Jeu de Cartes

Bridget Breiner’s Work
Sirs

Christian Spuck’s Work
Le Grand Pas de Deux

Ben van Cauwenbergh’s Work
Les Bourgeois

The Stuttgart Ballet
Ballet in Stuttgart has a rich history whose origins go back to the 17th-century court of Württemberg. It had its first golden age in the 18th century, when the great dance reformer Jean-Georges Noverre exerted his influence here from 1759 to 1766.

In 1961, choreographer John Cranko (1927-1973) was appointed ballet director, and a new era in the history of the Stuttgart Ballet began. With three legendary new works he renewed the genre of the full-length narrative ballet: Romeo and Juliet (1959, new version 1962), Onegin (1965, new version 1967) and The Taming of the Shrew (1969). Up to the present day, dancers worldwide list a leading role in one of these ballets amongst their dream roles. During the Stuttgart Ballet’s first tour to the United States in 1969 American critics coined the term “Stuttgart ballet miracle”.

The Stuttgart Ballet has remained at the forefront of international dance for more than 40 years now. From 1976 to 1996 Marcia Haydée directed the company. Canadian born Reid Anderson, formerly a Cranko soloist and director of the National Ballet of Canada from 1989 to 1996, is continuing the company’s success in the role of artistic director since 1996 with programming which provides creative opportunities for younger choreographers whilst cultivating the Cranko heritage.

John Cranko
John Cranko was born on August 15, 1927 in Rustenburg, South Africa. He received his dance education mainly at the University of Cape Town, where he also choreographed his first ballet to Stravinsky’s Suite from The Soldier’s Tale.

The breakthrough for Cranko came in December 1962, one year after being appointed ballet director of the Stuttgrt Ballet, with the world premiere of Romeo and Juliet, which was highly praised by critics and audience alike. In Stuttgart Cranko created many small choreographic jewels such as Jeu de cartes and Opus I, as well as his symphonic ballet Initials R.B.M.E., but it was with his dramatic story ballets such as Onegin, The Taming of the Shrew, Carmen, Poéme de l’Extase and Traces that Cranko secured his place in the pantheon of great choreographers. In addition, he encouraged young dancers in his company – including Jiri Kylian and John Neumeier – to try their hand at choreography.

Cranko’s gift for nuanced story-telling, clear dramatic structure and his exquisite mastery of the art of the pas de deux conquered New York audiences during a triumphant season at the Metropolitan Opera in 1969. World wide acclaim soon followed, as Cranko and his young company toured the globe.

(Source: ebeijing.gov.cn)