In Russia, there is a great respect for the heritage of ballet; it is imprinted on the cultural DNA. The Bolshoi Ballet is considered the world’s preeminent ballet company, and across Russia similar companies take their role religiously. In December I was in St Petersburg where we hosted icon’s ballet edition. Seeing the inner workings of a ballet company and being backstage was such an eye opening experience. We were fortunate enough to be in on a rehearsal as the Mikhailovsky Theatre’s new Artistic Director Nacho Duato was choreographing his first dance. This was no ordinary rehearsal, and Duato’s appointment is no ordinary promotion. The Spaniard is the first foreigner to lead a major dance company in Russia since Frenchman Marius Petipa over a century ago.
Politics are integral part of this seemingly serene, artistic world. There are national companies that are competing to get the best dancers and directors. And the pressure to deliver a style of ballet that will fill up the theatres is fostering the great debate over the merits of contemporary ballet versus those of the classics. Swan Lake, the Nutcracker, La Sylphide are just a few examples of what usually sells. However, there are artistic directors out there who feel the art of ballet is a living, breathing thing - something that needs to evolve. Duato is an avid supporter of contemporary ballet, so much so that he’s made it his life’s quest to overcome the reluctance to move beyond the classics. With the Mikhailovsky, he told me, he’s found a good balance. He said, “nowadays you can’t have a relevant company that doesn’t do modern and classical at the same time… It really is a pleasure to be in a place where ballet is part of the cultural tradition for so long, and at the same time they want to break through and do new things.”
When I watch a ballerina move, I covet her grace but perhaps more than anything, I am in awe of her strength. Every move has purpose and direction. Every muscle is alert and ready to perform. What looks like light steps and twirls, is actually a body that is perhaps in more control than a boxer ready to take his next punch. Ironically, some boxers look to ballet as part of their training, especially when it comes to moving their feet. A dancer onstage is the result of years of discipline and passion for perfection. Ballet is smooth and strong, pristine and powerful, romantic and riveting. Back when I was eight years old my mother did not force me into this illusory fantasy world that has enthralled audiences for centuries, today, despite what I learned about the physically brutal side of it. I wish she had. Such is the allure of the perfect pirouette.
[CNN Logo] Monita Rajpal hosts the arts and culture programme ‘icon’ each month on CNN International. It airs on Thursday 28 October at 1130 GMT. For full airtimes, visit www.cnn.com/icon
