Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

              Today I’d like to talk about Tchaikovsky.  He was one of famous composers in the world.  He composed the music of “Swan Lake”, “Sleeping Beauty”, and “Nutcracker”.  These ballet were called “three major ballet”.  I think you know these ballet and you have ever listened to the music.  Then, I start to explain about Tchaikovsky.

              Tchaikovsky was born in Russia.  He composed various kind of music, for example, symphony, piano concerto, and ballet music.  When he was 37 years old, he composed the first ballet music, “Swan Lake”.  Unfortunately, reputation was not good.  However, after his death, “Swan Lake” became famous by revised choreography of Petipa who was choreographer in Russia.   He could express music with his characteristic.  In addition, his music is as beautiful as dancer.  That is why many people are fascinated by his music even now.  If you have never listened to his music, I want you to listen to his music!

Toe Shoes

              Today, I explain about toe shoes.  Most female classical ballet dancer wear toe shoes when they dance.  By wearing toe shoes and dancing, women seem to move lightly and fantastically.  However, toe shoes are very hard, so dancing with wearing toe shoes is difficult.  We have to take standard lessons for several years to stand on tiptoe with toe shoes because our bone might transform.  In addition, toe shoes have many kinds.  Hardness and width are different.  That is why dancers have to choose one that fit them.  They have difficulty finding toe shoes with a perfect fit, so they customize their toe shoes.

              For children who learn ballet, wearing toe shoes is admiration but ballet dancers have difficulty, for example, pains and maintenance of their toe shoes.  Now toe shoes are symbol of ballet and toe shoes give off female ballet dancers’ beauty.

Don Quixote

              I introduce “Don Quixote”.  I explained the story of act1, so I explain whole story this time.  However, I explained about act1 before, so I explain from act2.  Act2 begin in a bar.  Kitri and Basilio run away and Don Quixote keeps up with them.  Then Kitri’s father comes and Basilio tries to commit a suicide.  Don Quixote see that and he asks Kitri’s father to allow that Kitri goes out with Basilio.  And then Don Quixote continues traveling and he goes to camping of the Gypsy.  He runs toward windmill which he thought evil and he loses mind.  Then, in his dream he watch that princess Dulcinea, Queen of Forest, and Cupid dance.  After that Kitri and Basilio get married and Don Quixote starts traveling again.

              The scene I recommend to watch is in the forest.  It is very beautiful.  This story is in Spain, so it is passionate and Cheerful.  When I watch this ballet, I get energetic.  Why don’t you watch this ballet when you feel down?

Romeo and Juliet

 I introduce "Romeo and Juliet".  This story was written by Shakespeare, so this is very famous and you know this story.  As you know, this story is that Romeo and Juliet fall in love each other but their families fight each other.  That is why their association is strongly opposed.  Then they decide to run away from their family but this plan doesn't go well and they die.  Because of this the two families reconcile.

       This story is not happy ending but this is very moving story.  I think this story shows that love changes people’s mind.  In the end, Romeo and Juliet die but their families make up, and they are bound together in the next world and they become happy.  Most wonderful scene is that they dance in balcony and last scene.  This work is staged in some genre like opera or musical but I recommend to watch this work of ballet.

The Flames of Paris

       

I introduce "The Flames of Paris".  This story is France under the Louis ⅩⅣ reign.  Main characters are Jerome and Jeanne who are brother and sister.  At first, Jeanne falls in love with Philip who is a voluntary soilder.  Then nobles who is a devil of fellow come and Jeanne is tried to pick up by them, but her brother, Jerome help her.  However, because of his help, he is imprisoned.  Fortunately, Adeline who knows everything free him.  Then Jerome and Jeanne join voluntary army because they cannot stay.  After that, voluntary army go to La Bastille prison and attack the prison.  This revolution is success though there are much sacrifice.  Jeanne and Philip marry and people start a new life.

Pas de deux which is dance at success of revolution is very cool.  This pas de deux is often staged at gala concert, so I also recommend to watch only pas de deux.

Grand Pas Classique

      This ballet is not story.  Choreographer who is from Russia choose four pieces from "Marco Spada" and choreographed as pas de deux newly.  "Marco Spada" is one of stories of opera.    This ballet is often staged at ballet concert.  Moreover variations of this ballet are chosen as set piece of ballet contest.
       I explane about "pas de deux".  "pas de deux" is danced by man and woman. First, man and woman dance together.  This is called "Adage".  Second, man dances only.  This is called "variation". Third, woman dances only.  This is also called "variation ". Finally, man and woman dance together again.  This is called "Coda".
       I like variation of woman of this ballet especially because it is difficult to dance this ballet but choreography is very beautiful.  This is not so famouse but I recommend to watch this ballet!

The Firebird

     I introduce "The Firebird".  This is based on a Russian folktale.  The firebird tries to pluck golden apples from the magic tree in the enchanted garden of the Immortal Kostchei.  Then, Ivan Tsarevich who pursued firebird appears and seizes her.  She gives him her feather and she flies off.  Theirteen maidens who are bound by Kostchei's spell come out from Kostchei's castle.  Tsarevna who is one of maidens and Ivan fall in love.  When it is dawn, maidens must return to the castle.  Then, the crowd of weird figures rush from the castle and they seize Ivan.  Kostchei tries to turn him to stone but he waves feather which got from firebird.  Then, firebird reappears and she let Kostchei and the crowd of weird figures sleep.  She tells Ivan that there is a big egg which contains Kostchei's soul.  Ivan throw it to the ground and Kostchei dies and his spell is broken.  The maidens are resorted to human form.  Finally, Ivan and Tsarevna are married.
    This story is not so famous but I like this ballet.  I like music of this ballet especially.  Moreover I think this story is easy to understand, so I recommend to watch.