Marius Petipa

    I introduce Marius Petipa.  He was a choreographer.  Choreographer is a person who arrange how dancers should move during a performance. 

    He was born in France, but he emigrated to Russia.  Then he choreographed "The Pharaoh's Daughter".  This work was his first ballet as a choreographer.  He chroeographes about fifty works which became famous and many dancers dance even now.  The works are, for exampe, "Swan Lake", "The Nutcracker", and "Sleeping Beauty".  Through these works, he completed classical ballet style.  One of classical ballet styles he completed is "pas de deux".  In addition, he inserted folk dance that does not related story before pas de deux that is climax.  That is why he is called "The Father of Ballet".

La Bayadere

      I introduce about "La Bayadere".  First, I explain about this story.

In acient India, temple dancer, Nikiya and soilder, Solor fall in love each other but Rajah orders Solor to marry Gamzatti who is Rajah's daughter.  That is why  Solor agree to marry Gamzatti.  When Rajah knows about relationship of Nikiya and Solor, Rajah attempts to kill Nikiya.  Gamzatti asks Nikiya to give up Solor but Nikiya refuses.  Then Nikiya attempts to kill Gamzatti.  At the marriage of Solor and Gamzatti, Nikiya is command to dance.  Gamzatti presents Nikiya with a basket of flowers which Nikiya believe to be from Solor.  However the basket conseals a deadly snake, so Nikiya is bitten and...

        I recommend to watch act3 especially because it is very beatiful.  If you watch act3 and want to know the whole story, I would like you to watch this ballet!

      

Tutu

             

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I explain about tutu.  This is costume female ballet dancer usually wear.  At first female dancer’s costume was only romantic tutu that has long skirt.  However, if costume was all romantic tutu, it would be difficult for dancers to dance. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is because classical tutu was made.  Dancers can show big movement by classical tutu.  Now, both are used depending on the choreography.  In addition, tutu has many kinds of color and design.  Depending on the design, if two tutu are same color, they seem to be different tutu.  Not only choreography but also costume is important for ballet.  I would like you to look at costume when you watch ballet.

 

Cinderella

              I introduce about Cinderella.  The story is almost same one that you know but there are some difference.  Cinderella is a ballet dancer and mother-in-law and her sisters-in-law are also ballet dancer.  However sisters are not good at ballet, so they envy Cinderella because she has great talent as a ballet dancer.  One day, a ball is given in order that star dancer find his partner.  Her mother and sisters go to the ball but she cannot go there.  Then, a fairy shows up and she give dress, toe shoes, and tiara to Cinderella and let her go to a ball.  However there is a condition.  That is to come back by twelve.  In a ball, star dancer dance with Cinderella but she has to go home.  Then, one toe shoes is left.  That is why star dancer goes to Ballet Company around the world to find someone who has the toe shoes…

              The performance that I watched in DVD is very funny.  That is because male ballet dancers play the part of mother-in-law and sisters-in-law.  I would like to this ballet and you can watch different kind of ballet by this performance!

 

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?