A major facet of my ongoing education on all things Danish is my formal Danish Language and Culture course my home university required me to enroll in. In addition to making the slight language barrier a bit more navigable, I am gaining cultural insights the guidebooks just don't cover. Beyond the grammar lessons, my program arranges certain cultural events like last week's trip to the ballet.
I, along with about 50 other American students, trekked to the Royal Theatre that currently houses the Royal Danish Ballet. Formerly, this was the center for the national theatre and opera as well, but they have recently acquired their own buildings. The piece we was was entitled Dans2Go which took highlights from three longer dance pieces and condensed them for the nontraditional ballet-going audience. There were also videos of interviews with the dancers and choreographers that aired before each piece to incorporate an educational element. Or, at least I assume, my Danish isn't that good, yet!
The Royal Box
We students were treated to a discussion with former principal dancer before the performance. Crowded in one of the mirror-walled rehearsal spaces, he briefly explained to us the history of the world's third oldest ballet in addition to the pieces we were to see-a traditional one from France placed in a modern context, a piece from American choreographer Jerome Robbins, and a new one from an up and coming Danish dancer and choreographer. This third one was the longest, at about an hour, and was simply stunning. It had some of the most beautiful lighting I have ever seen and its new music supported the intense and layered choreography beautifully. It was a very symbolic piece and many of my fellow students left with different interpretations. Regardless, it was a beautiful night spent in a stunning proscenium theatre that gave me a taste of Copenhagen high culture.
No comments:
Post a Comment