Imprevus
Yesterday evening was one of a series of summer Imprevus presented by their Choreographer-Director Jean-Christophe Maillot himself, at the Atelier of the Ballets of Monte-Carlo. This state of the art grand Studio, was inaugurated on December 10, 1997 by HSH Prince Rainier III and HRH the Princess of Hannover, Patron of the Monte-Carlo Ballet, that serves at the same time as its home and workplace. It houses the Ballet’s artistic, administrative and technical staff comprising a team of around 80 people under the direction of Maillot, together under one roof, helping guide the dancers’ performances into greatness.
Hearing the dancers’ heartbeats
For this long series of Imprévus (that would translate as the Unexpected), that run from June 6th through 14th,, the audience is invited to enjoy a behind-the-scene experience in close contact with the dancers. It is an opportunity to discover the creation process while hearing the dancers’ heartbeats, their quick breathing, and clearly seeing the drops of perspiration run through their faces, until you get to feel the pain of their bodies that surely hurt with the continuous repetitive movements, practicing till obsession. You have the feeling of getting under the skin of the dancers, or literally in their shoes, an experience of such an intimacy that makes you shiver with emotion, making us puff in wonder at the dexterity of the human body in motion. Their athleticism is tempered with an aesthetic regard for the quality of the movement and its ability to communicate feelings. From their fingertips to their toes, the dancers bodies being to understand what they need to do. We watched them evolve and progress under the tutelage of Jean-Christophe Maillot. He explained he wants the dancers to follow his precise instructions, but without loosing spontaneity and passion. It is quite an incredible task, that these young dancers achieve time after time, becoming an integral part of the choreographer’s creation.
Today’s quote
“The discipline that ballet requires is obsessive. And only the ones who dedicate their whole lives are able to make it. Your toenails fall off and you peel them away and then you’re asked to dance again and keep smiling. I wanted to become a professional ballet dancer.” Penelope Cruz
For information: http://www.balletsdemontecarlo.com
Monaco Reporter 