Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Christopher Pelham on August 9, 2010 at 6:54pm

I feel that the original impulse resisting mindless westernization and modernization is perhaps still valid but the visible aesthetic characteristics of that initial response to that impulse (white face, silent screams, slow motion, shaking, etc) is now cliché. Using mental images, rather than a codified vocabulary, to shape movement should always be a useful tool, but today's artists must use that tool to create something original and of the moment rather than copying outward forms of those who came before, if they want to be compelling, inspiring, and relevant.

Team MemberPermalink Reply by Theresa Magario tm on October 4, 2010 at 11:47am

Is ballet dead?

Permalink Reply by Christopher Pelham on October 5, 2010 at 4:22pm

Does classical ballet still challenge audiences to see things anew, challenge conventions, or has it become a convention that merely entertains? Not all classics are dead, of course. Shakespeare still poses many relevant questions and is so rich that no single production of a given play can even tackle all the questions the script makes available. I'm not sure classical ballets are that rich, but I'm not ballet expert. Probably, some are more alive than others. And many audience members do walk away from classical ballet feeling more alive and inspired, I think, so I don't think it's either/or. It does seem reasonable to say that ABT etc take fewer risks and present much less work that is directly of the moment than they might though.

Permalink Reply by julie spodek on January 25, 2011 at 1:43pm

i love you theresa.

you know....

i never think anything is ever dead

but i understand what people mean...

and i think it's a worthy exploration....

as all explorations are....

Im such NOT a critic !!!!!

( alas....)