DANCE VIVALDI : A Contemporary Baroque Ballet is a modern expression of the great tradition of French Baroque Dance. Dissolving the boundaries between past and present, it blends delicate French Baroque technique with the vibrant motion of contemporary dance. The result is a new creation, which brings a rich heritage forward to enhance the modern world. This “contemporary baroque” is an innovative approach.
The music in the video production is the renowned Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. The concepts and phrasing of the dance are in perfect concert with the musical imagery. In sensitive synchronization, the dancers’ movements reflect the musical themes. In this “must see” DVD/VHS, visual poetry mirrors the aural poetry.
DVD Preview
This performance is a revolutionary introduction for the American public. Whereas Americans search for the rules that create Baroque dance, the French (direct inheritors of the Baroque) can infuse the rules with an innate sense of their past in order to illuminate today’s world. This production, created by a French choreographer who understands this music and dance vocabulary with deep expertise, can open doors for American artists, academics and dance enthusiasts. Through the American fascination for the heritage of dance, we can seek to add to our own knowledge and to enrich our imagination for the future.
The Eventail Company (Compagnie l'Eventail), is sponsored by the French government as an organization that preserves the French Baroque heritage. After spending four seasons at the Espace Carpeaux in Courbevoie, in 2001 the Eventail Company (Compagnie l'Eventail) settled in Sablé sur Sarthe in the Loire Valley. Through its specialization in baroque dance the company is recognized as a reference point in the field of live performances. Their goal is to introduce a broad audience to the vitality of baroque dance through productions that tour within France and internationally. Programs transmit dance culture and develop the imagination through performances, classes, exhibitions, and presentations in public libraries and schools. Professionals and future professionals are trained through courses that explore various theater arts, including baroque dance. The Eventail Company(Compagnie l'Eventail) brings together artists, dancers, musicians, singers and actors to expand awareness of the many facets of baroque dance. www.compagnie-eventail.com
Marie-Geneviève Massé, choreographer After training in classical ballet Marie Geneviève studied modern dance with Aaron Osborne, Sarah Sugihara and Françoise Dupuy. In 1980 she discovered the work of Francine Lancelot on baroque dance and became one of the lead dancers of France’s renowned baroque dance company, Ris et Danceries. In 1985, she started to choreograph and founded her own company, l ’Eventail. Through her choreographies she has worked with many internationally known musicians such as: William Christie, Patrick Cohen Akenine, Giovanni Antonini, Peter Zajicek, Hervé Niquet, Christophe Rousset. In 2000 she was appointed Knight of the Arts and Letters (Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres), which is given to people who have distinguished themselves in the artistic and literary fields.
Program
“SPRING” Allegro: discoveries Largo: encounters Allegro: exchanges Three groups with different colors and movements fill space and time: fleeting moments and unexpected discoveries, strange encounters and emotional exchanges.
“SUMMER” Allegro non molto: waiting Adagio-presto: in love Presto: danger Situations change ever so quickly. In this willful season, poetry can turn into a nightmare depending on the action or mood.
“AUTUMN” Allegro: childhood Adagio-molto: the past Allegro: facing death The present belongs to the child, sometimes playful and yet calm. Progressively and slowly, the mists of the past enclose us. Then suddenly, time is gone and man thumbs his nose at death.
“WINTER” Allegro non molto: making up time Largo: leaving a trace Allegro: dance of mirrors or vanity Facing eternity is a race against time; the rush to create, to leave a memory, leave a trace that will not melt like snow in the sun …
Reviews
"In DANCE VIVALDI: A CONTEMPORARY BAROQUE BALLET, the feet and hands have it. The dancers torsos are generally erect and still,even when their extremities unleash an absolute fury. Elegant footwork and gracious hands - the members of L'Eventail are superbly trained Baroque dancers....and the 11 dancers' speed, precision, strength, and grace are astonishing. The DVD menu is a basic one, that follows the music: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. I returned to all four more than once, pondering what Baroque movement means in 2007, and how it resonates in today's world..." Kaija Pepper, DANCE INTERNATIONAL
"Exposing your children to the performing arts is always a fantastic way to broaden their knowledge. If you enjoy Ballet or want to enlighten your children, this is a wonderful video that everyone can enjoy. Watch as the performers bring the seasons to life through the art of Baroque dance." The Dove Foundation
“DANCE VIVALDI, choreographed by Marie Genevieve Masse, is a haunting neoclassical ballet reminiscent of Balanchine's early works. The abstraction of traditional 18th century dance phrases mixed with the fire and passion of Vivaldi's music is highly inventive.”
Catherine Turocy, Artistic Director of The New York Baroque Dance Company and Chevalier de l'Ordres des Arts et des Lettres since 1995
Dance Vivaldi - A Contemporary Baroque Ballet
