Royal Danish Ballet, one of the oldest major ballet companies, will be performing in the National Centre for the Performing Arts during the Olympic Performing Season, bringing another art feast for audience in Beijing, following the performances of other great ballet troupes.
Led by its artistic director, the great ballet master Nikolaj Hübbe, Royal Danish Ballet will perform their two most representative ballets La Sylphide and Napoli on August 9 and the 10th.
Established in 1748, Royal Danish Ballet is one of the oldest ballet troupes in Europe. Though it is less well known in China, it enjoys great reputation in the international ballet circle for its long history and unique characteristics.
From 1829 to 1877, the great master Auguste Bournonville, with the reputation of being the Father of Ballet, directed the company for 51 years. He directed more than 50 ballets including La Sylphide and Napoli, which became the classics and unfailing repertoires of the company. His style is so unique that his name became the name of a ballet style.
Unlike Russian ballet that features arm motions, Danish ballet is famous for its difficult footwork and its techniques.
Another characteristic of Royal Danish Ballet's performances is its strong flavor of mystery and romantic fairytale. The audience will enjoy themselves in a fairyland with stage settings of forests, lakes, the sea, and seashore, mostly North European features.
From a country that trains the largest number of excellent male ballet dancers, Royal Danish Ballet has been paying equal attention to both male and female dancers, while other European ballet companies place more emphasis on the ballerinas. For Chinese audience accustomed to ballets focusing on female dancers, the performance in August will be a brilliant opportunity to appreciate a brand new style.
(CRI July 7,2008)
