The Allure of Contemporary Dance: A Celebration for Today
I recently had the privilege of witnessing a splendid double bill of William Forsythe’s dance works performed by the English National Ballet at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London. As I settled into my seat, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation, for Forsythe’s choreography has long been heralded as a revolutionary force in the world of contemporary dance.
As Forsythe himself has stated, “I don’t care so much about choreography, I care about dancing.” And indeed, his works are a testament to that sentiment, as they seamlessly blend the vocabulary of traditional classical ballet with the raw, kinetic energy of modern movement.
In “Blake Works 1,” set to the mournful melodies of James Blake, the dancers moved with a sense of ethereal grace, their limbs cutting through the air with precision and elegance. The piece was a study in contrasts, with the bleak, romantic sentiments articulated in luminous fragments through a fog of electronic effects.
Rediscovering the Essence of Dance
But it was in “Playlist (EP),” danced with elegant precision to the disco house and neo-soul of Barry White, Peven Everett, and Natalie Cole, that I truly felt the transformative power of Forsythe’s vision. As Forsythe explained, “The origins of classical ballet lie in fetes, in social celebrations. I wanted to make a celebration for today.”
And a celebration it was, as twenty and then more than thirty dancers of extraordinary athleticism occupied the stage, the women in fuchsia pink, the men in claret and blue. They were together as one, relishing their own technique, all high kicks and long extensions, carefree and yet in crisp time – and with the occasional playful flourish.
It was completely dazzling, entirely exhilarating. These dancers were not merely moving to the music; they were inhabiting it, their bodies and minds in perfect synchronicity. As Forsythe so eloquently put it, “It’s intellectual and it’s physical. In other words, you use your body to solve problems, and these problems are basically physics problems.”
Bridging the Gap: Redefining the Conversation
Forsythe’s approach to dance is nothing short of revolutionary. By taking the traditional steps of classical ballet and rearranging them in novel ways, he has effectively “changed the conversation,” as he himself described it. In an interview with The Times, Forsythe explained his process:
“The ballet steps were the alphabet. What I did was put them in novel arrangements, taking them out of their usual sequences. Basically, I was surprising the expert reader.”
This idea of “surprising the expert reader” is fascinating, as it speaks to Forsythe’s desire to push the boundaries of what is expected in the world of dance. By challenging the conventions of classical ballet, he has opened up new avenues for expression, allowing dancers to explore the full range of their physical and emotional capabilities.
But Forsythe’s influence extends far beyond the realm of dance. His approach to “changing the conversation” is a lesson that can be applied to any field, whether it’s business, art, or even our personal lives.
Breaking Free: Embracing the Unexpected
As human beings, we often find ourselves trapped in familiar patterns of thought and behavior, content to go through the motions of our daily routines without ever truly questioning the underlying assumptions that shape our world.
Just like the ballet dancers I once observed at a party, we can become so focused on performing our roles with precision and control that we lose touch with the joy and spontaneity that once fueled our passions.
But as Forsythe has shown, it is possible to break free from these constraints and redefine the conversation. By embracing a spirit of innovation and playfulness, we can unlock new avenues for personal and professional growth, challenging ourselves and those around us to see the world in a fresh, invigorating light.
Elevating the Stage: The Power of Kinetic Energy
At the core of Forsythe’s work lies a deep understanding of the transformative power of kinetic energy. As he eloquently stated, “We experience more intense emotions when we move. As human beings, we’re a little bit more inclined to feel an intensity when we’re involved in any kind of kinesis.”
This idea resonates deeply with me, as I’ve long believed that the act of movement, whether it’s dancing, running, or even simply walking, has the power to unlock a wellspring of emotion within us. It’s as if the physical act of engaging our bodies in dynamic motion somehow frees our minds to explore the full depth of our inner landscapes.
And this is precisely what Forsythe’s work seems to capture so beautifully. By blending the precision and technical mastery of classical ballet with the raw, visceral energy of contemporary movement, he has created a new form of dance that is both intellectually stimulating and profoundly emotive.
Embracing the Future: A Call to Action
As I reflect on my experience of witnessing Forsythe’s works, I can’t help but feel a renewed sense of excitement and inspiration about the future of dance and the performing arts. The Musical Theater Center, where I work, is a place that is dedicated to elevating the stage and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of performance.
And as we look to the future, I believe that the lessons we can learn from Forsythe’s innovative approach to dance are more relevant than ever. By embracing a spirit of creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge the status quo, we can create a new generation of performers who are not only technically skilled but also emotionally resonant, capable of captivating audiences and inspiring them to see the world in a new way.
So, let us take a cue from Forsythe and his endlessly-inspiring works. Let us step out of the familiar patterns and conventions that have long defined our field, and let us dare to reimagine what the stage can be. Let us elevate the art of dance, and in doing so, elevate the human spirit itself.
