Masters of Movement: A Farewell Program of Diverse Choreography

Ted Brandsen is presenting his final program as artistic director of Het Nationale Ballet, titled "Masters of Movement." This program marks the end of his twenty-year leadership, during which he significantly developed the company. The evening opens with David Dawson's "Empire Noir," a 2015 piece that showcases ten classically trained dancers at the peak of their abilities. The ballet, set to Greg Haines' music, is a dynamic display of precision, agility, and elegance, described as a stunning cascade of hyper-elegant arms and soaring legs.

Following "Empire Noir," the mood shifts dramatically with "Solitude," choreographed by Alexei Ratmansky. Ratmansky, an associate artist who grew up in Kyiv and is a vocal critic of Putin, created "Solitude" as a protest against the war in Ukraine. The ballet is a profound statement against death and destruction, centering on a father grieving his deceased child. The piece begins with the father kneeling by the small body, met by thirteen dancers performing Mahler's Funeral March, perhaps representing witnesses or spirits.

"Solitude" explores themes of community, individual struggle, and the devastating impact of conflict. Dancers engage in duets that test each other's resilience, transforming graceful movements into sharp, weaponized gestures. A solo by the father, performed to the Adagietto from Mahler's Fifth Symphony, conveys deep despair and a questioning of 'why.' The choreography, combined with music and visual effects like a bomb flash, powerfully conveys the weight of the theme.

The program also features Krzysztof Pastor's "Refraction," a three-part piece set to Philip Glass's music. Pastor, who began his choreography career while dancing with the company, created this work as an ode to the dancers' versatility. Unlike his typically heavier style, Pastor adopts a lighter tone here, emphasizing synchronized group movements and recurring themes, showcasing the vitality and love for ballet technique evident on stage.