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The Rule Breakers

The Rule Breakers

22 March - 24 March

$220 – $1000

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Get ready for thrilling works by some of ballet’s most influential choreographers in The Rule Breakers from Hong Kong Ballet (HKB) at Lyric Theatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts during 22-24 March! This dynamic programme features the father of American ballet George Balanchine’s Serenade, one of his most perfect ballets; William Forsythe’s ground-breaking work, In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, which revolutionized contemporary ballet and European sensation Andonis Foniadakis’ thrilling world premiere of Strangelove.

SerenadeA timeless, exquisite work from the father of American ballet filled with romance, drama and passion

Set to a transcendent Tchaikovsky score, Serenade was Balanchine’s first ballet choreographed in the US and is one of his most popular, widely danced works. Technically and artistically demanding, Balanchine revised it more extensively than any of his other works from its 1936 premiere until 1976, and today it has four timeless movements: ‘Sonatina,’ ‘Waltz,’ ‘Russian Dance’ and ‘Elegy’. 

Romantic yet revolutionary, Serenade has no story, princes or fairy tales. Influential dancer Martha Graham describes it as ‘simplicity itself, but the simplicity of a very great master.’ Balanchine wanted to show his students that performing is more complex than taking class. In each class he worked with whoever was there, adding men when some showed up and including mishaps like a latecomer and an accidental fall. The passionate Serenade is a prime example of his ‘use what you’ve got’ philosophy.

In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated  (Hong Kong Premiere)A contemporary masterpiece with a fierce urban approach to classical lines and choreography that sends a high-voltage shock to the world of ballet

William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated was hailed as a masterpiece when it premiered in 1987 at Paris Opera Ballet and featured a young Sylvie Guillem. Sylvie Guillem said, ‘I think of nothing while I am doing In the Middle, except the steps. They take a real physical power and violence to perform and that is all that is in my mind at that moment: line and power.’ Hailed as ‘a layered experience, both kinetic and intellectual’, this electrifying work redefined contemporary dance and requires athleticism, incredible stamina and attention to detail from the dancers. The title playfully references two golden cherries hanging above the stage. Forsythe describes In the Middle, Somewhat Elevatedas ‘extending and accelerating the traditional figures of ballet. By shifting the alignment of positions and the emphasis of transitions, the enchainments begin to tilt obliquely and receive an unexpected drive that makes them appear at odds with their origins.’ Forsythe has created over 70 works with composer Thom Willems, whose powerful, driving score is made up of contrasts between aggressive turbulences and soft sonorities. To this day In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated continues challenging what one normally expects from a ballet performance.

Strangelove (World Premiere)A visually and emotionally captivating ballet inspired by the iconic Depeche Mode, electronic music pioneer and the ‘greatest alternative band in the world’

Following in his footsteps is European sensation Foniadakis, who uses ballet to creatively express modernity and all its layers. Hong Kong audiences will experience his thrilling world premiere of Strangelove inspired by the songs of ’80s pop pioneers Depeche Mode like ‘Waiting for the Night’, ‘People Are People’ and ‘Enjoy The Silence’. With death-defying lifts and emotional choreography brimming with energy and passion, Foniadakis’ new work promises to be unforgettable. He shares, ‘Depeche Mode’s music has been a profound source of inspiration for me since my teenage years. As a dancer and choreographer, I found myself drawn to their powerful, evocative lyrics. The songs’ raw, emotional themes explored the complexities of the human condition, and the unique blend of dark, atmospheric electronic sounds was the perfect backdrop for my creative vision, allowing me to craft a ballet that was both visually and emotionally captivating. Strangelove is a testament to the transformative power of music and dance and introduces Depeche Mode’s iconic music to a new audience, creating a powerful experience for both dancers and spectators alike’.

22-23.3.2024 (Fri-Sat) 7:30pm
23-24.3.2024 (Sat-Sun) 2:30pm

Details

Start:
22 March
End:
24 March
Admission:
$220 – $1000
Event Category:

Organiser

Hong Kong Ballet
Phone
21059753
Email
mkt@hkballet.com

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