FILM PREVIEW: First Position

Outsiders of the dance world often marvel at the discipline, commitment and sheer tenacity of those trying to be professionals in the business.

Dancers however, never think twice about what it takes to make it. Raised on the mantra “no pain, no gain,” they often thrive under high pressure and high expectations. To them, all this effort is common sense. If you really want it, you are singularly-focused on the pursuit of a career in dance. If you lack the passion, you quit early. It is simple.

Pontus Lidberg’s Labyrinth Within at Baryshnikov Arts Center

Swedish choreographer and dancer Pontus Lindberg’s Labyrinth Within is a series of pas de deux on film that explores the lines between reality and perception. The majority of the 28 minute film, with a score created by David Lang (and recorded in 2009 by The Symphony Orchestra of Sweden’s Norrlands Operan) takes place in Giovanni Bucchieri and Wendy Whelan’s apartment. The two main characters are in the later years of a now stale marriage.

Why Does Dance Matter?

We want to know why you dance, why you support dance or simply why you think art is crucial to life. Tell us your experiences of how dance has affected your community. Tell us your concerns related to arts funding. Tell us how you support the artists and companies you love the most and what you think should be done to bring appreciation to not only dance, but all art forms.

My Pools of Inspiration

At this point in my career, after ten years as a professional ballet dancer, I find myself being asked these three questions quite often: How do I stay inspired, what do I strive for now, and how do I deal with the struggles that come with ballet stardom? Sometimes I don’t know how to answer. It’s not like I think about these topics all the time; I just do them. After several inadequate attempts to answer, I’ve decided to consider these important inquiries. I’ve discovered that their answers are more important to me than I thought, and even more so if I am hoping to still keep reaching for my peak. I certainly hope I’m not there yet. In this blog I’ll tackle inspiration, and I’ll follow up with two additional blogs to complete the answers to these questions.

Ballet Meets Pop

One of our favorite topics is ballet’s potential for crossover with other art forms. Just as with fashion and photography ballet also naturally lends itself to collaborations with pop music as a means to captivate new, younger audiences and break with conventions. One of the most successful “indie rock ballets” of all time, Wayne McGregor’s “Chroma”, is so closely associated with its score that it has been nicknamed the “White Stripes ballet”.