Nonsensical Poetry in Motion - "Sechs Tänze" by Jirí Kylián

Internationally acclaimed Jirí Kylián began his choreographic career at the Nederlands Dans Theater. Over the years, Kylián has become known for his unique and personal style as his works are profoundly based on musicality and poignantly reflect the mystery of human beings. Kylián has explained that the choreographer’s job is to explore “the extremities of our souls.” Sechs Tänze unveils hidden traces of humanity while providing a comedic, nonsensical flair that has entertained audiences across the globe. 

Nederlands Dans Theatre Rehearsal Director Roslyn Anderson set Sechs Tänze on Tulsa Ballet dancers. Companies Anderson has worked with include the San Francisco Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, National Ballet of Canada, Cullberg Ballet, Royal Swedish Ballet, The Royal Ballet, Rambert Dance Company, Paris Opera Ballet, Singapore Dance Theatre, The Australian Ballet, Compañia Nacional de Danza, and Royal Danish Ballet.

Here is a clip of rehearsal footage of the Tulsa Ballet dancers and an interview with Roslyn.

“Mr. Kylián’s works are the expression of the human soul and, as such, they touch each and every audience member in their core. We presented Petit Mort two years ago, a work of sublime poetry. With Sechs Tänze we are going to explore another side of Mr. Kylián’s personality: his unparalleled gift for humor.” – Tulsa Ballet Artistic Director Marcello Angelini

Words from Jirí Kylián -

Two centuries separate us from the time Mozart wrote his German Dances. A historical period shaped considerably by wars, revolutions and all sorts of upheavals. With this mind, I found it impossible to simply create different dance numbers reflecting merely the humor and musical brilliance of the composer. Instead, I have set six seemingly nonsensical acts, which obviously ignore their surroundings. They are dwarfed in face of the ever present troubled world, which most of us for some unspecified reason carry in our souls.

Although the entertaining quality of Mozart’s Sechs Tänze enjoys great general popularity, it shouldn’t only be regarded as a burlesque. Its humor ought to serve as a vehicle to point towards our relative values. Mozart’s ability to react upon difficult circumstances with a self-preserving outburst of nonsensical poetry is well known.

-Jirí Kylián

To enjoy this hilarious work as well as Twyla Tharp's classic Nine Sinatra Songs and William Forsythe's edgy in the middle, somewhat elevated,buy your tickets now by calling 918-749-6006. Or visit us online at Nine Sinatra Songswww.tulsaballet.org. Performances run from Oct. 28-30 at the Tulsa PAC.