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.

Nine Sinatra Songs - Sneak Peak

Alfonso Martin and Soo Youn Cho

One of America’s most respected and recognized choreographers, Twyla Tharp has choreographed more than one hundred thirty-five dances (including Nine Sinatra Songs), five Hollywood movies, directed and choreographed four Broadway shows. She received one Tony Award, two Emmy Awards, nineteen honorary doctorates, the Vietnam Veterans of America President's Award, the 2004 National Medal of the Arts, the 2008 Jerome Robbins Prize, and a 2008 Kennedy Center Honor. 

With Nine Sinatra Songs, Tharp combines nine songs by Frank Sinatra and ballroom-inspired choreography to create an intimate view into each of the seven couple’s relationship. Original costumes, gowns and tuxedos, were designed by the great Oscar de la Renta to reflect the Sinatra era while enhancing Tharp’s sweeping to sharp movements. Created for the Twyla Tharp Dance company in 1982, this work is now a popular Tharp classic and is in the repetoire of companies around the world.    

“I chose songs only in arrangements from the 1950s,” Tharp has been quoted, “when my parents were still together, when all parents were together, the last time we assumed as a culture that of course men and women lived together and loved for a lifetime.”

Original Nine Sinatra Songs cast member Shelley Washington staged the ballet for the Tulsa Ballet dancers. Washington is one of a few experts on the Tharp repertoire. We had the chance to ask her a few questions about this classic piece and capture some rehearsal footage of Tulsa Ballet dancers Soo Youn Cho, Alfonso Martin, Sofia Menteguiaga and Wang Yi.

“Twyla Tharp’s works are a reflection of the American culture; they reflect the hearts and souls of the American people and traditions. Ms. Tharp has become an essential element of the cultural fabric of this country and is probably its leading ambassador, at least for our art form, worldwide.” – Tulsa Ballet Artistic Director Marcello Angelini

Performances run from October 28-30, 2011, at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Evening also features William Forsythe's In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated and Jiri Kylian's Sechs Tanze.  Purchase tickets by calling (918) 749-6006 or by visiting www.tulsaballet.org.