Jardin de Lilis

On October 25th in Ballet class we were asked to watch a Ballet. The Ballet was called Le Jardin de Lilis, very interesting to watch. The story behind it was a little bit hard to understand unless there was focus on face expressions, body language, arm movements, etc. I tried to watch for the story line but I found myself looking more at the technique of the steps, how the dancers went through the lines with their feet and whole body.

 The idea of this Ballet was basically about dead, but it did not have to be the death of someone but the death of love. Moreover, the  frustration of one not being able to be with the person you really feel amazing with. The Lillie's were there, from my opinion, to represent that sense of lost, since Lillie's are part of the adornment in a funeral. 

The scenography was in general dark, sad and mysterious. The costumes had solid colors, very flown dresses with green being the predominant color in this case. The image on the background was a full moon and trees simulating the sadness and confusion the performance. 

We were asked to find differences from the same Ballet being done five years after from the first one. The very first difference that I saw when I watched the second time was the scenography, which was completely changed. I liked how it looked more realistic so it seemed that they were performing outside. The dancers were shorter than the first video. I liked the connection between the whole cast. I really enjoyed their acting because it was more believable. The male dancer had better lines the the male dancer on the first video even though the male dancers on the first video was taller. The costumes were similar but it had differences in color; example, on of the Lillie's on the second time had a light blue dress. I saw more affection towards the principal couple on the second performance. Although, the female dancer's arms on the first video were better alined than the the female dancer on the second video.

It was really amusing to watch both performances because I got to compare and be attentive at all times about every detail. However, it was my first time seeing the first performance, when I watched the second performance it was has I was looking to a new performance for the first time and by that I mean I always find differences, similarities, things to be worked on, and things to take in consideration. 

Ballet Fleming

     A week ago I took Ballet class for three days with a Company from Philadelphia call "Ballet Fleming" The first day I was really excited to start, and even more excited to see the professional dancers work in class so that I could learn from their style. Mr. Fleming who is the teacher, choreographer and company director had a teaching style similar to the style from when I used to dance years ago in Cuba. His combinations are spoken but not done by him and I really liked that about him because your mind gets used to the names and it wakes up faster to retain lots of information. I can tell you I was swearing by the end of the tandous combination, that’s how alive the combinations were. I also had this intensification of my body by knowing he was also watching me. When we went to the center combinations, on the other hand, it was a little messy; I think I would have done it a little different, more organized so that we could do clean steps without worrying about anyone around us but ourselves.

     One thing that cut my eye was that in class they seem to be amazingly great dancers, almost perfect, and even though they had different technique backgrounds they all looked well together, but when I saw the performance they did not look as well as in class. They are well class takers but not performers. The pieces to me were not clear, something was missing and it was the lack of organization. I caught myself thinking about their technique; for example, looking at the line of the feet, the strength of the steps, instead of understanding the piece and the story behind it. The only piece that really got my attention was "Dali" because it was a very interesting piece and I did understand the concept behind it; although, I wish it have been longer. Overall I had a great week because even though the show could have been a lot better I do appreciate for them to show what they are about and what they can bring to the table. This company is only starting and I believe they will have much success in the near future.