Watching Darcey Bussell, the incredibly lithe and nimble ballerina, presenting a programme about her favourite ballets, illustrated by wonderful films of classic and current dancers, including Dame Margot Fonteyn, I was impressed by their dedication and sheer hard physical work. It must be more demanding on the body than any other theatre art. It reminded me of the recent production of Orphee, by Mats Ek, at The Royal Opera in Stockholm, when Anna Larsson, in the title role, was transformed from a fairly placid and non-physical statuesque diva, into a very agile hero, completely convincing in all the dance routines - and those fascinating feet ! We are unused to seeing them, always being hidden by long skirts, so it was a revelation to realise how well Anna is "grounded", giving rise to her ever greater portrayals of fascinating characters which have previously been stereotyped. What a refreshing artist - I pondered on the thought recently that she might try the latest t.v. show "Dancing on Ice "......Seriously though, and back to the ballet, one of the clips was of Carlos Acosta - what an amazingly spectacular dancer, he never seems to touch the ground in some routines. Partnering Darcey in a mesmerising duet from Romeo and Juliet, I found myself thinking this IS poetry in motion, and oh, the perfect realisation of youthful passion with all its innocence and complexity at one and the same time....As you might expect, I was fascinated by observing their breathing, seeing the ribcages moving economically - just the same way as accomplished singers - not too little and not too much. The main difference is that dancers keep their abdominal muscles fairly still, whereas a singer needs to allow flexibility for more air control, and reducing air pressure under the vocal folds - sounds complicated but is actually very simple.....when you know how !
So, Dear Readers - have a look at Carlos Acosta and Darcey Bussell to be inspired - they will "take your breath away"....... but please k..p b.......g at all other times...!
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