Suite en blanc by Serge Lifar was created in 1943 to the music of Édouard Lalo - an abstract ballet that became a symbol of neo-classical style in choreography. Suite en blanc requires both elegance and virtuosity of performance. With this ballet I wanted to present the whole Stanislavsky Ballet Company at its best. At the same time I wanted our soloists to work on specific things as this choreography demands exceptional musicality and technical skills. 

The second ballet had been part of the Company’s repertoire already, but I wanted to revive it - Le petite mort to the music of Mozart by the outstanding Jiří Kylián. Talking about Jiří Kylián is both easy and hard as we clearly deal with true genius. The way he deeply understands Mozart’s music makes us wonder if the music becomes the choreography or it inhabits the dancers’ bodies. At the same time each dancer tells his own story. I consider this ballet to be incredibly emotional and profoundly musical. Jiří Kylián defines it best himself. He says his ballets speak of love and death and words cannot explain these sacraments, only dance. Hard to add anything more. I can only say that Jiří’s choreography evokes everything best in us as well as dramatic. This is really Kylián’s masterpiece as most of his creations are. And I am so happy that not only our Company will dance his ballet again, but also get a chance to further perfect the movement. 

The third ballet of the evening is William Forsythe’s The Second Detail to the music of Thom Williams. I suppose both Forsythe and Kylián can be regarded as the classics today. I was lucky to be part of a few of Forsythe’s works. He is the architect of movement who newly defines the space you evolve in. Every time you dance Forsythe’s choreography you discover something new about yourself the same as with Kylian. You learn, and for me this is most essential.

It is important that not only the audience will be able to enjoy these performances, but also the dancers of the Stanislavsky Ballet Company will be enriched by the new experience. 

Laurent Hilaire