Stuff I Love Post 4

[smallhobbit]

Matthew Bourne's New Adventures.

I'd heard about them for a while, but finally in July 2015 went to see The Car Man at Sadler's Wells.  At the time I wasn't wholly struck, but it slowly worked its way into my head and I'm now a real fan.  A couple of years later we started going to see a Bourne production every Christmas, which is just lovely.

Obviously, our planned trip to see The Nutcracker last Christmas didn't happen, but Sky Arts showed both Swan Lake and Romeo & Juliet.  I'm not a particular fan of filmed plays, but I really enjoyed both of these.  SM joined me in watching Romeo & Juliet, which he hadn't seen, because I saw it on my London trip in summer 2019.  In addition BBC2 showed The Red Shoes on Christmas Day, so I watched that as well.  For anyone in the UK, this is available on iPlayer for another 10 months.

On top of their stage productions the company is quite heavily involved in education, and reaching out to young people who wouldn't normally be attracted to dance.  Currently they're also running zoom classes at various levels, and today I did a two hour Over 55s class, led by Paul Smethurst and Daisy May Kemp, two of their Resident Artists.  It was very enjoyable, as we learnt a little choreography from The Nutcracker, as well as having the opportunity to try out some of our own moves.

I think what particularly appeals to me is the idea of telling a dramatic story just through dance, but without needing to know any of the conventions employed by classical ballet.  I find it really engrossing to watch as a story unfolds before me without any need for dialogue.

Comments

[corvidology]

As you may have guessed by now *ahem* I love Bourne's work and think it's lovely they're offering classes right now. :D

[smallhobbit]

Yes - you were one of those who were singing his praises before I saw his productions myself. I'm delighted - one of the few good things to come out of this whole situation.

[adafrog]

That's neat about the education they provide.

[smallhobbit]

Yes, it's one of the reasons I like them.

[moth2fic]

I've got The Red Shoes downloaded but keep shelving it because it has such a long life!! And other things vanish... Looking forward to it because I usually like Matthew Bourne.

[smallhobbit]

Yes, that's always a temptation with something with a long shelf life - until suddenly it's not very long after all. I hope you enjoy it when you do see it.

[luthienberen]

It is good how the pandemic has made so many productions available online/TV. I do hope that continues once the restrictions are lifted! (Now to make time to watch them!)

The Nutcracker lecture trying out your own moves is such a fantastic way to learn about the play and dance! Do you think you'd try it again?

Telling a story through dance is tricky and must be a pleasure to watch. My promise to myself is to watch a ballet at some point to experience that storytelling. :)

[smallhobbit]

I'm booked in for the Over 55s class next month, when we look at something from the second act of Nutcracker

I'd recommend The Red Shoes, which I think you'd enjoy, since it's on iplayer.

[luthienberen]

May you have much fun with the class next month :)

Thank you for the rec - I shall have to make sure I watch it this weekend.