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Categories
| Humour & artistry |
| Written by Elaine Lau | |||
| Thursday, 14 May 2009 10:45 | |||
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As I would find out, the answer to both questions is a resounding yes, but I’m getting ahead of myself. A quick introduction to those unfamiliar with the troupe: Les Ballets Grandiva was established in 1996 by Victor Trevino and boasts some 20 dancers from some of the world’s most renowned ballet companies, including Russia’s Bolshoi and Kirov Ballets, New York Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, Royal Swedish Ballet, Berlin State Opera Ballet and Hong Kong Ballet, to name a few. In an email interview with Options, The Edge weekly’s lifestyle pullout, Trevino, who is also artistic director, explained that he formed the troupe because he had “experienced all that was available to me as a male ballerina, and I wanted to expand what was being done with men in pointe shoes (normally only mastered by female ballerinas) both for myself and for this style of dance”. And the comedic elements? It’s a way to make the dance form more accessible, he adds. For a weeknight, the turnout for Men in Tutus staged at Pentas 1 wasn’t bad at all — about half the hall was filled with a largely working class crowd. Before the performance started, Trevino, who goes by the stage name of Nina Minimaximova, came onstage to greet the audience. “Hopefully, at the end of the night, you would have laughed a lot, and learned something about ballet — that is, if we do what  we’re supposed to do right,” he says, as chuckles rippled through the audience. “So, go ahead, laugh and applaud as much as you want because the more you do, the more we’ll do for you.”The programme had a mix of classical and more contemporary pieces, and the opening ballet was Pas de Quatre, a piece traditionally performed by four ballerinas. Out pranced four dolled-up male dancers dressed in pink, and the first thing that struck me was how believable they were as female dancers. They were surprisingly light on foot and danced in pointe with such grace — you can’t help but be awed. The comedic antics began the very moment the dancers came onstage, jostling one another for the spotlight, initially somewhat demurely. After all, they are supposed to be graceful ballerinas. Towards the end, however, it had progressed to a hilarious, outright grab to be at the centre of attention. We, the audience, lapped it all up, laughing and applauding heartily. With lightning footwork and more of that amazing pointe work, the fast-paced piece called Le Grande Tarantella truly showed off the technical prowess of the dancers. A subdued and slightly more serious piece followed, titled Esmeralda. This intimate piece, performed by just two dancers, showed once again the technical and artistic ability of the dancers. It was really quite beautifully done. Nina Minimaximova performed the solo piece, Dying Swan, but of course, not in the traditional, haunting manner. “She” may be dying, but she isn’t about to go demurely, no siree. This two-minute piece, danced entirely en pointe, was incredible to watch for one, but also immensely entertaining, what with exaggerated hand movements and expressions and moulting of “her” feathered costume. The final piece of the night was a rendition of the most famous ballet of all time, Swan Lake. Chockfull of hilarious dramatic moments, hissy fits and dancing mishaps, it was a funny ride from start to finish. Thunderous applause greeted the dancers at the end of the show, but calls for an encore were sadly not met. Funny antics aside, what is most commendable about Men in Tutus is that the show does not compromise on the artistry of ballet. Those looking for some serious dance moves will not be left wanting, neither will those just looking to be entertained. Men in Tutus is being staged at Pentas 1, KLPac, Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, off Jalan Ipoh, KL until May 17. Tickets at RM88 to RM222. For show times and tickets, call the box office at (03) 4047 9000 or log on to www.klpac.org. This article appeared on the Live it! page, The Edge Financial Daily, May 14, 2009.
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