INTERVIEW: This ‘Swan Lake’ may break the record for number of swans
Photo: Grand Swan Lake will come to Lincoln Center courtesy of Shanghai Ballet. Photo courtesy of Shanghai Ballet / Provided by Michelle Tabnick PR with permission.
When Shanghai Ballet comes to the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center this week, audience members should expect something grand. In fact, “grand” is right there in the title of their artistic offering: Grand Swan Lake, which will be presented Jan. 17-19.
This interpretation of the classic ballet, co-presented by China Arts and Entertainment Group Ltd., will feature nearly 50 swans on the expansive stage of the David H. Koch Theater. That’s not a typo. There will be 50 swans.
The idea for the multitudinous beauty is courtesy of Derek Deane, director and choreographer of the production. Deane has been a common presence on the international dance stage, having previously served as artistic director of the English National Ballet. He currently serves as artistic director of Shanghai Ballet.
This version of Swan Lake has toured the world extensively, stopping over in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Vienna and Australia. Wu Husheng and Qi Bingxue will serve as principal dancers for the beloved Tchaikovsky show, according to press notes. The New York City Ballet Orchestra will provide live accompaniment.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Deane about Grand Swan Lake. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What separates this Swan Lake from the many other interpretations that are out there?
The sheer overwhelming force of the bevy of swans make this production so powerful. They are at the centre of this story of good against evil, and their sheer size has a mesmeric effect.
How do you manage so many people on stage?
It is a matter of creating beautiful shapes that mean so much to the story. It’s not about the number; it’s about the feelings that one tries to portray and to get across to an audience.
What do you love about your position with Shanghai Ballet?
My position in the Shanghai Ballet gives me huge joy as it gives me the opportunity to help dancers to grow as performers and as artists — also to be able to create works for the company that challenge everyone, not only the dancers. A company thrives off the classics, of course, but it is equally important to keep dancers ‘on their toes’ with a constant flow of new works.
Was it a difficult decision when you left being a dancer in 1989 and became a choreographer full time?
No, I had always wanted to be a choreographer and not just of the classics. I knew that there was an exciting life for me when I decided to stop dancing, and I have never looked back or really missed it. When I do look back at the enormous body of work that I danced, it brings me great satisfaction, but I have been equally if not more happy artistically in the ‘second half’ of my career.
What are the qualities you look for in a quality dancer?
The qualities I look for in a dancer are many: intelligence, musicality, coordination, hunger and a devotion to their art form. I always say, ‘It’s such a short life being a dancer, so don’t waste it.’ So my favourite type of dancer is one that doesn’t waste a second.
What’s next for Shanghai Ballet? What does the future for the company look like?
The future for SB is a hugely exciting one with new creations coming into the company and works by other choreographers for the dancers of the future to experience. SB is now on a road to a much more global recognition and touring worldwide. An SB school is also in the planner [enabling] us to be able to produce our own dancers from our own school.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Grand Swan Lake, presented by Shanghai Ballet and China Arts and Entertainment Group Ltd., will play the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City. Performances run Jan. 17-19. Click here for more information and tickets.
