San Francisco Ballet Celebrates Hans Van Manen in “Van Manen: Dutch Grandmaster”
The San Francisco Ballet welcomed audiences to the War Memorial Opera House for its latest performance honoring renowned choreographer Hans Van Manen. Running until April 19th, “Van Manen: Dutch Grandmaster” showcases four of Van Manen’s iconic works, highlighting his innovative approach and distinct choreographic style that has influenced contemporary ballet.
Exploring the Choreography of Van Manen
Hans Van Manen, a choreographic luminary at 92 years old, boasts an impressive repertoire of over 150 ballets created for eminent companies such as the Nederlands Dance Theater and the Dutch National Ballet. This production is a testament to his extraordinary vision and significant contributions to the art form.
Performance Overview
The evening commenced with “Grosse Fuge,” a dynamic 30-minute piece performed by four couples, set to Beethoven’s similarly titled score. The stark, entirely white stage design established a minimalist backdrop, allowing the choreography and dancers’ movements to take center stage. The costumes reinforced this aesthetic, with women donning basic white leotards and men in skirt-like bottoms, creating an intriguing visual dynamic.
Choreographic Intent
“Grosse Fuge” is marked by strong lines and angular shapes, emphasizing the athleticism of the dancers. The piece poignantly explores themes of gender roles and sexuality, culminating in a final segment where male dancers remove their pants, revealing shorts, and engaging in movements that suggest intimacy, yet performed with a notable detachment.
Highlighting Technical Mastery: Variation for Two Couples
After a brief intermission, the program continued with “Variation for Two Couples,” featuring Frances Chung, Joseph Walsh, Sasha Mukhamedov, and Aaron Robison. This lyrical piece, originally tailored for principal dancers at the Dutch National Ballet, provided rich opportunities for the performers to exhibit their technical prowess and artistic expression against a backdrop of Britten’s expansive score.
The choreography contained elements reminiscent of tango and modern dance, illustrating a competitive interplay between the couples. The precision and agility displayed were thrilling, particularly in the duet between Chung and Walsh, who captured the audience with their captivating performance.
Dynamic Energy in Solo
The third piece, “Solo,” introduced intense choreography performed by Cavan Conley, Victor Prigent, and Alexis Francisco Valdes. This eight-minute segment demanded exceptional physical endurance, filled with vigorous movements that showcased the dancers’ control and synchronization with Bach’s music. The vibrant interplay among the dancers created a lively momentum that resonated well with the audience.
Closing with 5 Tango’s
The evening concluded with “5 Tango’s,” making its San Francisco premiere. Danced by seven couples, including standouts Dores André and Esteban Hernandez, this piece masterfully blended the sharpness of tango with classical ballet, culminating the performance with flair and festivity. André’s poise and Hernández’s vibrant solo performance captivated all, particularly as he concluded with a signature knee slide that ignited applause.
A Celebration of Dance
San Francisco Ballet’s “Van Manen: Dutch Grandmaster” is an exquisite celebration of a pioneering choreographer’s influence on the ballet world. Each of the four pieces presented offers a unique insight into Van Manen’s artistic vision. For ballet enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this is an unmissable opportunity to experience the captivating range of contemporary ballet.
Ensure to purchase your tickets and be part of this special tribute to Hans Van Manen’s brilliance!
