Honouring Jiří Kylián, Icon of Dance Choreography, In The National Theatre
The National Theatre Ballet has prepared a premiere named Kylián – The Bridges of Time for this year's celebration of 100th anniversary of Czech Republic, thus honouring the famous Czech choreographer Jiří Kylián, who became an icon of the world dance. The audience will see four opuses - the Symphony of Psalms, Bella Figura, Petite Mort and Six Dances.
What does dance really mean for the dance genius himself?
"Dance not only expresses joy, sorrow, or other emotional mood, it can also be a prayer, a ritual, a therapy, or an intellectual structure. Dance has an endless amount of abstract or realistic rendition. And when it’s done professionally, it's as if the dancer said, "I'm an artwork," says Jiří Kylián. He also became a lifetime member of the prestigious French Academy of Choreography. This discipline was even created in the academy only for him.
The main theme of the works of Jiří Kylián is always love and death.
The work of the Symphony of Psalms is an artistic milestone in Jiří Kylián's world dance scene. It was created in 1978 for the Nederlands Dance Theatre to the music of Igor Stravinsky. Bridges of Time are a path through the masterpieces of Jiří Kylián, the most famous choreographer of Czech origin. The work of Jiří Kylián is enormously diverse and creative. His artistic work counts more than a hundred pieces, is surprising by its emotional depth, inner thrill, a strong dramatic line, but also its playfulness.
Art is true
"I think that Czech people see the year 1918 as a milestone – a symbol of freedom and democracy. And freedom and liberty of creation are the meeting points for art in any form. In short, art is true, " explains the artistic chief of the NT Ballet, Filip Barankiewicz.
With this project, the NT Ballet will not only support this important anniversary, but also give thanks to the famous Czech native, choreographer Jiří Kylián, who undoubtedly became an icon of world dance. "I am glad that Jiří Kylián chose these choreographies for Prague, which I consider to be very sensitive and which undoubtedly belong to the treasures of his work," adds Filip Barankiewicz.
If you are interested in the creative period, manuscript or life milestones of Jiří Kylián, do not miss the October 21 ballet workshop at the National Theatre. Kylián - The Bridges of Time will be presented on October 17, 18, 20 (14.00 and 19.00) and 23 and on November 3.
