‘Bharatanatyam and ballet as dance forms are quite similar’
Director of the Royal Russian Ballet, Anatoliy Kazatskiy speaks to Priya Singh about his latest directorial venture, Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, which was performed over the weekend in Delhi.
message of the ballet or any dance performance, for that matter. In ballet, costumes should be such that they reflect the right balance of grace and strength and also enable swift and composed movements.
Q. What kind of challenges do you face while preparing for a performance? A.
Some of the challenges, as we discussed earlier, pertain to putting the production together. We need to look closely at the finer aspects of stage settings in terms of stage size, curtain arrangements, lighting and sound provisions, green room facilities, costume co-ordination etc. Each dimension plays a key role in defining how the whole performance comes together finally and the impact it leaves on the audience. Additionally, as a team it becomes difficult to maintain strict control on one’s diet and lifestyle while travelling to new places.
Q. Why are you drawn so much to the classics as a ballet director? A.
Classic ballets are peerless in terms of elegance and performance excellence. I’m primarily drawn to classics as a director and a performer thanks to the stories they tell. However, there has been a trend to try a lot of thematically-inspired ballet versions without claiming them as the original. As a director of Swan Lake, I have the responsibility to deliver a better ballet performance which matches up to the original in every way. While I do add my own sense of aesthetics to a few aspects of the production, I make sure that the choreography does not lose the essence of Tchaikovsky’s original piece.
Ballet is all about aesthetics, be it dance or choreography or costumes.
Q. Are there any instances of other modern dance forms being fused with the classical ballet style? A.
Indian artists have been at the forefront of fusing ballet with other dance forms. For example, I feel Bharatanatyam and ballet as dance forms are similar. The dance moves, postures, lyrical choreography etc. all come together to become an important part of the art of storytelling. The only difference is that while Bharatanatyam is the dance form of expressions, ballet is more formal.
Q. It is also fashionable these days to fuse one form with the other. But do you think it does justice to the original art forms? What are your views on dance fusion? A.
My personal opinion is that fusion format of ballet is a different genre altogether, wherein ballet techniques and themes are enhancing theatre experience. It should not be compared to the original art forms.
Q. What are the qualities that make up a successful ballet artist? A.
Ballet as an art form is really complex. It requires intense practice and devotion. Hence, it becomes crucial to be fit because only a fit body can help you get better at it.
You basically need the following:
Physical Strength—Their art requires hours of workouts to maintain proper weight and fitness, as well as enough energy to physically withstand the rigorous rehearsals.
Creativity—Dancers require creativity, which helps them to express the music and story lines they dance to, using unique body movements. This artistic ability allows dancers to communicate ideas through physical expressions, and come up with new ideas to add to dance routines.
Teamwork—They must be able to take direction from their choreographer, and the characteristic of teamwork is equally essential for coordinating their dance routines with other dancers in their company or production group.
Persistence—Dancers do not achieve seamless performances without careful and consistent practice, over and over again. It may take them years before they develop the expertise to perform professionally.