If this post needs to be removed because it violates the rules, it's okay... I'm just no longer clear on what the policy is about videos posted on-line as there seems to be open discussion of youtube videos lately. (and it doesn't seem to be mentioned in the Rules section here: http://ballettalk.invisionzone.com/index.php?showforum=215 )

I came across a video of Pavane pour une Infante Defunte on something called DigidanceTv amongst a lot of other dance videos. Can anyone tell me who the choreographer and dancers are? Is this Christopher Wheeldon's piece?


http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/b.../bctid537033522

Yes, this is Wheeldon's.

And the dancers are Darcy Bussell and Adam Cooper.

Thanks!

I've always ADORED this beautiful Ravel's piece...

Probably the best-known setting of it was by Kurt Jooss.

Thanks, Amy. The opening is lovely, especially the slow unwinding of the long dress and the supported promenades. It ends, however, abruptly. Can someone tell us more about the piece as a whole, its history, and/or its effect on stage?

I remember seeing a Pavane (etc.) on public television in the 60s or 70s. Was that the Jooss? It wasn't the Balanchine solo from the Ravel Festival; I'm pretty sure of that.

Also, I seem to remember having seen a photograph (I cant remember where) of a Pavane performed in the costumes of Velazquez's Las Meninas, possibly by the Diaghelev or Ballets Russes?

You're right, bart. I have that pic saved in my "Alberto Alonso" file-(Alicia's brother in low). He took part in "Pavane" during the Australian tour, while being a member The Original Ballet Russes. It is, indeed, a lovely pic. Here, two shots of it...
http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-an24146993
http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-an24146929

The Diaghilev production of Las Meninas (decor/costumes by J-M Sert) was danced to the Pavane of Gabriel Fauré, an equally beautiful piece of music. A plan to enlarge this short ballet with three additional numbers (music by Aubert, Chabrier, and Ravel) never came to fruition. This unrealized production, entitled Les Jardins d'Aranjuez, is one of only three ballets that appear in the program books of the Ballets Russes but never actually achieved production.

Cristian, dancing in those costumes must have been trying, don't you think?! (not to mention choreographing for them!) could even have inspired Wheeldon! (joking)

I'll bet there was a lot of gliding around on releve. (Thanks, phenby, for the information, and Cristian for the photos.)

About the Wheeldon: does anyone know the history of his ballet. Was it choreographed specifically for Bussell? She is other-worldly in tihs, with the long lovely legs and the ability to abstract her movements into the music. It's a great dance for her.

Also: when do you think the video was shot? I thought Adam Cooper had left the Royal a while ago to do other projects, including the Matthew Borne Swan Lake?

I don't know when this was filmed - I do believe it is the same video that is on Bussell's website (I can't play the videos at work to check).

I can check a programme once I get home, but I think Wheeldon made this in 1996 on Bussell and Cope... Cooper was second cast with..................? My memory escapes me. I'll try to remember to check the programme tonight

And yes, Wheeldon was already with NYCB at the time.

You can look this up on the ROH's performance database

http://www.rohcollections.org.uk/Performances.aspx

A useful information source. It was indeed Bussell and Cope back in 1996.