The American public tends to think of ballet as a light pink world of bundles, ribbons and shoes. But classical ballet was originally a male sphere. If the king Louis XIV ruled France, men were often the stars of court dances, which formed the basis of classical positions taught today.
Only in the 19th century did ballet re-focus around women, with the rise of pointe shoes and superstars ballerinas. Choreographer George Balanchine intensified this attention in the middle of the 20th century, devoting his life to the rise of dancers (he famously said: “Ballet is a woman”). In this world, men existed to support the ballerina by helping her make higher jumps and longer extensions.
Today, more and more choreographers combine these two movements, bringing men and women into equal planes. Dancer and choreographer Daniel Robert offers us a sample of such a balance in The rest is noise. City newspaper asked Roberge to discuss his new work for the Washington Ballet.
The company will speak The rest is noise at CityCenterDC every night from June 2 to 4 as part of Dance For All events. This interview is the second of three questions and answers with local dancers on the eve of free performances. The interview was edited for length and clarity.
Washington City Newspaper: How long have you been dancing ballet and how did you get into Washington Ballet?
Daniel Roberge: My experience is deeply rooted in dance and performing arts. From the age of 5 I worked on the set for TV commercials, short films, musical theater, small and large productions. At age 16, I fell in love with classical ballet after my first class and began working on a career in professional ballet. At age 18, I was selected as a finalist for the American Youth Grand Prix in New York City, and then I was offered a scholarship to participate in the Washington Ballet. These have been useful for 12 years.
WCP: Some choreographers start with music, some start with a creative concept, others start with an old story or feeling. Can you explain how you started creating The rest is noise?
DR: My process always starts with music. The music then inspires either the concept or the narrative. The rest is noise was no exception; I fell in love with music many years ago, but then was able to develop a concept as soon as I started working with my dancers: the performance of powerful women and strong men on an equal footing. Music by Jamie XX lasts a little over 5 minutes, but it’s like listening to a musical journey with lots of textures and layers. It was nice to put the choreography in front of and outside – in terms of what is usually considered a musical accompaniment for ballet or neoclassical ballet.
WCP: How was it to take on the role of choreographer and work with other company participants in this capacity?
DR: I staged the choreography [dances with] several members of the company and studio company in the past, so this time it was just fun and joy.
WCP: Can you describe a certain moment in the design process when everything fell into place? Or a moment you are especially proud of?
DR: I really like the male rhythmic section in my piece. While listening to this particular piece of music, I imagined how the newly invented dance “knock-miss-soft shoe” mixed together with ballet. I also added a few drums and everything seemed to turn out even better than I expected. This was the first section I put up.
WCP: How did you choose the music for this piece?
DR: I have always loved Jamie XX as an artist. “The Rest Is Noise” has been his favorite track for a long time. I always knew I wanted to put choreography on it, and now I felt the right time had come.
WCP: Tell us about the costumes. Were you involved in their development?
DR: I usually like simple and sleek suits. All black leotards with a high neckline and pointe bodysuits for women. Comfortable black pants and T-shirts for men. Simple, chic and not overly so.
WCP: What do you hope viewers will pick up on seeing your work?
DR: This classical ballet or neoclassical ballet does not always have to fit in a box. It doesn’t always have to be one way. Men can dance with men; and women with women. Each dancer can be as powerful and beautiful as each other.
Dance For All performances at CityCenterDC will begin at 6pm on June 2, 3 and 4 at CityCenterDC. washingtonballet.org. Free.
