In 1910, Parisian audiences were treated to the premiere of Igor Stravinsky’s classic composition "Firebird," coupled with Michel Fokine choreography. It was an immediate success. This Russian folktale is about magic, love, danger and liberation. Its next incarnation was in 1949 when George Balanchine presented it to New York audiences with the New York City Ballet. Balanchine made further changes throughout the years with Jerome Robbins adding choreography.
When the curtain rises on Balanchine / Robbins’ "Firebird" this weekend at the Adrienne Arsht Center, it will be the first time that it has been performed by a company outside of New York City. Miami City Ballet ( MCB ) is presenting with new sets and costumes. They have once again turned to award winning projection artist Wendall Harrington for scenic projections ( her work can be viewed in Miami City Ballet’s 2017 redesigned "The Nutcracker" ). “Projected images are ephemeral. They live in another dimension, and dance in a way that is like music and poetry,” said Harrington. Anya Klepikov is redesigning the set and costumes. Klepikov has experience in both theater and ballet design.
Artistic Director Lourdes Lopez performed the role of Firebird with the New York City Ballet.
The role of the Firebird is danced by Nathalia Arja, who has been with MCB for eleven years and is a principal soloist with the company.
In conversation, we spoke of the Firebird and the incredible coaching of Artistic Director Lourdes Lopez, who had performed the role with the New York City Ballet.
Arja watched films of Maria Tallchief, Balanchine’s first "Firebird," and also of Lopez performing the role she is now coaching. “ Each had a different approach, each created their own bird.” Arja says. She spoke of the stamina needed for the role.
“ After the pas de deux, I feel like I just ran a marathon.” Arja commented on the image of the Firebird. “The Firebird is just a bird “ She is not an emotional bird, and unlike 'Swan Lake,' there is no emotional attachment with her partner.” The Firebird is a Russian folktale that has captured theater audiences from 1910 to the present. MCB is taking it into the 21st century.
Also making its premiere this weekend is Justin Peck’s "Rodeo: Four Dance Episodes." Its world premiere in February 2015 caused a sensation. Peck was 27 years old and had been resident choreographer for New York City Ballet for a few months. This is also a ballet of the 21st century. Peck uses 15 men and one woman which inverts the conventional “romantic ballet.”
By using 15 men and one woman it sets up a variety of situations, many of which challenge the male-female role in ballet. Peck uses a piece of music by Aaron Copland, which is often identified with Agnes de Mille famous ballet "Rodeo" ( 1942 ). "Peck’s Rodeo: Four Dance Episodes" explodes with youth, energy and inventiveness.
Rounding out the program is the electric "Nine Sinatra Songs." Twya Tharp’s "Nine Sinatra Songs," is an inventive and entertaining tribute to one of America’s most popular singers. In this suite of dances, Tharp mixes ballroom dance and classical ballet. With the success of reality dance shows such as "So You Think You Can Dance," ballroom dance is gaining in popularity. "Nine Sinatra Songs" is full of flair and sophistication. Tharp manages to bring serious choreography to popular songs and take it to a higher sphere.
Miami City Ballet: "Firebird"
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts: 1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami
Friday, Feb. 14, Saturday, Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m.Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale
Saturday, Feb. 29 at 7:30 p.m.Sunday, March 1 at 2 p.m.
Kravis Center, Palm Beach.
Friday, Feb. 21, Saturday, Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 1 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 23.
