The White Stripes Meet Mozart in the Australian Ballet’s Chroma
If you ever doubted ballet dancers were scary athletes, here's your proof.
Who knew ballet and rock music make such a beautiful team? The newest production from the Australian Ballet, Chroma, features four contemporary works and proves that ballet is not just classical orchestration and frou-frou. The White Stripes combine with contemporary costume and minimalist set design to make this not your mum's ballet.
The quadruple bill takes its title from one of the works within, Chroma, a legendary piece originally created by Wayne McGregor for The Royal Ballet of London and using the aforementioned music from the Whites. McGregor's ballet differentiates itself from the classical style, with jerky movements meant to push the limits of the dancers' bodies. "The movement can be freaky at times and shows off every joint our bodies have, sometimes all at once," says Daniel Gaudiello, the male lead in Chroma. "The body is such an amazing instrument and you witness it at its limits."
Also slated for performance are twin pieces choreographed by Jirí Kylián, Petite Mort (also featuring Gaudiello) and Sechs Tanze, as well as a new original work, Art to Sky, by the Australian Ballet's resident choreographer Stephen Baynes. The contemporary dances by Kylián and Baynes are paired with the classical music of Mozart and Tchaikovsky, creating a blend of old and new ballet styles.
Both Chroma and Kylián's works will feature dancers in all white or neutral costumes, highlighting the motions of the dancers. "We are in these little camisole-like chiffon outfits that are designed to complement our skin tones," says Gaudiello. "The result I think is an inside-out view of ballet through an androgynous lens."
The intensity of ballet, particularly when paired with the music of The White Stripes, shows off the pure athleticism of the dancers. "I feel Australia is such an athletic country and so is the ballet," says Gaudiello. "We all feel so lucky to have the chance to try such a coveted work and I really believe we will strive in every show to put in the raw intention, attack and groove that such a difficult piece like Chroma demands."
As for the stories the choreography conveys, Gaudiello tries not to sway us. "That is the beauty of contemporary ballet, sometimes the ending is up to you," he says.
Chroma is on at the Sydney Opera House from April 29 to May 17. Tickets can be purchased through the Sydney Opera House website.
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