Bodies in Bolero
The ballet honors the story of the original composition and the painting which famously portrays the iconic moment of the Ballerina on stage. Keeping the Spanish flavor and integrating the poem that although was published many years after, captures the essence of the music and the premiere of the ballet.
Ida Rubinstein, the inspiration behind Bolero. Portrait painted by Valentin Serov.K
The origin of Ravel’s Bolero came from a request by the dancer Ida Rubinstein, who commissioned Ravel to create music for a ballet in the Spanish style.
“Inside a tavern in Spain, people dance beneath the brass lamp hung from the ceiling. [In response] to the cheers to join in, the female dancer has leaped onto the long table and her steps become more and more animated.” (original text from the program of the premiere)
The composition was a sensational success when it was premiered at the Paris Opéra on 22 November 1928, with choreography by Bronislava Nijinska and designs and scenery by Alexandre Benois. One of the dancers was Ida Rubinstein, and the play caused scandal because of the sensuality of the choreography.
Ballet Gatob - Almaty, Kazakhstan
music by Maurice Ravel
choreography by Ricardo Amarante
costume and scenic design by Renê Salazar
