Tanzrecherche NRW: Classical Tradition / Modern Society by Mirjam Otten

TECHNIQUE
‘They say if you can play classical guitar, you can play almost anything. Whereas if
you're a rock guitarist and you've only studied rock, maybe you can't achieve being
a classical guitarst so easily. I feel the same way about ballet and that's probably
the most important reason for keeping the classical ballet tradition alive and a very
high standard.’ This is Domonic Antonucci’s way of explaining the importance of the
classical ballet technique to the wider dance culture. Many choreographers share
his view: McNicol believes in the adaptability and brilliance of ballet technique as a
creative language and thus advocates the preservation of ballet as a creative
medium. Marriott explains that he uses the classical movement language “because
it's probably the most versatile, because technically an artistically and musically,
there are so many facets to classical ballet. It makes a very easy template to make
ballet on.” He believes it’s unique technical features — the long lines of an
arabesque or the height of its aerial lifts — offer unique movement repertory to
choreographers that cannot be replaced by another movement language. He adds,
“I don't see it as a kind of obstruction because you can bend the rules as much as
you want.” Dominic Antonucci resonates this view of classical ballet technique as a
strong base for creation, both within and beyond the classical genre. To him,
classical ballet acting as a core of technique and physical training that inspires
other genres of dance, saying ‘those skills and vocabulary can be brought to other
genres quite readily.’
Katy Sinnadurai goes one step further. She sees even potentially outdated parts of
the classical technique as a part of its unique expressive appeal. Reflecting on the
convention of wearing pointe shoes, she says ‘I wouldn't get rid of pointe work at
all, but it is a strange and painful thing to put women through. I think the way that
we can justify carrying on this classical tradition is to say, this is our language. Our
way of connecting with our audience is with our bodies and this particular
technique. Even though it's a very weird technique and only a tiny percentage of
the population will ever do, it's still the language. We're still humans using our
language to connect with you, it's that particular way of talking.’ Tapping into this
unique movement language of the ballet technique is a celebration of the classical
heritage and a testimony to its continued relevance.
Classical Tradition // Modern Society 22