My Favorite Choreographers/Dance Educators (Part 5)

(In No Particular Order)

I am so excited to talk about this choreographer, I don’t even know where to start or what to include!  I could probably do an entire series on this choreographer alone.  He has absolutely revolutionized ballet performance and created ballets that appeal to dance critics, ballet aficionados, and the masses.

Matthew Bourne!

By far, Matthew Bourne is best known for his version of Swan Lake, which utilizes men to portray the swans rather than women.

Dancer Adam Cooper as the Swan.  (More on him later in my “Favorite Dancer” series.)

Mr. Bourne took the traditional Swan Lake and created an entirely new production that both shocked and moved audiences.  At first it was not that well received as the Prince was still portrayed by a man and the fact that Mr. Bourne “changed the original.”  Luckily, for us, they kept performing and eventually won Tony’s including Best Direction, Best Choreography, and Best Costumes.  Here’s why:

At the age of 22, Mr. Bourne began his official dance career as a student at The Laban Centre and began dancing and choreographing immediately.  With friends, he formed the dance company Adventures in Motion Pictures.  It was here that Matthew Bourne developed his pedestrian, story-telling style.  Although that statement almost makes his masterpieces sound like mime, they are FAR from it.  His ability to use pedestrian ideas, emotions, humor, and strict technique, all at the same time is awe-inspiring.

Here is a piece he created for Adventures in Motion Pictures.  The piece is called “Spitfire” and is a social commentary on the objectification of men and their role in society and in ballet.  This clip also includes Adam Cooper...I’m starting a trend...

Adventures in Motion Pictures has now become New Adventures with Matthew Bourne as artistic director. 

Matthew Bourne has not only re-created Swan Lake, but also, Nutcracker, Edward Scissorhands, Dorian Gray, Cinderella, Lord of the Flies, and is currently working on Sleeping Beauty!

Why I Love Him

He has truly elevated dance to it’s fullest potential: high-quality dance technique, solid plot, superb acting, technical perfection (including sets, costumes, makeup, etc.), social and political commentary, appeal to a wide-variety of audiences, all while maintaining a respectful and encouraging work environment. 

OK here’s one more video!

New Adventures doesn’t come to the US often, but if they do...SEE THEM!  Click here for their website.