Les Ballets Russes

Above are some costume designs by Alexandre Benois for the ballet "Petrushka" (1910). It tells the story of a puppet who is brough to life and "imprisoned", along with other dolls, by his charlatan master who makes him perform at fairs. He eventually escapes his prison, only to be slain by a Moor doll over his jealousy for their mutual love of a Ballerina doll. The story ends with Petrushka's (the puppet) ghost scaring his master away, leaving the audience to wonder who is "real" and who is not. I love the creativity, intricacy and colour that went into these designs. I'm off to see "Ballets Russes: The Art of Costume" - an exhibition in Canberra - next weekend. I can't wait to see these beauties.

B.S

Untitled

Water colour on paper; Photoshop

Ba-ba-ba-ryshnikov.

                                              

This is Mikhail Baryshnikov, arguably the greatest ballerino of the 20th century. Take a long hard look. Go on, linger over those muscles. What drew me to ballet was its perfection and elegance - which Baryshnikov reflects in his poise, persona and silhouette. Having started ballet lessons for the first time at age 19 (and just after the release of Black Swan) I have received a lot of criticism regarding my interest in the art. Just for the record, I did not start ballet because I saw Natalie Portman prance around in a tutu and then get eaten out by some chick. I am in love with the movement of ballet - the seamless transition from chassé to arabesque to pas de bourré and, as previously mentioned, the elegance and perfection associated with it. Ballet requires immense fitness, balance, and coordination and it will be a long time before I'm on par with The Russian, if ever. For now, I'll just swoon.