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David DawsonBritish choreographer
Date of Birth: 04.03.1972
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- British Choreographer David Dawson - Valuing Tradition
- Rare Involvement in Ballet Forums
- A Memorable Experience at the Mariinsky Theatre
- Unfazed by Events at the Bolshoi Theatre
- The Ideal Dancer
- Upcoming Premieres
- Personal Touch in Choreography
British Choreographer David Dawson - Valuing Tradition
British choreographer David Dawson is one of the esteemed members of the jury for the International Ballet Festival Dance Open, which will begin in St. Petersburg on April 18th. Dawson's choreographies are performed in major theaters around the world. A correspondent from Izvestiya contacted the British maestro in Germany, where he was conducting auditions for an upcoming ballet.
Rare Involvement in Ballet Forums
You rarely agree to participate in ballet forums. Why did you accept the invitation from the people of St. Petersburg?
Dance Open will bring together many excellent dancers on one stage - a great opportunity to see what they dance and evaluate my own level. I have already worked with some of these artists, while others I am yet to collaborate with. Additionally, although I am considered an avant-garde artist, I highly value tradition. St. Petersburg is the center of traditions, and the presence of such a festival continues their legacy.
A Memorable Experience at the Mariinsky Theatre
In 2005, you staged the ballet "Reverence" at the Mariinsky Theatre. Don't you want to negotiate for another production?
The experience in 2005 was extraordinary. I finally got to know Russian ballet as it is. In Europe, there are many Russian dancers, but usually, they are young stars. Here, there was a whole troupe, and they demonstrated a wonderful level of classical dance. While working on the production, I considered their magnificent classicism both as a result of evolution and as one of its stages. It would be great to do something else here or in Moscow.
Unfazed by Events at the Bolshoi Theatre
Aren't you afraid of the events at the Bolshoi Theatre?No. Such incidents are always outrageous and happen in any area of life. The most important thing is for Sergey Filin to recover.
The Ideal Dancer
How do you see your ideal dancer?First and foremost, I choose those who move well. It is also important for the artist to be intelligent and able to express emotions while dancing. This requires a rich imagination, and I often help dancers by explaining what they need to think about at certain moments. Of course, I like artists with good classical technique, but that is not the most important thing. Dance is not just movements; it is how these movements are connected. The choreographer's task is to create a beautiful combination, and the artist's task is to infuse it with spirituality.
Upcoming Premieres
You are planning three world premieres soon, right?Yes, that's correct. I am creating two different productions set to the music of Greg Haines: one with the Royal Ballet in November and another with the ballet company of the Semperoper in Dresden in July. In June, I will start working with the Dutch National Ballet on a major one-act production. The music for it was specially composed by Szymon Brzoska. Which of these works is not just a commissioned piece but also created from the heart?
All my ballets are like my children, they are all dear to me. I can say that Opus 11, which I am staging in Dresden, is a way to thank the dancers who have worked with me for many years. Often, ballets are created about young, daring, and active individuals. However, I wanted to fantasize about experienced artists who are soon to leave the stage. When you know that your dance career is short-lived, you try not to miss a single moment.
Personal Touch in Choreography
Is this based on personal experience?Partly, yes. I ended my dancing career in 2002 but continue to dance in the studio when creating ballets. In my productions, I always strive to bring something personal. It is an attempt to create a continuous narrative line from the past to the future through the present, but not a literary narrative - an emotional one. All people feel similar emotions in similar situations. I love contemporary art, contemporary architecture. I believe that contemporary ballet should also find its place in history, and I will be looking for my place in it.
