Ce site Web a des limites de navigation. Il est recommandé d'utiliser un navigateur comme Edge, Chrome, Safari ou Firefox.

When Beauty Awoke

How many ways to think about “Sleeping Beauty”? In the first written Italian and French versions, the plots outline the fate of a young girl as the object of family jealousy, trickery and, after being drugged asleep, ravishment. By the mid-19th century, the Brothers Grimm toned down the storyline, romanticized and adapted it as a story fit for children. Ivan Vsevolozhsky, Tchaikovsky, and Marius Petipa’s 1890 landmark ballet further refashioned it. But another few generations of scholarly research recognized the darker undertones and representations of girls in the fairy tale tradition. Apart from handsome swains or huntsmen who save damsels like Beauty or Red Riding Hood from stepmothers or disfigured crones, the producers of even the most treasured classics should take some measure of the plight of characters, even if fantasy.

MARINA HARSS


subscribe to continue reading


“Uncommonly intelligent, substantial coverage.”

Your weekly source for world-class dance reviews, interviews, articles, and more.

Already a paid subscriber? Login

comments

Veuillez noter que les commentaires doivent être approvés avant d'être affichés

Blog posts

Stars and Stripes
REVIEWS | Victoria Looseleaf

Stars and Stripes

They’re saucy, sweet and stunning! They’re the ballerinas of American Contemporary Ballet and they’re helping close the company’s 2025-26 season with performances of “Spectacular Balanchine,” a program devoted to the choreography of George Balanchine. 

Plus
Home Town Dance
REVIEWS | Robert Steven Mack

Home Town Dance

Unlike its messy neighbor, Los Angeles, one would think that establishing a ballet company in the relatively serene Orange County would be welcomed.

Plus
Testing Assumptions
REVIEWS | Steve Sucato

Testing Assumptions

The current global zeitgeist of uncertainty and the tendency to jump to judgment inspired veteran dancer-choreographer Beth Corning's latest dance-theater work, “Foolish Assumptions.” 

Plus
Positive Masculinity
REVIEWS | Lorna Irvine

Positive Masculinity

At a time when the roots of toxic masculinity are still being hotly debated within society (I'd argue nature and nurture aren't necessarily mutually exclusive bedfellows) the excellent “Boys Don't Dance” arrives, fully formed  at a festival for children, but with enough layers to appease any audience.

Plus
Good Subscription Agency