Dancers, Artists, Lovers : Ballets Suédois 1920-1925

Beskrivelse

Discover the daring world of Ballets Suédois, an avant-garde dance company that shook up the post-war 1920s with its bold, politically charged performances. Led by the eccentric duo Rolf de Maré and Jean Börlin, this troupe blended dance with art, music, and theatre to create unforgettable total artworks.

An innovative dance company redefining performance art through collaboration and experimentation.

In the vibrant cultural landscape of the 1920s, Ballets Suédois emerged as a groundbreaking force, challenging conventions and captivating audiences across Europe and the USA. This was no ordinary dance troupe; their productions were immersive experiences where choreography intertwined with music, stage design, costumes, and even the audience itself.

At the heart of the company were the visionary leaders Rolf de Maré and Jean Börlin, supported by a wide circle of co-creators. Their collaborations included renowned artists like Nils Dardel, Francis Picabia, and Fernand Léger, as well as composers such as Erik Satie, Hugo Alvén, and Darius Milhaud.

Iconic multi-media performances like Les Mariés de la Tour Eiffel (The Wedding on the Eiffel Tower), Iberia, and L’Homme et son désir (Man and his Desire) showcased their unique approach, blending various art forms into cohesive, provocative productions.

This book unfolds the rich story of Ballets Suédois through ten chapters penned by experts in art history, dance, music, theatre, and choreography. It explores:

• Their clashes with the Stockholm Opera and the scandals that stirred the press
• The artistic inspirations and collaborations that shaped their work
• Historical perspectives on the male body and the lives of female dancers
• The complex relationships of love, friendship, conflict, and tragedy within the company
• Financial struggles and fierce rivalry with Ballets Russes
• The cultural scenes of Paris, Stockholm, and Copenhagen
• Experimental music and its impact on future composers like John Cage
• The extravagant haute-couture costumes that defined their visual style
• The lasting legacy they left for generations of dancers
• A re-enactment of their Dadaistic masterpiece Relâche

This engaging account brings to life the spirit of innovation and artistic collaboration that made Ballets Suédois a defining force in early 20th-century performance art.

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