Cincinnati Sept 23 (?): Nicholsons/La Sylphide

[arrogcow]

OK I feel better. I sent an e-mail to their info line saying that they had the kilts on backward. Here is the reply:

Yes- we know—the young men put on the costumes and the photographer took the photos before the artistic director was able to correct it. They will be wearing them correctly in the performance. One other thing….in many ballet’s they actually make kilts that have the pleats all the way around. In our Gala of International Ballet Stars this summer, The Kirov Ballet dancers performed an excerpt from La Sylphide, and his kilt had the pleats all the way around. Anyhow—thanks for your interest. I hope you enjoy the show.



Jana Hatcher

Executive Director

Adam

[McClef]

Hmm is a kilt with pleats all the way around really a kilt or some weird hybrid that should be given a different name?

Sounds to me like they are trying to produce a male version of a tutu!

[Rex_Tremende]

Hmm is a kilt with pleats all the way around really a kilt or some weird hybrid that should be given a different name?

Sounds to me like they are trying to produce a male version of a tutu!

Well, tutus are not all floppy like a kilt. But if you want to see a man in a tutu, I highly recommend Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo - this troupe came to Cincinnati once, and I laughed my a$$ off.

The only reason I can think of why a costumer would pleat all around is for movement. Ballet tends to tell stories through impressions, not historical accuracy.

In our Gala of International Ballet Stars this summer, The Kirov Ballet dancers performed an excerpt from La Sylphide, and his kilt had the pleats all the way around.

I was there and I do not recall this to be true. I do recall the sporran hung straight down from the front of the belt, and did not move as I would expect it to move with all that jumping around. I think it was fixed to the apron somehow.

Anyhow, I stopped by the box office tonight to buy a ticket, and there are tons of excellent seats still available.

I'll be at Nicholson's bar, Adam.

Regards,
Rex.

[McClef]

Thanks for the information Rex - looks "The Trocks" were in Cardiff only last month and I missed them!

I saw a photo recently of a kilted male dancer doing Les Syphides I do not recall any front pleating and I can't remember what they did with the sporran. Again I would expect that they would try to minimise excess movement - will have to see if I can find it again.