The Berlin Ballet Company performance Saturday night was a magnificent display of “grace, strength, and artistry – exhibiting the latest creations and interpretations in the world of ballet”. More of a classical ballet person, I wasn’t sure what to expect of the venue or performance. Since I appreciate innovative modern dance, I booked the ticket online. The production appeared in Belgrade for two days only – May 10 and 11.
Dorćol Platz
The venue was a warehouse nightclub at Dorćol Platz in Dorćol neighborhood – a 30-minute-walk from my apartment in Stari Grad. There was standing room only, no seating.
The dancers performed on a main stage with a techno DJ, electronic music, and lighting effects. Dancers also appeared on several smaller stages in other parts of the club. The crowd was mostly in their 20s – so I tried to blend :o), but definitely felt the age difference… Although you could see the dancers, views were obstructed by the large crowd and people standing.
When the dancing began, the crowded space was hot and packed with bodies. Many in the audience were dancing to the music. It would have been uncomfortable for anyone with claustrophobic tendencies. Taking photos from the crowd was impossible, and images in the shots I tried are blurry, but there are some great media photos included in this post.
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“The Berlin Ballet Company, a select group of accomplished professional European dancers, graces stages all over the world. Now, they’re coming to Belgrade.”
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Dorćol Platz has “special significance for Berlin Ballet Company“. It “symbolizes their artistic vision – a place where subculture flourishes, and diverse people can gather and freely express their creativity“. It “reminds them of their city, and they feel a connection to Belgrade, because of its energy and unconventionality“.
Mermaid’s Club
The innovative performance – a new production, music, choreography – world premiered in Belgrade this weekend. Next, the production moves to Berlin, where it’ll be performed with techno music in famous venues like Berghain. Entitled Mermaid’s Club, the abstract chorography follows the “odyssey of its main character – from ancient Greece to today’s crazy modern world”.
The choreography was inspired by “original music created by popular Belgrade DJ, Marko Nastić, named Siren’s Club a Techno Ballet Odyssey. During the performance, the dancers appear like cyborgs – their makeup, animated movements, and bionic eyes were phenomenal.
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“Dorćol Platz is a place where different subcultures meet and permeate. It’s a place of dialogue, openness to the different, a place that tries to push boundaries. At first glance, incompatible ballet and techno are actually a logical step in the evolution of two artistic expressions.” Director of Dorćol Platz Miloš Ignjatović
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Seeing the beautiful, talented dancers perform up close was an amazing experience. Their bodies were an impressive mass of well-toned muscle performing difficult movements and exhibiting exceptional skill, discipline, strength, and dedicated practice!
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“Berlin Ballet Company and Belgrade DJ Marko Nastić prepared something completely new. The people of Belgrade can expect a combination of techno music and ballet.” nova.rs
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Live Opera Republic Square
At the end of the performance, I didn’t hang around for the after parties :o). On the walk back to my apartment, I discovered live music at Republic Square!
An open-air stage was constructed by National Theater around the Prince Mihailo monument to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Maria Callas’ birthday. Callas, an American-born Greek soprano, was one of the most renowned and influential opera singers of the 20th century. Her voice is indescribably beautiful.
Several sopranos accompanied by an excellent pianist took turns singing her most famous arias from Rigoletto, La Gioconda, Lucia di Lammermoor, and Madama Butterfly. They were fabulous! One of many reasons Belgrade is so special is that there’s always an interesting, high-quality performing arts event happening!