Dance Me a Story
My blog title today is taken from a book I just received in the mail by the same name: Dance Me a Story: Twelve Tales from the Classic Ballets, by Jane Rosenberg. The first ballet included in this book is the enchanting tale of Cinderella, a story of transformation, hope, and the power of kindness. This is also the first classical ballet we will be exploring as we begin our new season of dance at Embody Ballet.
By immersing dancers in a story ballet, we inspire a love of dance and storytelling from the very beginning, providing young dancers with a solid foundation in ballet technique while nurturing their artistry, creativity and personal growth.
Bringing the Story to Life
A variety of characters in this story give opportunity for dancers to practice a range of movement concepts: the garden creatures, the fairies of the four seasons, the stepmother and sisters, and Cinderella herself, all provide dancers with rich opportunities for creative movement exploration and interpretation.
Cinderella's journey from a humble servant to a princess is a powerful metaphor for personal growth. We learn that Cinderella’s beauty is a matter of the heart as we see her graciousness extended in the face of unfair, ill-treatment. The qualities of humility, resilience, perseverance, hope, and the importance of kindness, cultivated through ballet training, will serve dancers well throughout their lives.
The Magic of Prokofiev
Prokofiev's music is a perfect complement to the Cinderella story. Its energy, drama, and beauty provide a rich backdrop for the dancers' movements. The rhythmic patterns and melodic lines inspire creativity and encourage a deep connection between the music and the body.
Prokofiev uses a variety of rhythms in Cinderella (many of which are difficult to count!) to further enhance the storytelling through music. Here are some examples:
Waltzes: As you might expect, waltzes play a prominent role, especially in the grand ball scene. Their triple meter (3/4 time signature) and lilting rhythm create a sense of elegance and joy for the dancing couples.
Sarabande: This slower, stately dance in triple meter is sometimes used for more formal moments, perhaps during the introduction of characters at the ball.
Gallop: A fast, bouncy rhythm (often in 2/4 time) might depict the hurried preparations of the stepsisters or the excitement of Cinderella rushing to the ball before midnight.
March: A strong, driving rhythm in 4/4 time could represent the arrival of the prince or the formality of the palace setting.
Broken Rhythms: These are sections where the music uses irregular rhythms, perhaps to portray moments of chaos or disruption, like the stepsisters frantically trying on the glass slipper.
Waltz Variations: Prokofiev doesn't just stick to traditional waltzes. He might introduce syncopation or other rhythmic variations within the waltz structure to create a more playful or whimsical atmosphere.
The specific rhythms used will depend on the scene and the emotions it evokes. By using a rich tapestry of rhythms, Prokofiev adds another layer of depth and storytelling to the ballet. These variations in tempo and dynamics bring the story to life, creating a rich and engaging musical experience that reflects the different characters and situations in the ballet.
Our Cinderella-inspired ballet program offers a unique and enriching experience for young children. By combining the enchantment of storytelling, the discipline of ballet, and the power of music, we create a nurturing environment where children can grow, learn, and embody the joy of dance.
