I am ashamed to admit that I've never been a huge fan of ballet. Sure, I was exposed to it from infanthood (as part of my mother's extensive campaign of her idea of culture versus American import soaps and Barbie dolls). I even had the opportunity to see The Bolshoi at the Bolshoi and yet, ballet was always just "okay" for me. Enjoyable, but forgettable. Opera, now that was something else, but all those tutu skirts and tight smiles of exertion - nah. They left me cold.
I enjoyed some modern dance. I fell hook, line and sinker for all the Flashdance, Breakdance, anything-dance films and clubs of the 80s.
But I haven't been to ballet for years.
This will have to change before February 2006. That's because a wonderful, wonderful man (I don't know him personally, of course, but he's wonderful) had the vision to get in touch with Danny Elfman and Tim Burton with a very special project in mind. The wonderful man in question is Matthew Bourne, famous for number of strong and unusual stage projects, his most controversial one probably being an overtly masculine production of Swan Lake - and the very special project is Edward Scissorhands, the ballet!
Matthew Bourne and New Adventures are back with their latest creation: a magical new adaptation of the classic Tim Burton motion picture Edward Scissorhands.
A Christmas treat for all the family, this touching and witty gothic fairytale tells the story of a boy created by an eccentric inventor who dies leaving him alone and unfinished. Left with only scissors for hands, Edward must find his place in a strange new suburban world where the well meaning community struggle to see past his strange appearance to the innocence and gentleness within.
Matthew will be teaming up with set designer Lez Brotherston and composer Terry Davies, who will take the original film score by Danny Elfman and adapt it especially for the stage. Source: ticketmaster
Danny Elfman is one of my favourite modern composers. I idolise Tim Burton. Edward Scissorhands really touched me when it was first released. This ballet production is running in London, at Sadler's Wells, Rosebury Avenue, Nov 22nd to Feb 5th.
If there ever was a reason for me to get re-aquainted with ballet, this is it.
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