Dream Ballets Return to Musicals

dream Ballets Return: Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre Rediscovers Musical Theatre Magic

“They’re annoying and stupid and slow everything down. Nobody likes a dream ballet!” This quote, from Apple TV+’s Schmigadoon!, encapsulates a common sentiment towards a particular element of musical theatre. But now, the dream ballet is making a comeback, championed by Drew McOnie, the new artistic director at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.

McOnie is embracing the dream ballet with a triple bill in his inaugural season, aiming to reveal the beauty and storytelling power within these frequently enough-misunderstood dance sequences. But what exactly is a dream ballet?

Understanding the Dream Ballet

A dream ballet is a segment in a musical where dialogue and singing are replaced by dance. Typically, this occurs to explore a character’s internal struggles or pivotal decisions. Agnes de Mille’s Laurey Makes up Her Mind from 1943’s Oklahoma!, where the protagonist grapples with two suitors, is a quintessential example.

Other iconic instances include the 17-minute sequence in the 1951 film An American in Paris, featuring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron dancing through stylized Parisian sets, and the Broadway Melody number in Singin’ in the Rain.

Rehearsals for carousel, choreographed by Kate prince. Photo: Johan Persson

A Choreographer’s Passion

Despite some viewers finding these interludes disruptive, McOnie has been a long-time admirer. “I’ve been completely captivated by them as I was a kid. I was obsessed with them,” he said. This passion led him to conceive the triple bill at just 16 years old.

Rather than recreating the originals,McOnie chose to reinterpret dream ballets from Oklahoma!,Carousel,and Allegro. after years of experience as an award-winning choreographer and director, he’s now in a position to bring his vision to life at Regent’s Park.

Pro Tip: When experiencing a dream ballet, focus on the dancers’ expressions and movements.They convey emotions and story points words cannot.

The Power of Movement

McOnie emphasizes that dream ballets excel at expressing the inexpressible: “being able to express somthing that words aren’t able to, the inner psychology of a character like Laurey.” He credits De Mille’s Oklahoma! ballet with revolutionizing storytelling on stage.

“It liberated our form of storytelling and offered something really human and deeply revealing about the characters,” McOnie noted. He aims to provide choreographers the space to narrate the story through dance.

Commissioning Contemporary Visions

McOnie has commissioned three distinct choreographers: Shelley Maxwell, known for her movement direction in theatre and film (including Marvel’s The Marvels); Kate Prince, celebrated for her hip-hop company ZooNation and productions like Message in a Bottle; and Julia Cheng, known for her work in revivals of Cabaret and Fiddler on the roof.

Rehearsals for Oklahoma! choreographed by Shelley Maxwell. Photo: Johan Persson

He wanted choreographers who would bring something “untraditional” to the project.They have been tasked with using the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein as a springboard for their unique creativity.

Challenges and Innovations

Kate Prince admitted to feeling “well out of my comfort zone!” when faced with the orchestral sound of Carousel. Unlike her usual hip-hop and R&B soundtracks, she found Carousel‘s music initially overwhelming.

Prince is collaborating with orchestrator Simon hale to deconstruct the music, creating a balance between the full orchestral sound and a more stripped-down, contemporary feel. This collaboration is an example of how classic forms can be reimagined for modern audiences. According to a recent report by the Arts Council England, collaborations between different artistic disciplines are on the rise, fostering innovation and attracting new audiences.

Did You Know? The longest dream ballet in film history appears in the movie An American in Paris, clocking in at approximately 17 minutes.

Prince’s Carousel adaptation isn’t the only experiment happening at Regent’s Park. Shelley Maxwell is infusing Oklahoma! with a modern sensibility,while Julia Cheng is bringing her unique vision to Allegro.Each choreographer is pushing the boundaries of what a dream ballet can be.

Dream Ballet Choreographers at Regent’s Park

Choreographer	Musical	Style
Shelley Maxwell	Oklahoma!	Movement Direction
Kate Prince	Carousel	hip-Hop infused
Julia Cheng	Allegro	Contemporary

The Enduring Appeal of Dream Ballets

Dream ballets, while sometimes polarizing, continue to hold a unique place in musical theatre history. They offer a visual and emotional depth that transcends traditional storytelling methods. with innovative approaches from choreographers like Maxwell, Prince, and Cheng, the dream ballet is ready for a new era of appreciation.

The regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s commitment to reinterpreting these classic sequences offers a fresh viewpoint on a time-honored theatrical device. by embracing diverse choreographic styles,McOnie is not only honoring the past but also paving the way for future innovations in musical theatre.Are you ready to rediscover the magic of the dream ballet?

Frequently Asked Questions about Dream Ballets

• What is a dream ballet in musical theatre? A dream ballet is a dance sequence in a musical where dialogue and singing cease, and dance is used to explore a character’s inner thoughts and emotions. It’s a powerful storytelling tool.
• Why are dream ballets sometimes criticized? some critics find dream ballets disruptive,arguing they slow down the narrative. However, proponents view them as essential for adding depth and emotional resonance.
• Which musicals feature famous dream ballets? Notable examples include Agnes de Mille’s work in Oklahoma!, and sequences in An American in Paris and Singin’ in the Rain.
• Who are the choreographers involved in Regent’s Park Open Air theatre’s dream ballet triple bill? The choreographers are Shelley Maxwell, Kate Prince, and julia Cheng, each bringing their unique style to reinterpret classic dream ballets.
• What makes Kate Prince’s approach to dream ballet unique? Kate Prince, known for her hip-hop choreography, is stepping outside her comfort zone to work with the orchestral scores of Rodgers and Hammerstein, offering a fresh take on the dream ballet concept.
• How does the dream ballet enhance storytelling in musicals? Dream ballets offer choreographers the opportunity to express aspects of the story and character psychology that words cannot convey, adding a layer of depth and understanding.

What are your favorite dream ballet moments in musical theatre? Share your thoughts and join the discussion below!

How can dream ballets be used to better connect with modern audiences, given the evolving trends in musical theater?

Dream Ballets Return to Musicals: A Renaissance of Dance

The intersection of musical theatre and ballet has always been a potent one, offering captivating storytelling and dynamic movement. Now, a dream ballet renaissance is underway, with ballet regaining its prominence in contemporary musicals. This article delves into the resurgence, exploring its influence, examining its role, and considering what this evolution means for the future of musical theatre and dance. Key elements include musical theatre ballet, dance in musicals, and ballet in theater.

Rooted in History: The Evolution of Dance in Musicals

The origins of integrating ballet into musicals are complex, influencing the growth of *musical theatre ballet*. From the early days of vaudeville to the Golden Age of Broadway, dance played an critically importent role. Key milestones include:

• Oklahoma! (1943): Agnes de Mille’s choreography seamlessly integrated story and dance sequences. This is often cited as a turning point for dance in musicals.
• West Side Story (1957): Jerome Robbins masterfully used dance to tell the story of the Jets and Sharks, using a mix of ballet and jazz.
• A chorus Line (1975): The production centered around dancers, celebrating dance and emphasizing the raw struggle of performing.

The Decline and Rise: A Dance in Flux

In late 20th century musical theatre, the prominence of ballet, and dance fluctuated. Factors included changes in styles, budgets, and a shift in focus towards different storytelling approaches with new musicals or popular films. However, there’s a clear revival of ballet in theater now, with more companies and productions integrating ballet onc again. This resurgence is driven by new creative talents, new audience appetites, and how each production attempts to distinguish itself from the vast catalog of theater.

The Modern dream Ballet: Amplifying Storytelling

What is dream musical ballet? A dream ballet is a staged dance sequence within a musical, frequently enough appearing as a dance, representing the character’s thoughts, memories, or anxieties.It often transports audiences to new locations or realities.

Here’s how it enhances storytelling:

• Emotional Depth: Allows characters to express emotions that can not be shared with dialog through dance.
• Symbolism: Choreography is a new way to illustrate themes, and provide multiple forms of interpretations.
• Narrative Advancement: Moves the plot forward without requiring dialogue or traditional scenes.

Examples of Successful Modern Integrations

Several recent productions have showcased the power of ballet, proving that audiences can be entertained by dance as much as music, dialogue, and spectacle.

Musical	Dance Element	Impact
Moulin Rouge!	Vibrant, high-energy dance sequences with balletic flourishes.	Heightened the glitzy and seductive atmosphere.
An American in paris	Classical ballet integrated to move the story along.	Showcased the protagonist’s passion for dance.
& Juliet	Dance numbers that give new character and energy to this classic story.	The dance adds a fun energy to a old story.

Benefits of Incorporating dream Ballets

* Enhanced Emotional Connections: Ballet often moves audiences with its powerful imagery.

* Increased Artistic Variety: A mix of music and dance can create a unique experience.

* Audience Engagement: Lovely visuals, along with strong characters, often keep audiences from getting tired.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Ballet in Musicals

The future of musical theatre ballet is filled with promise. As audiences increasingly seek diverse and visually appealing performances, the demand for dream ballets and innovative dance in productions is likely to increase.Expect:

• Experimentation: artists exploring new fusions.
• Collaboration: Between choreographers and composers is crucial.
• Innovation in Technology: to enhance the audience experience.

The return of dream ballets is a testament to the enduring power of dance. As musicals continue to evolve, dance provides another form of storytelling. To follow the continued success of dance,and understand its long lasting popularity,follow theatre related publications,musical,and dance periodicals for coverage of modern productions.