Cigarettes & Cake Celebrate the Ballets De Monte Carlo’s 30th

In honor of the 30th anniversary of the Ballets de Monte Carlo, famed Czech choreographer Jiří Kylián posted Oskar online, a new video that celebrates the innovation of this world-renowned dance company. It is part of an ongoing celebration that includes commemorative performances of some of the company’s iconic works at home and internationally, such as Cinderella, performed at the New York City Center last February. Kylián is considered to be one of the most prominent and influential choreographers alive today. His work marries classical ballet technique with a modern attitude. Oskar is one of Kylián’s “pièces d’occasion” performed exclusively by Bernice Coppieters and Jean-Christophe Maillot, ex-prima ballerina and current director of the company, respectively.

Ballets de Monte Carlo is known for being at the forefront of contemporary choreography that is firmly based in the classical tradition. In its 30 years, it has birthed ballets that have become repertoire standards at many other companies around the world (such as Maillot’s Romeo and Juliet).

Kylián‘s choreography in the video is witty and sophisticated, as is typical of his work. Classical moves with modern sensibilities are filmed sometimes as though in fast-forward or slow motion, or repeated over again like a GIF. Not only are the steps sharp and perfectly crisp, but the dancers’ facial expressions tell a universal story of human playfulness. They flirt, smear cake on their faces, and experiment with physical comedy while a puppy (the famed Oskar himself) follows them around the stage. The video is Kylián on top form: choreography that engages and entertains, simultaneously relatable, funny, and impressive.

Click here to learn more about the Ballets De Monte Carlo.

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