De Bethune announces partnership with the famous Russian Ballet Jewels: 11 of the world’s greatest ballet stars, 9 world-renowned choreographers, 7 legendary ballet companies, an exclusive selection of classical and contemporary ballet performances in one breathtaking program.
Geneva, March 13, 2019 – Since its foundation, De Bethune has remained true to the idea of combining tradition and modernity. As an independent “Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie,” all of its timekeepers are designed and produced in-house in the spirit of striving for excellence in a continuous quest for perfection. These are values shared with and exemplified by the Russian Ballet Jewels whose breathtaking performances, in which the world’s best dancers give their heart and soul, celebrate the most beautiful ballets ever choreographed.
The greatest stars – including Elena Vostrotina, Xander Parish, Ekaterina Osmolkina, Yannick Bittencourt, Nancy Osbaldeston, Anna Nikulina, Mikhail Lobukhin, to name but a few – from the ballet companies of the Bolshoi Theatre, the Mariinsky Theatre, the Royal Flemish Ballet, the Zurich Opera Ballet, the Yakobson St. Petersburg Theatre and the Paris National Opera will grace the stage of the Théâtre du Léman in Geneva, performing legendary pas-de-deux and solos of classical ballet that have become the references of Russian choreographic art, and masterpieces of contemporary ballet created by the most talented choreographers of our time.
From The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake to Gorsky’s experiments and Fokine’s stylizations, complemented by contemporary works by Nureyev, Fallen… – an evening with the Russian Ballet Jewels is a major event, both for a discerning audience and for those keen to discover fabled masterpieces and a selection of recent productions performed by world-class dancers.
To support this truly contemporary celebration of classicism and eternal elegance is a genuine privilege.
De Bethune is particularly proud to support the Russian Ballet Jewels, a production brought to life by Vladimir Ippolitov whose mission is to promote not only the art of classical and contemporary ballet, but also to share this passion with the world through the best dancers of our time.
By supporting the Russian Ballet Jewels, De Bethune celebrates the historical and steadfast bond that has been forged over the years between the watch brand and Russia.
Prominent Russian clients, great connoisseurs of contemporary Fine Watchmaking, have been loyal to De Bethune since the foundation of the first workshop. Indeed, the very first “starry night” dial created by De Bethune, now a hallmark of the brand, faithfully captures the firmament of the mythical White Nights above St. Petersburg on a 21st of June.
For requests regarding interviews with the organizers and dancers, and seats reserved for the press, please contact De Bethune:
De Bethune – International Press Contact: Ouldouze Nadiri – ouldouze.nadiri@debethune.com – T +41 79 853 74 82
PROGRAM
“ Grand Pas Classique”– D. Auber, choreography by V.Gsovsky
E. Vostrotoina, Y. Bittencourt
“The Grand Pas Classique” choreographed by Victor Gsovsky was first staged in Paris in 1949. Since then, this duet, which requires excellent technique and skill to perform a demanding “choreography text” with elegance and poise, became one of the most performed pieces at the Galas and competitions.
White adagio from the “Swan Lake” – P.I. Tchaikovsky, choreography by L. Ivanov
E. Vostrotoina, Y. Bittencourt
“The Swan Lake” is a real icon of the Russian ballet. The duet of Odette, the enchanted swan princess, and prince Siegfried, who came to hunt swans at the lake, is one of the most important and beautiful scenes of the ballet depicting their emerging love. In response to a sad “story” Odette tells the prince about her being enchanted to stay imprisoned in a swan’s body during the day, Siegfried gives a passionate promise that his love will break the spell.
Duet from the ballet “Rodin: Eternal Idol” – Claude Debussy, choreography by Leonid Yakobson
A. Bocharova, D. Klimuk
The ballet “Rodin” is composed of chorographical miniatures inspired by works of a great master of sculpture, Rodin. Rodin has revolutionised and created a new language in the art of sculpture. Half a century later Yakobson revolutionised choreography and created a new language in art of movement.
Leonid Yakobson created these pieces in different time periods and combined into one composition at a later stage.
“Viennese Waltz” – -R. Strauss, choreography by Leonid Yakobson
A. Bocharova, D. Klimuk
The miniature ballet “The Viennese Waltz” is almost a piece of drama on its own. It has everything: an intrigue, a climax and an impressive ending. The plot is quite simple: it is a story of a meeting of a young lady with a young dandy. First she pushes him away, then gives him hope. The mood constantly changes: her capriciousness changes to coquetry; and it all ends with her leading him away.
“Requiem » – Gabriel Fauré, Wim Henderickx, choreography by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui
N. Osbaldeston, C. Cangialosi
Fauré’s requiem – traditionally, a Mass for the repose of a dead soul – already unusual in its surprising optimism: free of the bluster and heavy religious overtones typically associated with the funereal mass. It receives new interpretation by a Flemish composer Wim Henderickx and one of the most prominent choreographers of our time Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui.
In their Requiem, with great respect for the various traditions the artists blend eastern and western cultures in serene and contemplative plea for the freedom of humankind.
Pas de deux of Princess Aurora and Prince Désiré from the “Sleeping Beauty” – P.I. Tchaikovsky, choreography by M. Petipa
E. Osmolkina, X. Parish
It was in “The Sleeping Beauty” ballet in 1890 that the two geniuses – Tchaikovsky and Petipa – worked together for the first time and created the world’s greatest ballet masterpiece ever.
The real jewel of the ballet is the wedding duet of Aurora and Prince Désiré glorifying love and harmony, the victory of good over evil.
“Ballet 101” – Jens-Peter Abele, choreography by Eric Gauthier
X. Parish
Xander Parish performs a routine based on the 101 ballet positions, a demanding voice over calls out the numbers of 101 poses to put him through an increasingly frantic routine.
