Goldberg Variations

The Goldberg Variations ballet at the Vienna State Opera had an emphasis on clean lines, precision, and fluidity of movement. Dancers maintained the classical ballet posture and turnout but explored a broader range of motion and expression. The choreography incorporated elements of athleticism, agility, and innovative partnering, pushing the boundaries of traditional ballet vocabulary.

The dancers were wearing more contemporary and streamlined costumes than in traditional ballets. These costumes allowed to complement the movement and highlight the lines of the body. This minimalist approach allowed the focus to remain on the purity of movement and the choreographic exploration. The choreography of this ballet became a means of expression, with dancers conveying emotion and ideas through movement, gesture, and spatial relationships. The emphasis on abstraction encouraged audiences to engage with the dance on a more visceral and emotional level, interpreting the performance through their own experiences and perspectives.

Simple, versatile and minimalistic set of the stage allowed for a focus on the dancers and their movements, creating a visual purity that enhances the overall impact of the performance. The Goldberg Variations ballet celebrates the beauty of the human form, the technical prowess of the dancers, and the limitless possibilities of movement. Through its commitment to innovation and expression, this ballet contributes to the rich and ever-evolving tapestry of the dance world.

The "Goldberg Variations" ballet is a choreographic work set to Johann Sebastian Bach's famous "Goldberg Variations," a set of keyboard music consisting of an aria and 30 variations. This ballet adaptation transforms the intricate musical composition into a visual and kinetic experience, often blending traditional and contemporary dance elements to bring the music to life. The choreography is closely attuned to Bach's musical intricacies, with each variation inspiring a unique movement vocabulary. The enduring appeal of choreographing ballet to the "Goldberg Variations" lies in the depth and richness of Bach's music.

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor

Wiener Staatsballett/Ashley Taylor