Hans van Manen is one of those few choreographers who by combining classical ballet with modern dance and other movement techniques, has succeeded in popularizing modern ballet across a wide audience. Trois Gnossiennes is the third and central work in Hans van Manen’s Piano Variations cycle from 1980-84. Manen choreographed this sensual duet about resignation, trust and harmony to the magical and melancholy music of Erik Satie. The piece 5 Tangos is set to the music of Astor Piazzolla. The work, a true audience favorite, flows with fiery energy. Tango, and a little something extra. The Nederlands Dans Theater was turning 30 years old when Jiří Kylián informed Hans van Manen, “You’re going to do the ballet for the anniversary.” Manen replied: “Really? And what should I do?” Kylián replied: “A cake”. This is how the festive parody of five movements built around humor – the irresistibly witty Black Cake – was conceived.
Trois Gnossiennes
Composer: Erik Satie
Tatiana Melnik as Solo female
Tsvirko Igor as Solo male
Featuring on piano: Başak Dilara Özdemir Lakatos
5 Tangos
Composer: Astor Piazzolla
Kim Minjung as Solo female
Gergő Ármin Balázsi as Solo male
Black Cake
Music by: Jules Massanet / Pietro Mascagni / Igor Stravinsky / Leoš Janacek / Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Lili Felméry as 1st pas de deux solo female
Gergő Ármin Balázsi as 1st pas de deux solo male
Karina Sarkissova as 2nd pas de deux solo female
Ievgen Lagunov as 2nd pas de deux solo male
Lea Földi as 3rd pas de deux solo female
Iurii Kekalo as 3rd pas de deux solo male