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Christian Clark and Nadia Mara in “Moulin Rouge®—The Ballet,"
presented by Atlanta Ballet |
High-kicking Cancan choreography and
a story of love, adventure and indulgence revolving around the world-famous
Moulin Rouge cabaret came to life in Atlanta Ballet's reprise of “Moulin Rouge®—The
Ballet," on Friday, February 5th. The production - which Atlanta Ballet
presented the U.S. premiere of in 2010 - is the original creation of renowned
Canadian choreographer Jorden Morris, who sets his full-length ballet in the
late 1880s when the Moulin Rouge first opened its doors. To create an engaging
and authentic experience, this fan-favorite features a score of more than 29
pieces of music from period French composers.
Originally built in 1889 by Joseph
Oller, the Moulin Rouge is best known as the birthplace of the Quadrille and the provocative Cancan dance.
During its heyday, the cabaret was an extravagant place featuring huge dance floors, wall-to-wall
mirrors and elegant galleries. This excess was accompanied by a wild atmosphere on stage featuring gaudy
Cancan girls in long skirts and heavily frilled undergarments who performed high kicks, splits,
cartwheels and other acrobatic tricks.
The
story involves a young painter, Mathew (Christian Clark), who comes to Paris
and meets Toulouse-Lautrec (John Welker) who becomes his sponsor and protector.
Young Mathew falls in love with laundress/dancer Natalie, played by the lovely Nadia Mara. The owner of the Moulin
Rouge, Zidler (Jonah Hopper), hires Natalie on the spot, then proceeds to fall
in love with her as does Mathew; the
results are tragic.
This critically-acclaimed production
transformed the stage into a grand spectacle of elegance and seduction, magnifying
the euphoria of Paris. Atlanta Ballet's corps of dancers pushed the envelope, yet again, as
it wove the grace of classical ballet with the athleticism and artistry of
the French Cancan and the verve of the tango. The exceptional dancing was delivered like a moving picture across the stage.
Atlanta
Ballet's “Moulin Rouge®—The Ballet," runs thru February 13th. This stellar production is a must-see! For tickets, visit www.atlantaballet.com.
Highlights below:
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