Jiri Kylian’s – Sinfonietta / Symphony In D / Stamping Ground DVD – Netherlands Dans Theater 

Sinfonietta: Czech-born Kylian was inspired by the beautiful music of his compatriot Janacek to create this fluid spacious romantic ballet which has become a milestone in contemporary choreography. The forceful fanfares of Janacek’s music are matched by a ceaselessly energetic and exuberant display of movement creating and image which carries through the composer’s intention of evoking the spirit of the ‘modern free Czech’. Symphony In D: Kylian demonstrates his remarkable ability to create a highly inventive and graceful ballet which is at the same time extremely funny. Set to Haydn’s Symphony No. 101 (The Clock) and Symphony No. 73 (The Chase) it is an affectionate send-up of classical ballet poses and is performed with great wit and style by the Nederlands Dans Theater. Stamping Ground: A unique and original ballet inspired by Kylian’s experience of Aboriginal culture and dance which led him to seek out the universal qualities that underlie both modern ballet and a style of dancing that has survived in Australia for over 40 000 years. Stamping is the most important element in Aboriginal dance. Each tribe has its own way of dancing and his own Stamping Ground. In his ballet Kylian allows the dancers to develop their individual personalities and relationships with each other within the dance group through the idiom of the choreography.