Kamilah Lay

Jiri Kylian Reflection

I am quite delighted by Jiri Kylian, especially Symphony in D. The word that I think bests

describes this dance is “whimsical”. I felt almost giddy while watch the dancers with their fast

footwork. It’s not often that you go to the ballet and it’s intended to make you laugh. I also like

how clear it is that this is Kylian’s choreography. I read only one article detailing his style and

influences and I was able to pick out each attribute.

The dancers are clearly very athletic. The fast footwork would be impossible without a

great deal of strength and strong ballet technique. These dancers, unlike many classical

dancers I have seen out there, have the ability to act the piece. There’s a sense of playfulness

and wonder that the dancers are using their faces to convey. It’s almost like they are children.

To me, the story being told is that of a school yard. The girls are typically dancing with classical

technique and very prim and proper. They are above the antics of the boys. The boys have the

strongest mix of different dance styles, and sometimes do movements that are very pedestrian,

while still looking like a dance. I love the way they basically kidnap one of the girls, and throw

her around playfully.

Kylian’s use of Folk dance is strongly present in this piece. I can pick out what appears

to be Russian Folk dance, especially in the second half of the piece. This is different from

classical ballet because of its free energy. Which once again, adds to the playfulness of the

piece.

I especially love the way the music contracts with the unencumbered joy presented in

the piece. Classical music is often thought of as stuffy and serious, but this shows it can be

interpreted in quite the opposite way. Kylian capitalized on the bouncy quality of the music to

fuel all of the quick jumps and footwork.