Storytelling in Classical Ballet: Balancing Tradition and Innovation
By Abby Jayne DeAngelo, DWC Ambassador | pronouns: she/her
Classical ballet for me has always been more than just dance. It's about telling powerful stories through movement, music, and emotion. In a world where people flock to sports arenas to root for their favorite teams, drawn by the drama of good versus evil and the thrill of having a stake in the game, ballet offers a similarly captivating experience through its storytelling. Why can’t we seem to bring people to our theaters in the same masses? For audiences both seasoned and new to ballet, the narrative element is key to creating a connection. I believe that storytelling is the bridge that can make ballet accessible and engaging for everyone.
Classic ballets like "Swan Lake," "The Nutcracker," and "Giselle" have stood the test of time, enchanting audiences with their timeless stories of love, magic, and tragedy. These narratives, much like epic sports rivalries, offer clear stakes and emotional investment. Modern productions should bring fresh perspectives to these classics by updating staging, costumes, and choreography while preserving the original essence. In this context, the essence of classical ballet refers to the foundational elements that define the art form: the rigorous technique, the expressive choreography, the emotive music, and the rich, narrative-driven performances. To me, the essence of classical ballet is about the seamless blend of athleticism and artistry, the ability to convey profound emotions and stories through precise, graceful movements, and the dedication to a tradition that has inspired countless dancers and audiences over centuries. This balance of tradition and innovation should help keep the magic of these stories alive for new generations of ballet enthusiasts, however reviving the classics can also be a double-edged sword.
While these productions maintain the rich history and technique of classical ballet, they can sometimes fail to attract new, diverse audiences who might find the themes outdated or less relevant. In our pursuit of diversity, equity, and inclusion, we must acknowledge that simply reviving the classics may not be enough to broaden ballet's appeal.
As ballet evolves, the introduction of new narratives becomes crucial. Just as new sports seasons bring fresh excitement, contemporary ballets with original stories can captivate audiences with novel themes and characters. Contemporary ballet often leans into the abstract, leaving much of the interpretation up to the audience. While this can be compelling and deeply moving, it may not always be the best way to draw in new patrons who lack prior exposure to dance. These abstract performances, although artistically significant, can sometimes feel niche and incomprehensible.
“In our pursuit of diversity, equity, and inclusion, we must acknowledge that simply reviving the classics may not be enough to broaden ballet’s appeal.”
To truly diversify and include audiences from all walks of life, ballet needs to strike a balance. We must move beyond the classics without abandoning storytelling entirely. Storytelling is a universal language that captures attention and fosters emotional connections, making it a compelling tool to engage diverse audiences.
I am the Owner & Artistic Director of Adage Ballet Academy (ABA) in Seattle, WA, and we recently announced that we are working on a new full-length, three-act ballet titled "The Magic Mirror," which will be choreographed by my husband, ABA Ballet Master & Choreographer, Guillaume Basso. This original work, scored by award-winning composer Bob Ingalls, promises to be an enchanting addition to the ballet repertoire, appealing to both young and old alike. Guillaume’s unique international approach, honed through his work with the Paris Opera Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet, ensures that "The Magic Mirror" will envelop the audience in the joy, anguish, and excitement of this enduring story.
"The Magic Mirror" weaves a rich tapestry of drama, humor, and sensitivity, making it an engaging addition to the ballet repertoire. Inspired by Alexander Pushkin's poem "The Tale of the Dead Princess and the Seven Knights" and the Brothers Grimm fairy tale "Snow White," the story of “The Magic Mirror” ballet is in some sense a revival attempt of old stories but with an original and fresh narrative spin that has never been adapted for classical ballet. This new story inspired by the classics, contains themes that will resonate deeply with modern audiences.
Jealousy and Vanity: The Queen's envy of the Princess’ beauty drives the narrative, highlighting the destructive nature of jealousy and vanity.
Redemption and Forgiveness: The Nurse’s decision to spare the Princess showcases the power of compassion and the possibility of redemption.
Good vs. Evil: The moral battle between the pure-hearted Princess and the malevolent Queen reinforces the classic theme that good ultimately triumphs over evil.
Love and Sacrifice: The Prince's quest and his kiss that revives the Princess exemplify true love and the sacrifices made for loved ones.
Nature and Transformation: Characters like Frost and Spring symbolize nature's forces and the cycles of transformation, emphasizing renewal and change.
Community and Support: The dwarfs’ efforts to protect the Princess highlight the importance of community and solidarity in overcoming challenges.
Through the universal themes of "The Magic Mirror" — from the destructive power of jealousy to the redemptive possibility of forgiveness, the triumph of good over evil, and the transformative force of nature — audiences will find themselves deeply connected to the narrative. We are excited to present characters and stories that resonate deeply, using powerful storytelling tools like pantomime. This often underutilized art form allows us to communicate intricate emotions and stories through expressive body language, making the performance more relatable and comprehensible to new viewers.
We plan to produce the 1st act in its entirety next May, 2025, followed by the premiere of the complete ballet in 2026. As we prepare for the curtain to rise on "The Magic Mirror,” our aim is to capture attention and foster emotional connections through this new ballet. By blending classic and contemporary elements, we strive to make the profound art of ballet accessible and engaging for everyone. This production’s contemporary score, written to appeal to diverse audiences, along with its plot brimming with drama, humor, and sensitivity, ensures an enriching experience for all attendees.
As a private academy with a modest amount of student dancers, our goal is to offer an accessible yet profound experience through our productions such as “The Magic Mirror.” Its combination of classic and contemporary elements, along with its engaging characters and emotional depth, makes it an ideal production to attract and captivate a wide audience. I absolutely cannot wait for audiences to see what we have been working on, and I am honored to be a part of this process and production as my way to make a small impact on the greater ballet community. In bringing "The Magic Mirror" to the stage, we are making a deliberate effort to connect with our community on a deeper level. By weaving in contemporary relevance with traditional beauty, we hope to create an unforgettable experience that invites everyone to find delight, heartache, and enthusiasm in the world of ballet.
“By blending classic and contemporary elements, we strive to make the profound art of ballet accessible and engaging for everyone. ”
