Program - Moiseyev Dance Company
Contents
Dancers
Moiseyev Dance Company
- Igor Moiseyev, Artistic Director and Choreographer
- Lev Golovanov and Victor Nikitushkin, Assistants to the Choreographer
- Victor Kolobkov, Mikhail Drokov and Alexander Radzetskiy, Musicians-Concert Masters
- Elena Shcherbakova, Director of Moiseyev Dance Company
Soloists of the Ballet
Larissa Aristova, Evgeniya Bakhareva, Angelina Cherepanova Irina Galushkina, Ekaterina Kulikova, Olga Larkina, Natalia Matus-Marchuk, Maria Prokhorova, Olga Siracheva, Nataliya Ugrozova, Anna Zinkova, Sergey Anikin, Andrey Artamonov, Oleg Chernasov, Evgeny Chernyshkov, Dmitry Diyakonov, Artem Dzyblo, Alexey Gladyshev, Rudiy Khodzhoyan, Kirill Kochubey, Konstantin Kostylev, Viacheslav Kozhin, Dmitry Orlov, Vladislav Ozeryanskiy, Denis Pankov, Maxim Parfenov, Sergey Rukavishnikov, Nikolay Rubtsov, Nikolay Tarasov, Alexander Tkhonov, Yury Vasin
Artists of the Ballet
Veronika Anikina, Ksenia Basova, Marina Erkova, Ekaterina Guseva, Ekaterina Korobova, Ekaterina Komissarenko, Victoria Michoukova, Maria Nikolaeva, Yulia Stebletsova, Anna Shchukina, Evdokia Tokareva, Margarita Trotsenko, Ksenia Teslia, Olga Voronkova, Olga Volina, Yuriy Chernyshkov, Roman Ivashchenko, Dmitry Klokotov, Sergey Kuznetsov, Ayrat Karimov, Roman Kozyukov, Sergey Krasov, Andrey Lomakin, Evgeniy Masalkov, Dmitry Mikhalin, Vladimir Mikhalenko, Alexander Mironenko, Kirill Nikitine, Vladimir Pavluchenko, Nikolay Postnov, Artem Pankratov
Tonight's Program
Part One
1. Russian Dance "Summer"
Music by: S. Galperin, V.Zhmykov
Choreography by: Igor Moiseyev
In his many arrangements of traditional Russian folk songs, Moiseyev reflects on different aspects of the Russian national character. This dance from the suite, "The Seasons," depicts the humor, mischief, romance, and lyricism so often ascribed to the people of the countryside. The setting is a harvest festival, and villagers of all ages have gathered to cheer on a young couple.
Danced by Olga Voronkova, Nikolai Roubtsov or Anna Shchukina, Vladimir Pavluchenko, Alexander Tikhonov and the company
2. "Kalmuk Dance"
Music by: P. Rybakov
Choreography by: Igor Moiseyev
Until very recently, the Kalmuks lived as nomads, wandering with their herds on the vast Nogai Steppes near the mouth of the Volga River. They are thought to have migrated from Central Asia, but few details of their history or culture are known. The dances of the Kalmuks suggest a deep connection to the animals and birds that provided them with their livelihood. In this piece, one can recognize the flight of eagles, the running of horses and the contest of bulls in mating season.
Danced by Sergey Krasov, Evgeny Chernyshkov, Yuriy Chernyshkov or Konstantin Kostylev, Roman Ivashchenko, Alexander Mironenko
Percussion (Saratovskaia Garmoska) by Victor Kolobkov
3. Adzharian War Dance "Khorumi"
Traditional rhythms
Choreography by: Igor Moiseyev
This is an ancient Adzharian dance that originated in the seventh or eighth century. The Adzharians are ethnically related to the Georgians and are located in the western part of Russia. This dance displays moments of battle against the enemy. Temperamental movements of the dance are accompanied by the sharp rhythmical playing of the dole (national instrument of the Adzharian people).
Danced by Nikolay Rubtsov, Alexander Tikhonov, Dmitry Klokotov, Denis Pankov, Nikolay Postnov Alexei Popkov, Dmitry Orlov, Kirill Kochubey
Accompanied by: Rudiy Khodzhoyan
4. Suit of Moldavian Dances: "Hora", "Chyolirlie", and "Zhok"
Music by: D. Fyodorov
Choreography by: Igor Moiseyev
In the Moldavian dialect, "zhok" means dance or a musical promenade. The ebullience, color and speed of this dance have made it one of the most popular folk dances. The Moiseyev version of this dance consists of 3 parts:
- Hora (a lyrical female round dance)
- Chyolirlie (The Lark, a series of individual and group dances, which end with a boisterous round dance, based on the popular Moldavian melody)
- Zhok (a large ensemble dance characterized by impetuosity and diversity of pattern)
Danced by Irina Galushkina, Olga Larkina, Konstantin Kostylev or Nataliya Ugrozova, Evgeniya Bakhareva, Sergey Kuznetsov, Yuriy Chernyshkov and the company
5. "Old City Quadrille" (from the cycle "Pictures of the Past")
Music by: P. Rybakov
Choreography by: Igor Moiseyev
This work brings to life a group of characters that might be found in late 19th or early 20th century Russian literature - a page straight from Gogol or Chekhov. The scenario is a holiday in the town square with the local men and women dressed in their finest. With a row of balalaikas tuning up in the background, the courtship and friendly competition begins.
Evdokia Tokareva, Viacheslav Kozhin, Maria Prokhorova, Vladimir Mikhalenko, Ekaterina Guseva, Sergey Rukavishnikov, Anna Zinkova, Pavel Zinkov or Konstantin Kostylev, Nikolay Rubtsov, Dmitry Klokotov, Oleg Chernasov
6. Choreography Picture "Partisans"
Music by: S.Galperin, S.Katz and V.Zhmykhov
Choreography by: Igor Moiseyev
This acknowledged masterpiece of stagecraft - considered by many his signature work - was created by Moiseyev as a tribute to the mountaineers of various nationalities who banded together to fight against Nazis in the region of the north Caucasus. The scouting party appears first in the scene, followed by the Partisan unit, which engages the enemy. It is impossible not to believe that these partisans are actually riding horses through the mountain passes.
Danced by Nikolay Postnov, Alexander Tikhonov, Yuriy Chernyshkov, Alexey Gladyshev, Dmitry Klokotov, Kirill Nikitine, Oleg Chernasov, Vladimir Pavluchenko, Pavel Zinkov, Nataliya Ugrozova, Denis Pankov or Alexei Popkov, Maxim Parfenov, Maria Nikolaeva, Ekaterina Komissarenko and the company
Part Two
1. Sicilian Tarantella
Music by : V.Zhmykhov
Choreography by: Igor Moiseyev
The choreography is based on elements of traditional Sicilian folk dance.
Danced by Olga Siracheva, Ekaterina Kulikova, Angelina Cherepanova, Natalia Matus-Marchuk, Denis Pankov or Olga Volina, Evgeniya Bakhareva, Sergey Krasov and the company
2. Moldavian Humorous Dance "Tabakeryaska" (U.S. Premier)
Music by: V.Zhmykhov
Choreography by: Igor Moiseyev
Elements of Moldavian folk dance provide the basis for this dance which takes place on a morning on the outskirts of a Moldavian village. A beautiful young maiden, having decided to wash her laundry, has rolled up her sleeves, tucked in her skirt and started to work. The old men of the village, who fancy themselves Don Juans, unexpectedly appear. Declaring their love to the young maiden, they interfere with her washing and the maiden decides to teach them a lesson. Giving each one a towel, she shows them how to wash it and, when they start laundering in earnest, she runs off laughing. Eventually, the old Don Juans realize that the maiden has made fools of them.
Danced by Evgeniya Bakhareva Vladislav Ozeryanskiy, Viacheslav Kozhin, Kirill Kochubey, Andrey Artamonov, Artem Pankratov, Evgeniy Masalkov or Nataliya Ugrozova, Dmitry Diyakonov, Vladimir Pavluchenko, Nikolay Rubtsov, Alexander Tikhonov, Denis Pankov, Ayrat Karimov, Pavel Zinkov
3. Korean Dance "Sunchunga" (Premier of the company 2004) (U.S. Premier)
Traditional music
Choreography: Pe In Su
Recently added to the repertoire, this is the first work commissioned by the company from a choreographer other than Igor Moiseyev. The work reflects the traditional women's dance, and highlights the dynamic movement of the women's heads and hands. The costumes are also created in the traditional "modern" Korean fashion.
Danced by Nataliya Ugrozova, Ekaterina Guseva, Natalia Matus-Marchuk, Anna Zinkova, Ekaterina Komissarenko or Irina Galushkina, Evgeniya Bakhareva
4. Choreography Picture "Football"
Music by: A. Czfasman
Choreography by: Igor Moiseyev
This work has been described as a mixture of mime, folk-dance and acrobatics, a friendly satire on a popular sport (called Football everywhere except in the United States where it is called Soccer). Two football teams triumphantly come out onto the field. The referee blows his whistle and the match begins. The teams meet in mid-field in a furious combat. After a scrimmage, they indulge in some violent arguments while the goalkeeper makes a spectacular save. As the game progresses, one of the players breaks the rules; a brawl breaks out on the field, and the referee calls for a penalty kick. A teenage football fan makes his way onto the field in the general confusion and kicks the deciding goal. At the end, they finally come together for the local photographer to take their picture. Football had its United States premier on the first Moiseyev Dance Company tour in 1958.
Danced by Oleg Chernasov/ Maxim Parfenov (Goalkeeper), Sergey Kuznetsov/Yuriy Chernyshkov (Football fan) and the company
5. Finnish Polka
Music by: A. Guz
Choreography by: Igor Moiseyev
This comic dance contains many difficult acrobatic movements.
Danced by Olga Siracheva, Maxim Parfenov or Victoria Michoukova, Kirill Nikitine, Andrey Artmonov
6. Suite from Mexican Dances "Sapateo," "Avaljulko"
Music by : V.Zhmykhov
Choreography by: Igor Moiseyev
The dance consists of two parts. The first part, "Sapateo," is danced by pairs of men. It conveys the atmosphere of a Mexican holiday with men competing among themselves in the art of dancing, trying to win the affection of the young maidens.
The second part is "Avalyuko." It is danced by men and women. The choreography is based on traditional elements of Mexican folk dance.
Danced by Kirill Kochubey, Nikolay Rubtsov or Alexander Tikhonov, Alexei Popov, Ayrat Karimov and the company
7. Dance of Argentinean Cowboys "Gaucho"
Music by: N. Nekrasov
Choreography by: Igor Moiseyev
A skillful dance of Argentine cowboys in which they compete in skills among themselves. It is danced by three male soloists.
Danced by Vladislav Ozeryanskiy, Andrey Artamonov, Rudiy Khodzhoyan or Alexander Tikhonov, Maxim Parfenov, Evgeny Chernyshkov
8. Ukrainian Gopak
Music by: S.Galperin, V.Zhmykhov
Choreography by: Igor Moiseyev
The best known and most popular of all Russian folk dances is this contribution from the Ukraine (where it is called Hopak). With its spectacular knee-bends, leg stretches, and high jumps, the Gopak is a dance of celebration and joy and is performed at weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, festivals - in fact, at every possible happy gathering. Of the several versions choreographed by Moiseyev, this one is most famous.
Danced by the company
The Moiseyev Dance Company
Staff
- Artistic Director and Choreographer, Igor Moiseyev
- Director of the Company, Elena Shcherbakova
- Manager, Alexander Tetrshili
- Ballet Manager, Antonida Marnopolskaya
- Master of Properties, Anatoly Pirogov
- Master of Electricity, Alexander Koptev
- Sound Engineer, Alexander Radzetskiy
- Wardrobe Supervisor, Anna Petrova
- Wardrobe Assistant, Tamara Timokhina
- Bootmaker, Sergey Igolkin
- Make-up Supervisor, Liuboy Tuleninova
Staff for ICM Artists, Ltd.
- David V. Foster, President and CEO
- Leonard Stein, Vice President and Director Tour Administration
- Kimberly Zerpa, Assistant Tour Administration
- Carol Patella, Consultant
Tour Staff
- Richmond Davis, Company Manager
- Irene Davis, Assistant Manager
- Judith Datsman, Lighting Supervisor
- Robin Hoffmeister, Production Manger
- Mary Jane Gibbons, Wardrobe Supervisor
About the Company
The 67-year-old Moiseyev Dance Company is consistently acclaimed throughout the world as the greatest of all folk dance groups. The ensemble, honored as Russia's official "State Academic Ensemble of Popular Dance," has captivated international audiences for decades with its peerless technical brilliance and exuberant evocations of traditional dances. At the heart of the group's success is the genius of its visionary artistic director, choreographer and founder, Igor Moiseyev. Today, the company's fame is so widespread it is often identified merely by its legendary founder's surname: Moiseyev.
The company's origin can be traced back to 1936, when Igor Moiseyev, the then current Ballet Master and former principal dancer and choreographer of the Bolshoi Ballet, was asked by the Soviet government to organize the first Festival of National Dance. As a student, Moiseyev had traversed the country on foot during his free time, immersing himself in the study of Russian folklore, and in the treasury of songs, dances, customs, traditions and festivals belonging to the 180 national cultures that then comprised the Soviet Union. Fascinated by what he found, he embraced this unprecedented task of bringing traditional dances to national attention. The festival's subsequent success convinced Moiseyev that the formation of a professional company was necessary to preserve and develop the best traditions of folk dancing.
On February 10, 1937, Moiseyev gathered together a core of approximately 40 dancers in a studio on Moscow's Leontievsky Street. The nascent company included the very best dancers from amateur companies across the country, and a handful of professional ballet dancers from the Bolshoi School and other classical companies. His intent, as he wrote at the time, was not to reproduce exactly examples from the body of more than 3,000 existing national dances, but to raise the skill of performance to the highest artistic level in order to influence the creation of new national dances. His strong background in classical ballet would provide the basic training for his company, and his keen powers of observation and thorough knowledge of folklore would lead him to establish a unique style that would be at once dramatic, entertaining in a theatrical sense, and larger-than-life.
Six months after that first gathering, The Moiseyev Dance Company gave its first performance at the city's Green Theatre. The inaugural program contained dances from the Ukraine, Armenia, Belorussia, the Far North and Azerbaijan. The public acclaim was immediate and overwhelming.
Within a few years of this initial triumph, Moiseyev had molded the first professional ensemble of popular dance into a superb company of 100 dancers. They toured throughout the Soviet Union, constantly adding dances from other, more remote regions, including Georgia, the Caucausus, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, the Gobi desert and the far reaches of Siberia. Moiseyev also created new works based on current themes, such as the desperate struggle of the Russian people during World War II.
When the Cold War first eased in 1955, the Moiseyev Dance Company began to tour the world. It has since appeared in and returned to more than 60 countries, covering all continents. Its evergrowing repertoire now includes dances of Spain, Japan, China, Bulgaria, Argentina, Mexico, Poland, Hungary and, of course, American jazz and rockandroll. The company now numbers more than 200, has its own orchestra and school, and possesses a repertoire in excess of 200 dances.
America's love affair with the Moiseyev Dance Company began in 1958 when the impresario Sol Hurok brought it to New York's old Metropolitan Opera House on 39th Street. The explosive 25minute ovation it received then has not abated in the succeeding visits of the company to these shores, made in 1961, 1965, 1970, 1974, 1986, 1989, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2002 and now in 2005.
Igor Moiseyev
Igor Alexandrovich Moiseyev-"one of the greatest choreographers in 20th-century dance" (Anna Kisselgoff, The New York Times)-was born of Ukrainian parentage in Kiev in 1906. A few months later Moiseyev's father, an attorney, moved the family to Paris where the boy passed the first seven years of his life, becoming bilingual. His mother, a seamstress, added to the family income by sewing costumes for productions at the Theatre Chatelet, a circumstance which may have stimulated an early interest in the arts of drama and dance.
He and his family returned to the Soviet Union in 1914, living first in Poltava in the Ukraine. There, the legendary villages of Dikanka and Sorochinsty became real to the young Moiseyev, and the festivals, fairs, and dances he witnessed became vivid, indelible images. Moiseyev later described it as "a kind of unconscious gravitation I felt all throughout my life."
A year later the Moiseyev family settled in Moscow. There, Moiseyev enrolled in a Gymnasium where he concentrated on painting, poetry and sports. At age 12 he began his ballet training at a well known private school headed by Vera Moslova. After seeing his first Bolshoi Ballet performance two years later, his career was determined. Moslova recognized his talent and brought him to the Bolshoi School where, out of one hundred applicants, only he and Asaf Messerer (who was destined to glorify his own name in Russian ballet) were chosen.
At 18, Moiseyev graduated from the Bolshoi School of Choreography, joined the Bolshoi Ballet, and gradually rose to the status of principal dancer. His most famous roles included Raoul in "Theolinde," Joseph in "Joseph the Beautiful," the Phoenix in "The Red Poppy" and leading roles in the standard classical repertoire. But choreography had become his chief passion. He created new productions for the Bolshoi, among them "Salammbo," in which he danced the leading role of Matho, "Three Fat Men," and "The Football Players." Even the most conservative members of the dance world, opponents of his departures from the strict programming of classical ballet, hailed him for his great choreographic inventiveness and his dazzling theatrical form. It was during this period also that he established his reputation as a scholar of all aspects of Russian folklore.
In 1936, Moiseyev was appointed Ballet Master at the Bolshoi Theatre. Shortly after, he was asked to organize a festival of national dance, and he thus began the work that would ultimately be recognized as one of the greatest artistic contributions to the dance world. The festival's success inspired him to form the state ensemble of folk dance now identified internationally with his name-The Moiseyev Dance Company. Since giving its first performance in 1938, the company has toured over sixty countries and is internationally recognized as the premier folk dance company in the world. Just as famous today are the signature dances he has choreographed for his ensemble, which include the Ukrainian "Gopak," the soccer-inspired "Football Players," and "Summer."
Moiseyev has won numerous awards for his artistic contributions to world culture. He is the recipient of UNESCO's Mozart Medal for "outstanding contribution to the world music culture," the Government of Moscow Award for "Legend of the Century," and the award for "outstanding contribution to the development of cultural relations between the US and Russia"-an honor only accorded to two others: pianist Van Cliburn and cellist Mstislav Rostropovich. At the age of 97, his impact on the field of dance remains unchallenged.
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The University of Iowa Center for Macular Degeneration
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