Former Ballet Dancer: ‘Unbelievable, out of this world, those magical, almost ethereal beings!’

Christiane Ikenberg, a former ballet dancer, came to the DPA show on Feb. 23 at Frankfurt’s Jahrhunderthalle.
Former Ballet Dancer: ‘Unbelievable, out of this world, those magical, almost ethereal beings!’
2/22/2009
Updated:
2/28/2009
FRANKFURT, Germany—Christiane Ikenberg, a former ballet dancer, came to the Divine Performing Arts (DPA) show on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 23, at Frankfurt’s Jahrhunderthalle. For many years, she worked at various opera houses in Germany. Mrs. Ikenberg was visibly enthusiastic about the show. She talked about her impressions from a professional standpoint.

“This was the first time, I ever saw anything like [this show]. It was unusual, but it was very, very beautiful. Above all, I was interested in the dancers, but also in the culture that is reflected in the dances. Highly interesting! I used to be a ballet dancer myself. Unbelievable, out of this world, those magical, almost ethereal beings! I felt that they were somewhere above the clouds. It was very, very beautiful.

“Yes, [the choreography was] beautiful, the men were outstanding too. The men were, of course, more powerful and expressive—classical ballet is the same way. I really liked it. Outstanding.”

When it was remarked that we often hear the criticism that art shouldn’t be political, Mrs. Ikenberg replied: “Well, and why not? I think that’s their history. It is fine to reflect this on stage. Why not? Art is free: everyone can interpret it his or her own way.

“I hope that art—many musicians assumed that they could pull down walls through their music—[that] there are no prejudices among artists, but other people think differently, too bad. I think, the more we see of China, the more change will come. It is necessary to approach people and talk about it. We shouldn’t simply say: ‘No, I don’t understand.’

“I think it was simply the choreography, the people onstage, the artists, they transported me, and it was fantastic—mostly because everything was perfect.

“I had imagined [the music would be] something different, and this is why my friend came along. Whatever we heard previously, on MTV or wherever, it seemed somewhat shrill for European ears. But I have to say; it was very melodious, just wonderful.

“[The combination of Western and oriental music] … was great! Finally, something different! It was nice to let it wash over me.

“[The 3-dimensional effects of the backdrop] …   gave me the feeling of being in the middle of it all.”

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For more information please see DivinePerformingArts.org
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