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A Ballet Buys Time: The Kirov in Transition
| Article
# : |
20016 |
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Section : |
THE ARTS
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| Issue
Date : |
12 / 1992 |
2,042 Words |
| Author
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Laura Kumin
A transplanted American, Laura Kumin is dance adviser for
Madrid's Regional Cultural Council and free-lance dance writer. |
The Kirov Ballet's performances in Madrid in August were one of the highlights of the Madrid Cultural Capital of Europe's dance program as well as the city's summer festival, Los Veranos de la Villa. The presence in Spain of one of the most outstanding dance companies in the world and a monumental figure in the history of classical ballet came at a time when both the state of ballet in Spain and the future of the Kirov are at a crossroads. Both audience response and the opinions of local critics reflected these special circumstances, and a telling statement emerged from what might have been merely another appearance by a well-respected ballet company.
The Kirov Ballet was part of the performance series Fuera de Serie, created by the Consortium for the Organization of the Madrid Cultural Capital of Europe 1992 (COM-92). In an attempt to address the needs of Madrid's dance community, the consortium's dance activities this year have concentrated mainly on local and national companies, as well as audience development. The Kirov, appearing for the first time in Madrid, was the largest and most prestigious company within COM-92's dance program. Other dance ensembles booked in Fuera de Serie included the Ballet Lirico Nacional, Ballet de Victor Ullete, the English National Ballet, and Riset Danseries/Andanzas.
Fuera de Serie is clearly COM-92's presentation of "the best and the brightest" (as well as the most costly, in many cases). It has also been among the most popular activities with Madrid audiences within a yearlong program that has been the victim of internecine political battles, a rocky relationship with the media, and comparison with Seville's Expo '92 and Barcelona's Olympic Games.
Madrid normally has an active cultural calendar, making it difficult for COM-92's events to maintain a high profile. Another contributing factor is the city's lack of performance spaces, which prompted the incorporation of COM-92 activities within Madrid's already existing annual festivals and events.
Problem of Space
The Kirov was directly affected by this problem, since none of the available theaters could accommodate the 180-member touring company and orchestra. Madrid's Teatro Real, which would have been an ideal venue for the company, is still undergoing renovation to convert it back to an opera house after decades as a concert hall. The operation, which will provide the Spanish capital with a state-of-the-art facility, was originally to be
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