Jiri Kylian: An Exclusive Interview With The Dance Maestro

Let's dive into the fascinating world of Jiri Kylian, one of the most influential choreographers of our time! This article brings you an exclusive interview, exploring his inspirations, creative process, and thoughts on the evolution of dance. Get ready to be captivated by the mind of a true dance maestro!

Early Influences and Artistic Development

When discussing Jiri Kylian's early influences, it's essential to understand the environment that shaped his artistic vision. Born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, Kylian's initial exposure to the arts came through his mother, a ballet dancer. This early immersion instilled in him a deep appreciation for movement and rhythm. The socio-political backdrop of his youth also played a crucial role, as the constraints and artistic expressions within a communist regime fostered a unique sense of creativity and rebellion. Kylian's formal training began at the Prague Conservatory, where he honed his technical skills and developed a strong foundation in classical ballet. However, his artistic curiosity led him to explore beyond the traditional boundaries of classical dance. A pivotal moment in his career was receiving a scholarship to the Royal Ballet School in London. This experience exposed him to a broader range of choreographic styles and introduced him to influential figures in the dance world. These encounters ignited his passion for experimentation and innovation, setting the stage for his groundbreaking work in contemporary dance. The synthesis of his classical training with avant-garde influences is a hallmark of Kylian's style, creating a distinctive blend of precision and fluidity. His early works often reflected themes of freedom, identity, and the human condition, mirroring the complexities of his personal experiences and the world around him. As he matured as an artist, Kylian continued to draw inspiration from diverse sources, including music, visual arts, and literature. His ability to synthesize these influences into a cohesive and compelling choreographic language is a testament to his artistic genius and his profound understanding of the human experience. He always encouraged other artists to find their own creative voice by embracing their past and venturing outside the normal to find what is unique.

The Creative Process: From Idea to Stage

Understanding Kylian's creative process offers invaluable insights into the making of a choreographic masterpiece. For Kylian, the journey from initial idea to the final stage production is a deeply intuitive and collaborative one. It often begins with a spark of inspiration – a piece of music, a visual image, or a human emotion that resonates deeply within him. This initial spark then undergoes a period of gestation, where Kylian allows the idea to evolve and take shape in his mind. He immerses himself in the source material, exploring its nuances and uncovering its hidden layers. Music plays a central role in Kylian's creative process. He carefully selects music that complements his choreographic vision, often choosing works that evoke a specific mood or atmosphere. He then begins to translate the music into movement, using his body as a vessel to express the underlying emotions and rhythms. Collaboration is another essential element of Kylian's creative process. He works closely with his dancers, encouraging them to contribute their own ideas and interpretations. He fosters a supportive and open environment where dancers feel comfortable taking risks and exploring new possibilities. Kylian also collaborates with designers, composers, and other artists to create a cohesive and immersive theatrical experience. He believes that every element of the production, from the costumes to the lighting, should contribute to the overall artistic vision. The rehearsal process is a crucial stage in Kylian's creative process. He spends countless hours working with his dancers, refining the choreography and shaping the performance. He pays meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every movement is precise and meaningful. However, he also allows room for spontaneity and improvisation, encouraging his dancers to bring their own unique personalities to the performance. Throughout the creative process, Kylian remains open to new ideas and unexpected discoveries. He embraces the element of chance, allowing the work to evolve organically and surprise him along the way. This willingness to experiment and take risks is what sets Kylian apart as a choreographer and allows him to create works that are both innovative and deeply moving. For Jiri, it is all about experimenting and improving, even when the end result is a masterpiece.

Key Works and Choreographic Style

When examining Jiri Kylian's key works, it becomes evident that his choreographic style is a unique blend of classical ballet and contemporary dance. Kylian's style is characterized by its fluidity, musicality, and emotional depth. Some of his most celebrated pieces include "Symphony of Psalms," "Petite Mort," and "Bella Figura," each showcasing his innovative approach to movement and storytelling. "Symphony of Psalms," created in 1978, is a powerful and spiritual work set to Igor Stravinsky's choral symphony. The choreography is characterized by its stark simplicity and its use of geometric patterns and formations. The dancers move with a sense of ritualistic precision, creating a mesmerizing and deeply moving experience. "Petite Mort," created in 1991, is a sensual and provocative work that explores themes of love, desire, and mortality. The choreography is characterized by its playful use of swords and its exploration of the relationship between men and women. The dancers move with a sense of both vulnerability and strength, creating a captivating and emotionally charged performance. "Bella Figura," created in 1995, is a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating work that explores the nature of beauty and artifice. The choreography is characterized by its use of flowing fabrics and its exploration of the relationship between the body and the costume. The dancers move with a sense of grace and elegance, creating a mesmerizing and thought-provoking experience. Kylian's choreographic style is also notable for its use of space and its exploration of the relationship between the dancers and the environment. He often creates works that are site-specific, using the architecture and natural surroundings to inform the choreography. He also experiments with different types of staging and lighting, creating immersive and visually striking performances. Furthermore, Kylian's work often incorporates elements of humor and irony, adding a layer of complexity and intrigue to his pieces. He challenges audiences to question their assumptions about dance and to engage with his work on multiple levels. His ability to blend beauty with intellect and emotion is what makes him such a celebrated choreographer and why his works continue to resonate with audiences around the world.

Thoughts on the Evolution of Dance

Kylian's thoughts on the evolution of dance reveal a deep understanding of the art form's history and its potential for future growth. He believes that dance is a constantly evolving art form, influenced by societal changes, technological advancements, and the creative vision of individual artists. Kylian sees the evolution of dance as a continuous dialogue between tradition and innovation. He acknowledges the importance of classical ballet as the foundation of much of contemporary dance, but he also believes that it is essential for artists to push boundaries and explore new possibilities. He encourages dancers and choreographers to draw inspiration from diverse sources, including other art forms, cultures, and social movements. Kylian is particularly interested in the impact of technology on dance. He believes that new technologies, such as digital media and virtual reality, offer exciting opportunities for choreographers to create immersive and interactive experiences for audiences. However, he also cautions against relying too heavily on technology, emphasizing the importance of the human body and the emotional connection between dancers and audiences. Kylian also emphasizes the importance of dance education in shaping the future of the art form. He believes that every child should have the opportunity to experience the joy and transformative power of dance. He advocates for dance programs in schools and communities, as well as support for young and emerging artists. Furthermore, Kylian believes that dance has the power to promote social change and to bridge cultural divides. He sees dance as a universal language that can transcend borders and connect people from different backgrounds. He encourages dancers and choreographers to use their art to address important social issues and to promote understanding and empathy. In his view, the future of dance lies in the hands of the next generation of artists, who will continue to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and explore the limitless possibilities of human movement.

Advice for Aspiring Dancers and Choreographers

Offering advice for aspiring dancers and choreographers, Jiri Kylian shares invaluable wisdom gleaned from his own illustrious career. He stresses the importance of dedication, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. Kylian advises young dancers to focus on developing a strong technical foundation, mastering the fundamentals of classical ballet and contemporary dance. He encourages them to seek out excellent teachers and mentors who can provide guidance and support. However, he also emphasizes the importance of developing their own unique artistic voice. He advises dancers to explore different styles and techniques, to experiment with movement, and to find what resonates with them personally. For aspiring choreographers, Kylian stresses the importance of developing a clear vision and a strong sense of storytelling. He advises them to study music, art, and literature, to draw inspiration from diverse sources, and to learn how to translate their ideas into movement. He also emphasizes the importance of collaboration, encouraging choreographers to work closely with dancers, designers, and other artists to create a cohesive and compelling theatrical experience. Kylian also advises young artists to be resilient and to learn from their failures. He acknowledges that the path to success in the dance world is often challenging and that there will be setbacks along the way. However, he encourages them to never give up on their dreams and to continue to push themselves to grow and evolve as artists. Furthermore, Kylian emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and of creating work that is authentic and meaningful. He advises young artists to avoid trying to imitate others and to instead focus on developing their own unique style and perspective. He believes that the most powerful and impactful art is that which comes from the heart and reflects the artist's own personal experiences and beliefs. In conclusion, Kylian's advice to aspiring dancers and choreographers is to be dedicated, persistent, and authentic, and to never stop learning and growing as artists. Always push yourself to be better and do not give in to the hard times that will appear in the future.

Legacy and Impact on Contemporary Dance

Jiri Kylian's legacy and impact on contemporary dance are undeniable. His innovative choreography, his unique artistic vision, and his dedication to pushing boundaries have had a profound influence on generations of dancers and choreographers. Kylian's work has helped to redefine contemporary dance, blurring the lines between classical ballet and modern movement. His emphasis on fluidity, musicality, and emotional depth has inspired countless artists to explore new possibilities in movement and storytelling. His choreographic style, characterized by its elegance, precision, and its exploration of the human condition, has become a hallmark of contemporary dance. Kylian's influence extends beyond his own choreographic work. As the artistic director of Nederlands Dans Theater for over two decades, he fostered a creative and supportive environment where dancers could thrive and experiment. He nurtured the talents of many young dancers and choreographers, helping to shape the future of contemporary dance. Kylian's commitment to dance education has also had a lasting impact. He has established numerous dance programs and workshops around the world, providing opportunities for young people to experience the joy and transformative power of dance. He has also advocated for increased funding and support for the arts, recognizing the importance of dance in promoting cultural understanding and social change. Furthermore, Kylian's work has helped to broaden the audience for contemporary dance. His visually stunning and emotionally engaging performances have attracted audiences from all walks of life, introducing them to the beauty and power of dance. He has also collaborated with artists from other disciplines, such as music, art, and film, creating interdisciplinary works that push the boundaries of artistic expression. In conclusion, Jiri Kylian's legacy as a choreographer, artistic director, and educator is secure. His contributions to contemporary dance have been immense, and his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come. He will always be remembered as the artist that encouraged everyone to achieve greatness.