Ballet has always
been regarded as a respectful art form that requires a high level of
self-discipline and respect for the art. Ballet is also synonymous with great
legends such as Anna Pavlova, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Margot Fonteyn, and Marie
Camargo. Such legends have helped to shape the history of ballet, as well pave
the way for future greats to come after. Today, the great ballet dancers push
the envelope beyond the classical or traditional expressions of ballet, and
dare to bring ballet into a new art form known as contemporary or modern dance.
Contemporary, or modern, dance allows the dancer to express their movement more
freely and expressively to the audience, while still paying respect to the
classical art of ballet. Today, new legends are beginning to rise and setting a
new course for the art of ballet. Legends such as Sylvie Guillem, who at the
age of 48 is still producing spell binding work as a ballerina turned
contemporary dancer; Edward Watson, who is setting new trends in classical
ballet with modern twists; and Sergei Polunin, who at the tender of 23 is
constantly pushing the barriers to break the traditional confines and mindset
of how ballet should be viewed. However, despite the boldness of a few to push
ballet to new limits, there are those who still hold the classical form of
ballet in high regard and continually work to preserve the beauty and wonder of
a dance that few are able to achieve. And without these types of dancers the
history, and foundation, of a beautiful art might be lost.
As I read about
the past dancers of yesterday and the impact they have had on ballet; and the
present dancers, who are becoming the legends of today, I think about whom
could the next dancer be that will push dance to the next level and cause them
to become the legend of tomorrow. My desire with A. Quinn Performing Arts
center is to give a child, who might not have otherwise, the opportunity to
discover the great dancer, actor, or musician within, that could be the next
legend of their time.
