Esquisses is a sweetly subversive homage to 19th
century tutu tradition. Choreographer Christopher Hampson loosens
ballet of its stiff corsets, launching a jet of black tutus on to
the stage, diamond-detailing glinting under the lights. This is
classical ballet with spark and sophistication. Hampson arranges
the dancers in massed ranks, emptying and then filling the stage in
a series of solos, pas de deux and ensemble pieces.
"The female dancers in their crisp black tutus, looking like
startled black swans, and the men in their slinky black outfits,
like phantoms, produced some superbly refined sequences ...This is
one of the more intelligent and classy pieces of dance to have been
seen for a long time and shows what happens when you put great
choreographers, designers and dancers together." - NZ Herald
Credits
Seasons: 2005
Choreography: Christopher Hampson
Costume Design: Gary Harris
Lighting Design: Jason Morphett
Music: Charles-Valentin Alkan