My Top 5: Funniest Moments in Ballet!
As we begin to see summer on the horizon, and the realisation that we may be watching it unfold from home starting to set in, I think we could all do with a laugh. Comedy in ballet is a difficult thing to master, but when done right, it is such a warming and pleasurable thing to see. Ballet is often seen as an uptight, rigid and strict art form, so it’s always refreshing when we are encouraged to laugh at it. Below are some of my favourite funny moments in ballet – I really hope they brighten up your week!
'The Dying Swan' by Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
Top spot for funny ballet has to come from Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, better known as The Trocks. My mum has been taking me to see them perform for as long as I can remember, and every time they cross the pond and visit London, there is a real buzz in town. Their parodies of the great classical ballets are hilarious and done with so much respect. They are also phenomenal dancers, and watching them on pointe completely takes your breath away. Here we have one of their most comical performances, The Dying Swan, performed by the diva herself, Ida Nevasayneva. Enjoy!
'The Clog Dance' from La Fille ma gardee
I could watch La Fille mal gardee every day, even more so during these tough times. It’s a ballet filled with so much warmth and love, and I fell in love with it the first time I saw it. You can’t help but fall for Ashton’s choreography, both charming and witty, and the wonderful production. The clog dance is one of the most well-known pieces from the ballet, and gives Widow Simone her big opportunity to show off her clog technique. Here we have Will Tuckett in the role, who was always my favourite Widow Simone, accompanied by dancers from The Royal Ballet. Watch out for future principals Laura Morera and Sarah Lamb in the background!
'The Tart Adage' from Alice in Wonderland
From clogs to jam tarts – here we see Laura Morera take on The Queen of Hearts in Christopher Wheeldon’s version of Alice in Wonderland. He based this adage on the famous Rose Adagio from The Sleeping Beauty, the pinnacle of classical elegance and beauty. I’m sure the Queen of Hearts thinks she is emulating the same grace, but you can determine that for yourselves…!
'The Mistake Waltz' from The Concert
If you haven’t seen The Concert, by the legendary Jerome Robbins, then you have missed out on one of the funniest pieces of dance ever made. Robbins makes fun of all of those audience situations we deal with, such as rustling paper, someone in the wrong seat, the way too serious audience member. The list goes on. One of the most notable scenes is the Mistake Waltz, danced here by Pacific Northwest Ballet. It encompasses all of those anxieties of stepping in the wrong place on stage, not keeping in time with each other and generally just making a lot of mistakes!
'Grand Pas De Deux' by Stuttgart Ballet
Christian Spuck’s ‘Grand Pas De Deux’ is another masterclass in ballet parody. Making light fun of the traditional classical pas de deux, this duo compete with each other for the spotlight but, of course, to the detriment of the performance. Whoever dances this hilarious ballet has to have wonderful technique, as the choreography is extremely difficult and to get the humour right, the timing has to be perfect. It’s not easy making something look like a hilarious mistake but Julia Kramer and Robert Tewsley, both from Stuttgart Ballet, do it so well!
*I don't own any videos - I have found this selection on YouTube. Copyright to those who have posted these clips.