Lithuanian ballet Celebrates a Century with Star-Studded Season
Table of Contents
A captivating series of performances and events are underway in Lithuania, marking the centenary of Lithuanian ballet. The celebrations, centered around the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theater (LNOBT), aim to honor the art formS rich history while showcasing its vibrant future.
A Nostalgic Christmas at the LNOBT
For the third consecutive year, florist Antanas Mažonas is crafting the Christmas composition for the country’s largest theater. This year’s theme, however, is especially poignant. “the theme of this year’s composition was the clearest because LNOBT the centenary of Lithuanian ballet is celebrated,” Mažonas explained. “We didn’t want anything shocking or sophisticated, more sentimental and nostalgic.”
The centerpiece of the display is a Christmas tree adorned with archival photographs of past ballet performances, accompanied by a dedicated exhibition celebrating the milestone anniversary. According to Mažonas, this year’s Christmas at the theater is “dedicated to reviving people’s beautiful memories.” Students and teachers from the Karalias Mindaugas Vocational Training Center assisted in the rapid setup of the festive composition, navigating a tight schedule between performances of “Kopelija.”
guest Performances and Premieres Highlight Anniversary Season
The celebratory season features a diverse program of performances, including appearances by dance companies from KlaipÄ—da and Kaunas. The duet of Klara and natanael from “Kopelija,” performed by LNOBT soloists Olesia Å aitanova and Jonas Kertenis, will serve as a recurring motif throughout the anniversary events.
The festivities kicked off on December 11 with a performance by students from the National MK ÄŒiurlionis School of the Arts Ballet Department, titled “Arts called. The language of dance.” The evening included a one-act ballet, “Å openiana,” and the premiere of choreographer Jurijs Smorigins’ dance performance, “Letters to Life,” a tribute to Mikaloj Konstantin ÄŒiurlionis.
December 12 saw dancers from the KlaipÄ—da State Music Theater grace the Great Hall of LNOBT with the modern ballet diptych “Cactus+.” This production features “Sound Ellipse” by Slovenian choreographer Gajaus Žmavacs and the internationally acclaimed “Cactus” by Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman.
On december 13, the Kaunas State Musical Theatre will present Anatolii Shenderov’s ballet “Desdemona,” choreographed by Anželika Cholina, to audiences in vilnius.
LNOBT Premieres and a Grand Gala Finale
Looking ahead,the LNOBT ballet troupe is preparing for another premiere. On December 18 and 19, the Lithuanian premiere of choreographer Krzysztof Pastor’s ballet “Moving Rooms” will be presented alongside choreographer Martynas Rimeikis’ ballet “days, Minutes” in a diptych performance titled “Time Rooms.”
The centenary celebrations will culminate on December 20 and 21 with the festive ballet gala concert “Akimirkas Lengvumas.” This grand finale will feature guest artists from prestigious international companies,including Milan’s La Scala,England’s Royal Ballet,and theaters in Vienna,Hamburg,Amsterdam,and warsaw,alongside dancers from Latvia and Estonia,joining the best soloists of the lithuanian Ballet.
