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BALLET FÜR JAPAN — “DANCE FOR THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN”

Benefit Dance Gala at the Albertinum Museum in Dresden

Jiří Bubeníček
Principal Dancer — Semperoper Ballet Dresden

“As a dancer and choreographer I am often invited to dance in Japan. I danced in Tokyo for the first time when I was 16 years old. Since then I am there almost every year. I've danced in almost every Japanese town, either with the Hamburg Ballet, or guesting in Tokyo with the Paris Opera - Benjamin Pech's group, or with Les Ballets Bubeníček, a company that me and Otto have created together. Over the years I have become very close to this culture and I was always amazed by the will of the people to help with any little request that one has, the dedication to work, the perfection and ease in their work, the love of the audience and just the open hearts they all have for art and artists and anybody that is in need of a little help!  Not to mention everyone's incredible kindness and compassion. Over the years many people in Japan have become my closest friends. I do honestly love Japan and I feel horrible about what has happened. But I know that with art and dance we have the power to help. For that reason I decided to organize a benefit dance gala in Dresden, and I have contacted my dance friends in the main German companies with the request to help me. They have all replied with great enthusiasm and a will to help. I am also honored to be able to perform in a museum like Albertinum again, with such incredible works of art. Mr. Woelk was so generous to agree to participate in this project, as was the Semperoper theater with their generous offer of technical equipment. Art was and is a form that communicates without boundaries of any kind, and with its power it can change people's lives! I am honored to have all these dancers dancing with me; extraordinary dancers working together for one goal: to help the Japanese people!
I am sending you all the support and love that I can!!!! Please stay strong!”

Otto Bubenicek
Principal Dancer — Hamburg Ballet

“I don't know what I should write as a message to everyone. I know that a lot of people have extreme pain in their hearts; I am not sure that if by dancing I can help.
Sometimes when I dance, I feel enlightened and very happy. It is like meditation.
We are all connected to the universe, each individual self is one with the entire universe. The future lies in our hearts.
I will dance for all the victims of this terrible accident as a symbol of the fundamental, universal energies of life and love. I am sending you power, and I hope that you can transform all the suffering into happiness.
Love u strongly. Japan be strong!!!”   Otto:)

Beatrice Knopp
Principal Dancer — Staatsballett Berlin

"I have many Japanese colleagues and friends. We have just been on tour in Japan with our company, so I've recently been thinking of the people that I know there. I hope that they are all going to survive this hard and difficult time successfully, and I want to support them with all my hope and love. As a sign of that, I want to participate in this special evening with my personal dance for them."

Dmitry Semionov
Principal Dancer — Staatsballett Berlin

"Japan is a really special country for me! This is because it was the first place I visited, outside of Russia. I was 16 years old and I still remember very well what a  great impression that country made on me. I feel very sorry about what has happened to the people, and I hope that we can help them at least a bit with this gala, that they get through and beyond this difficult situation!"

Alicia Amatriain
Principal Dancer — Stuttgart Ballet

"In the busy lives that we dancers lead, it is wonderful to help those in great need. Particularly the Japanese people, who have always been so kind and generous to the world of dance"

Yumiko Takeshima
Principal Dancer — Semperoper Ballet Dresden

"I'm very happy to be part to Mr. Bubenicek's charity Gala for Japan. I've been watching the whole world join in to help, to do something for Japan. As a Japanese person, I really appreciate the support. We don't know how long it will take for Japan to recover, but with even the smallest support makes a big difference. Thank you so much!
I'm deeply sorry for those who lost family or loved ones. I can't imagine what you are going through right now. Just want you to know that you are not alone. The world is beside you. Hoping to bring back smiles…. ."

Bridget Breiner
Principal Dancer — Stuttgart Ballet

"At a time when people are suffering, they need to know that they are not alone.  By dancing in this gala, in the name of the Japanese people, we hope to show you that we support you, that you are part of a global community that cares.  We send you our love and our energy!"

Hiriko Asami
Coryphées — Semperoper Ballet Dresden

“I was deeply saddened by the news about the tragedy that happened in my homeland, Japan. I would like to express my sincere condolences for the sudden loss and confusion that has occurred; I know our strong resolve and togetherness will pull everyone through.”

Raphaël Coumes-Marquet
Principal Dancer — Semperoper Ballet Dresden

“On the Nature of Daylight was premiered in Sendai, northeast Japan, in 2008. This was an area extremely damaged by the tsunami. I am honored and proud to dance this pas de deux again for this special occasion; my heart is with those who lost family and friends.”

Elena Vostrotina
Soloist Dancer — Semperoper Ballet Dresden

“The opportunity for me to dance in this gala is my tribute to all to those victims who died in this catastrophe.”

Jón Vallejo
Second Soloist — Semperoper Ballet Dresden

“Dancing is the way I open my soul. It’s the minimum I can do.”

Chris Hoyte
Corps de Ballet — Semperoper Ballet Dresden

“It is an honor to be participating in this benefit gala supporting the victims of Japan, and I am positive the event will be a huge success, I send my support and prayers for the victims and their families.''

Alexandre Riabko
Principal Dancer — Hamburg Ballet John Neumeier

”I have guested in Japan many times and now have many fans, admirers and dear friends there. I have lived through a nuclear catastrophe myself, in Kiev when Tschernobyl happened, and I know how terrible it is. In this moment I want to support the Japanese people as much as I can with my dancing, my emotions, and my heart, to get past this tragedy!”

Jason Reilly
Principal Dancer — Stuttgart Ballet

“From the first time I went to Japan I’ve always felt at home. So I would like to send my prayers and best wishes to all the victims.”

Alexander Zaitsev
Principal Dancer — Stuttgart Ballet

“Dear people in Japan, I'm happy to be part of this gala for Japan, because I have a lot of friends there, and I really like the people there! I feel so sorry for them! In our big-small world we have to learn how to help and support people! And I hope they will stay strong, like they are.....With love, Sasha Zaitsev”

Arman Grigoryan
Principal Dancer — Zürcher Ballet

“I believe if everyone supports Japan even a little bit, it will make a big difference.”

Vahe Martirosyan
Principal Dancer — Zürcher Ballet

“I am hoping that with my performance I'll be able to give some help and hope to the people of Japan who need all our support through this very difficult time.”

Katherina Markowskaja
Freelance Principal dancer (Semperoper Ballet)

Ich habe die Katastrophe von Chernobyl an eigener Haut miterleben müssen und kann mich nur zu gut in die Lage des japanischen Volkes versetzen. Es ist einfach furchtbar den Kindern beim Spielen zuzusehen und nicht zu wissen,was dieser unsichtbarer Feind in deren Leben für Schaden eingerichtet hat.
Ich helfe wie ich kann....Ich helfe mit meiner Kunst...

Noah Gelber
Freelance Gala Performer and Choreographer (Frankfurt Ballet)

"Each true artist is deeply effected by all that transpires around him/her. Sadness in the world compels us to act - with the tools immediately at our disposal. For dancers, it is via our own bodies. Today, we dance for you.The world over, individuals, families, groups, institutions and whole nations rise to express our concern, our support, our solidarity with you. We all hope for, act for and look forward to your strong, quick recovery."

Viktorina Kapitonava
Principal Dancer — Zürcher Ballet

“I agreed with joy to take part in this gala when I heard what a beautiful reason it had. I am glad to see that there are people who are doing this wonderful work, and I am happy to be able to give something small to beautiful Japan. Kapitonova Vika.”

Boris Richir
Corps de Ballet — Semperoper Ballet Dresden

“Having experienced Japan first hand whilst dancing there with the Paris Opera Ballet School, I know what an incredible country it is and hope that through this gala, we can make a small difference in helping its people through such a difficult time.”

Shota Inoue
Member of Leipzig Ballet Mario Schröder
and
Kiyonobu Negishi
Member of Leipzig Ballet Mario Schröder

„Wir sind sehr traurig über die Naturkatastrophe, die in unserem Heimatland passiert ist.
Aber wir sind froh, dass wir trotz der großen Entfernung etwas für unsere Landsleute tun können, und das mit unserer Sprache, der Sprache des Tanzes.“

BALLET FÜR JAPAN
“DANCE FOR THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN”

BENEFIT DANCE GALA AT THE ALBERTINUM MUSEUM IN DRESDEN
Created for Semperoper Ballet
Premiere 15.5. 2011, Dresden, Germany

“JATAMANSI”
Premiere: Dresden, 2011
Choreography: Hiroko Asami
Music: Johann Sebastian Bach
Cast: Hiroko Asami and Boris Richir, Semperoper Ballet

SOLO „SIMPLE PLEASURE” – „FOR ARSEN”
Premiere: Tokyo, 2005
Choreography: Jiří Bubeníček
Music: Béla Bartók
Musical Arrangement: Jiří Bubeníček
 Romanian folk dances
Cast: Jón Vallejo, Semperoper Ballet

„KAZIMIR’S COLOURS”
Premiere: Stuttgart, 1996
Choreography: Mauro Bigonzetti
Music: Dmitri Schostakowitsch
Cast: Bridget Breiner and Alexander Zaitsev, Stuttgart Ballet

“SUITE FÜR 2 KLAVIERE”
Premiere: Zurich, 1987
Choreography: Uwe Scholz
Music: Sergej Rachmaninov
Cast: Shota Inoue and Kiyonobu Negishi, Leipzig Ballet Mario Schröder

„SLINGERLAND PAS DE DEUX” duet from „SLINGERLAND I”
Premiere: Frankfurt am Main, 1989
Choreography: William Forsythe
Music: Gavin Bryars
Cast: Katherina Markowskaya (freelancer) und Noah Gelber (freelancer)

“INTIMATE DISTANCE”
Premiere: Tokyo, 2007
Choreography: Jiří Bubeníček
Music: Otto Bubeníček
Cast: Beatrice Knop und Dmitry Semionov, State Ballet Berlin

“LE GRAND PAS DE DEUX”
Premiere: Stuttgart, 1999
Choreography: Christian Spuck
Music: Gioachimo Rossini
Cast: Alicia Amatriain and Jason Reilly, Stuttgart Ballet

INTERMISSION / 2nd PART

“BE...ING”
Premiere: Dresden, 2011
Choreography: Duosi Zhu and Raquel Martinéz
Music: Chen Yue and Mark and Lin Hai
Cast: Elena Vostrotina, Christopher Hoyte and Jón Vallejo, Semperoper Ballett

„TRIO“ aus dem Ballett „WÄRE HEUTE MORGEN UND GESTERN JETZT”
Premiere: Zurich, 2009
Choreography: Heinz Spoerli
Music: Johann Sebastian Bach
Cast: Viktorina Kapitonova, Arman Grigoryan
 and Vahe Martirosyan, Zurich Ballet
„WRONG NOTE RAG” solo from „BERNSTEIN DANCES”
Premiere: Hamburg, 1998
Choreography: John Neumeier
Music: Leonard Bernstein
Cast: Alexandre Riabko, Hamburg Ballet John Neumeier

SOLO “TUÉ”
Premiere: Monte Carlo, 2009
Choreography: Marco Goecke
Music: „Drouot“ and „Sid’amour à mort“ from Barbara
Cast: Bridget Breiner, Stuttgart Ballet

„ON THE NATURE OF DAYLIGHT”
Premiere: Sendai, (Japan), 2008
Choreography: David Dawson
Music: Max Richter
Cast: Yumiko Takeshima and Raphaël Coumes-Marquet, Semperoper Ballett

„KANON IN D-DUR”
Premiere: Sapporo, 2007
Choreography: Jiří Bubeníček
Music: Otto Bubeníček and Johann Pachelbel
Cast: Alexandre Riabko, Jiří Bubeníček and Jón Vallejo
 Hamburg Ballet John Neumeier and Semperoper Ballet

FINALE
Music: Johann Pachelbel

 

Pictures

Rehearsal I

Rehearsal II

Show I

Show II

Backstage

After the show I

After the show II

Rehearsal I, Show I, After the show I © Costin Radu | Rehearsal II, Show II, After the show II, Backstage © Klemens Renner

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