“Carmen” is a popular subject in ballet, with numerous adaptations by various choreographers and ballet companies around the world, each bringing their own interpretation to the story originally derived from Georges Bizet’s opera. While there isn’t a single “Carmen” production that stands out as the most prevalent globally, a few notable versions have made significant impacts:
The Roland Petit Version: One of the most famous ballet versions of “Carmen” was choreographed by Roland Petit and premiered in 1949 by the Ballet de Paris. This version is known for its dramatic storytelling, passionate characters, and Petit’s distinctive choreographic style. It has been performed by many companies worldwide, including the English National Ballet and the Paris Opera Ballet.
The Alberto Alonso Version for the Bolshoi Ballet: Choreographed by Alberto Alonso for the Bolshoi Ballet’s prima ballerina Maya Plisetskaya in 1967, this version is notable for its intense emotionality and the use of modern ballet elements. Plisetskaya’s performance, in particular, has been lauded for its depth and passion, making this version a significant part of ballet history.
The Carlos Acosta Version: Carlos Acosta, a celebrated Cuban dancer and choreographer, created his own version of “Carmen” for The Royal Ballet in London. Premiered in 2015, Acosta’s adaptation is known for its fresh perspective on the narrative, focusing on the themes of fate and freedom.
The Mats Ek Version: Swedish choreographer Mats Ek is known for his modern and sometimes unconventional interpretations of classic ballets. His version of “Carmen” is no exception, offering a contemporary take on the story with a unique choreographic style that challenges traditional ballet norms.
Each of these versions of “Carmen” reflects the unique artistic vision of its choreographer and the strengths of the performing company. The prevalence of a particular production can vary based on regional preferences, the influence of the choreographer, and the repertoire of the performing ballet company.
in th USA
In the United States, several ballet companies have presented notable productions of “Carmen,” though there isn’t a single version that dominates the American ballet scene. Instead, U.S. ballet companies often showcase a variety of “Carmen” interpretations, some of which are created by American choreographers, while others are adaptations of versions popularized by international figures. Among these, a few have gained particular recognition:
San Francisco Ballet: San Francisco Ballet, one of the premier ballet companies in the U.S., has presented “Carmen” in various forms. One of their notable productions was choreographed by Roland Petit, whose version is celebrated worldwide for its dramatic and passionate interpretation of the story.
American Ballet Theatre (ABT): ABT, known for its diverse repertoire, has included “Carmen” in its performances, showcasing different choreographic interpretations. The company’s approach to “Carmen” typically emphasizes strong character development and dramatic storytelling, aligning with ABT’s reputation for narrative ballets.
New York City Ballet (NYCB): While NYCB is traditionally more associated with the works of George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, it has also explored narrative ballets like “Carmen” through new works and collaborations with contemporary choreographers. NYCB’s focus on innovation makes any production of “Carmen” they undertake notable for its potential choreographic creativity and modernist approach.
The Washington Ballet: The Washington Ballet has also staged “Carmen,” including a version choreographed by Septime Webre, the company’s former Artistic Director. This production was noted for its contemporary take on the classic story, blending traditional and modern dance elements.
Ballet Hispanico: Based in New York, Ballet Hispanico is a company that explores, preserves, and celebrates Latino cultures through dance. They have presented “Carmen.maquia,” a Picasso-inspired, contemporary take on “Carmen” choreographed by Gustavo Ramírez Sansano. This version is acclaimed for its bold, modern reinterpretation of the narrative and its striking visual aesthetic.
These companies, among others in the U.S., contribute to the rich tapestry of “Carmen” performances, each offering its own perspective on the classic tale. The diversity of these productions reflects the vibrant and eclectic nature of the American ballet scene.
