Perhaps the idea has already been brought to the table, but last night, as I watched the premiere of “Oltremere” I wished that the world, not just the privileged viewers of New York, could also see its first moments on stage.
Then I wondered, why couldn’t major dance and ballet companies, in the vein of the MET HD broadcasts, simulcast their live shows to movie theaters across the world?
Of course, there are budget issues and a host of other considerations, but I think they would be successful in gaining a crowd. While I turned-over this idea, I also considered the number of dance fans in cities who have already, through visiting guest artists, have a small knowledge of New York performers.
Maybe some nuances that are only visible during a live performance will be lost in the theatre, but the exposure would be very cool for the companies and for the world of dance.
Update: In one of my comments someone mentioned that my idea s already done in Canada! Through a Google search, and I found out that the National Ballet of Canada broadcast their production of “The Nutcracker” to 67 Canadian theaters! I wonder what the response was like? I’m doing more research.
5 responses so far ↓
Philip // January 25, 2008 at 3:20 am
It is a very good idea and I know there are dance fans all around the world who would love to see NYCB or ABT or Ailey ‘live’ in their movie theatres. The programing would have to be carefully planned with ballet titles that the general public would also recognize like SWAN LAKE or FIREBIRD or ROMEO & JULIET. And a good publicity drive. Certainly the big urban centers would raise an audience; not sure about smaller cities.
It needs underwriting for an initial experimental season.
Taylor // January 25, 2008 at 4:16 am
I agree, I think this is a good idea to expand audiences! Although some aspects of dance are definitely lost on camera.
Something to think about, definitely.
writingariel // January 25, 2008 at 4:24 am
Thanks Taylor and Philip. I keep trying to do research and figure out how do-able it would be for the companies!
Natalia // January 25, 2008 at 5:22 am
I thought I read that a ballet company in Canada was planning to do this.
writingariel // January 25, 2008 at 5:24 am
Oh thanks Natalia, this is good information! I will definitely read up on it then!
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