​Nathan Powell

Valse Triste:

 

Music: Jean Sibelius

Costumes: Ballet Idaho

Created for: Boise Dance Co-op 2013

Premiere: August 23, 2013 at the Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy, Boise, ID

               Dancers: Sarah North, Nathan Powell, and Angela Napier-Gibson

Program Notes:

 

“A woman and man in love dance to profess their joy, until he accidentally gives her a poisonous flower. At once she dies. As soon as his grief begins he sees her spirit come to life and they start to dance. He has one last “Valse Triste” (sad waltz) to dance with her before she is gone forever.”

 

This piece was my first attempt at classical ballet choreography and I absolutely loved it. I have danced in ballet companies throughout my career so the genre is very familiar to me. Also using the wonderful tones of Sibelius’ music made this piece easy and pleasant to create.