Prix De Lausanne 2024 CONTEMPORARY EDITION | Review and Commentary

[@balletreign]

Thanks for watching yall ❤ If u wanna see our commentary on the Prix de Lausanne 2024 classical variations, feel free to check it out here! 🎉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYPNop5pqLtsopo

[@G99304]

Fun fact about crystal - she is a double title holder and has been every season since she was a mini. She doubled titled in 2019 and was the first person to win the title for radix and tda the same season. She won 3 nationals titles that year. Winning at radix and tda in the same year was collectively referred to as "pulling a crystal" until they changed the rules.

[@balletreign]

Thank u for sharing that!! Amazing ✨✨

[@G99304]

​@@balletreign you're welcome! I shared more afterwards!

[@charlottehale3962]

I have been to many of the same competitions as her this past year and her presence and skill is breathtaking!

[@princessoftides87]

Winning the Young Creation award and then having your variation chosen by so many dancers, including the winners, is such an amazing achievement.

[@vitaextra3371]

What I like about Crystal is that she is soo good in literally every style. Like she can do tap, hiphop, jazz, ballroom, ballet etc. But she has something extra special when doing contemporary❤. It is so fluid and strong

[@stephaniesunser1947]

Thank you for sharing Paloma doing the Wheeldon variation to the Joni Mitchell song. I needed to see this. Having only seen others do this so far and wondering why anyone would choose such a boring variation that seemed simple. When Paloma does it, I got it and totally understood it. It needed the right dancer and she was THAT dancer.

[@balletreign]

She absolutely OWNED IT ✨✨✨

[@JustBeingAwesome]

Watch it with the original music... it's sooooo good :)

[@evetei]

Paloma from Argentina was my favourite from the start. In the practice sessions of this piece she absolutely stood out from the group with her sheer mastery and ease, a joy to watch. I thought she let go in that session even more than on stage… perfection!

[@achnix3167]

Yeah she was really good, the whole number also really suits her expression/style as a dancer... Was my favorite choreo

[@balletreign]

We loved her performance so much! So captivating ✨✨ thanks for sharing ur observations 🫰🏻🫰🏻

[@dronesclubhighjinks]

Paloma was my favorite as well! A few years ago I was watching the practice sessions, and one boy really stood out. I'm just a casual fan who has never danced so I don't know much, but I thought he had something special. It was Shale Wagman! ❤

[@brigidm6279]

It's not just because they are from the same place, but I see Marianela in Paloma. Same charisma and twinkle in their eye. The Wheeldon girls' variation was my favourite. So whimsical and magical.

[@herdzskyj5477]

I love watching contemporary dance because you can feel the controlled 'abandonment' of a dancer. It's like running with such freedom after shedding off the corset or tuxedo of classical ballet. There's a beautiful 'wildness' to it.

[@catbothelen]

That’s such a beautiful and accurate simile!!

[@balletreign]

You nailed it right there, that’s exactly how it feels ✨✨

[@CheyenneSedai]

I loved Paloma's variation. I feel like you can really tell she's Latin American too in the style of movement

[@balletreign]

For sure. She was fabulous!! 😆😆

[@alfombra1054]

that's so true! i actually noticed this when i traveled to NYC for an english program. the first-world doesn't know how to let loose! it's so weird that people don't really -dance- at the club, they just kinda... jump? move awkwardly? it was so funny. they looked weird at us when my cousin and i would actually move our hips and legs.

[@bagelized]

@@alfombra1054 or have you considered the fact that maybe people just don't want to "let loose" like that in a club? lmao

[@alfombra1054]

@@bagelized I mean, fair, but I was just pointing out a cultural difference. Nothing wrong with that. It was just really impactful to me as a latinamerican person to see how awkward people felt while dancing.

[@marynoonan6111]

You are two of the nicest young woman on KZbin. You are always knowledgeable about your subject matter but also kind and enthusiastic. ❤❤❤

[@balletreign]

Thank you so much 😊

[@yayoiubc]

Couldn’t agree more😊

[@AstroBuoyant]

Is advantageous for dancers to be cross-trained in ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, (perhaps even exposure to folk, social, cultural, ballroom dance styles). Sometimes Dancers strictly trained in only Ballet find difficulty in letting go, breaking form when choreography may require a departure from classical-only training. The Contemporary choreography & performances at Lausanne were brilliant.

[@balletreign]

For sure. The more dance styles one knows the better off you’ll be… almost unstoppable! ✨✨✨

[@stephaniesunser1947]

I can see companies like Alvin Alley, Dance Theater of Harlem, NYC Ballet and Joffrey paying special attention to these contemporary variations as they need dancers that can do both well. And honestly any company that does a lot of Balanchine requires an understanding of contemporary movement as well.

[@JustBeingAwesome]

Also most ensembles are combining classic and contemporary, so if you want a great career, you need to master both :)

[@dronesclubhighjinks]

Steven McRae from the Royal Ballet says the same thing that dancers should be well-rounded. (I hope that is the correct expression!) He's the one who played the tap dancer in Alice in Wonderland. ❤

[@vivianevans8323]

Round of applause - make that two rounds of applause! - to you two, for explaining and making me understand and indeed appreciate contemporary dance, finally .... Thanks!

[@balletreign]

Aww!! So happy to help u understand and deeper appreciate this form of dance. Thanks so much for watching ✨✨

[@T_WC123]

I’m sorry this is off topic but just wanted to thank you for this channel. Watching your channel when you guys first started so piqued my interest in ballet ( and other dance too) bc just a little knowledge about it transformed my interest and my experience in the audience. Now I go as often as I can to watch the San Francisco ballet and I just saw their Swan Lake last night and was so happy! Thank you for making ballet accessible - truly a game changer for me - and I’m so happy to see how much your channel has grown and I’m thrilled I’ve got so many videos to catch up on. You guys are doing wonderful things and I wish you the best!! ❤🩰🥳👏👏👏

[@balletreign]

Aww this touched our heart 🥰🥰 thank u for supporting us, the Ballet Nerds, and the ballet world (San Fran is such a beautiful company!!!) ✨

[@markbeck8384]

I think maybe I have a more classical ballet personality; but this was truly wonderful dancing. I'm so glad you did this. The ones that grabbed me the most were Jenson Blight and Paloma Livellara Vidart; but everyone did a beautiful job, and the choreography was stunning.

[@subtleworkings1164]

Thanks for making this contemporary commentary! I really admire when a dancer can make the variation feel like it isn't choreographed - like it's an expression of the story that's just happening in that moment. For me Ari, Paloma, and Martinho all really nailed that, which was so interesting to see in three such different styles of choreography.

[@balletreign]

That effortless look ✨✨✨ thanks for sharing ur observations and opinion! 😄😄

[@misss3480]

Paloma and Martinho's bodies seemed to be channelling the music and emotion - just amazing! All the dancers were wonderful, but those two had the edge for me.

[@balletreign]

Definitely 👍🏻 we LOVED both of their performances ✨

[@SolElarien]

You make Saturdays even better!

[@balletreign]

Awww thank you, same to yall! 🥰🥰

[@azifcaron4539]

I just had to comment of the professional look of your videos, as well as how you both hold yourself. The background and even the watermark in the corner of your videos is so clean and much appreciated. Amazing commentary, I enjoy your videos very much. Thank you!

[@balletreign]

Wow thank u sm for your kind feedback! So happy u enjoy the channel. Thanks for watching! ☺️☺️🫰🏻🫰🏻

[@Elle-tt4kh]

2:15 the Birmingham Royal ballet performed aurora beautifully, very proud to be able to say that I saw it just a few days ago!

[@redfrag9607]

I love watching the contemporary category because the dancers perform full pieces - even though some are incredibly short. It feels more complete to me. I would love to see a split screen of the 2 contemporary winners. Paloma owned the Wheeldon piece! Thank you for doing this review.

[@isabelaandzico]

It was wonderful to see my fellow Portuguese, Martino and also see João Pedro my fellow Brazilian. But Paloma took my breath away. She truly danced like nobody’s watching!🇵🇹🇧🇷🇺🇦🇷🇺🇷🇴🩰🫶🏻 47:57

[@balletreign]

They all did amazingly!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Satopi3104]

26:12 I have done many forms of dance with varying levels of amount of time/proficiency attained and I can attest that resistance is key. Especially in the dance forms I do now (traditional Japanese dance and traditional Ryukyu dance) it is like THE quality that is required (that and core strength, which I think is also universal to all forms of dance). And even outside of dance, in tea ceremony we are taught to lift heavy things with an air of lightness and light things with an air of heaviness, which I think is another way to phrase it.

[@ssjb7542]

Thank you, both. Once again you have delivered a most brilliant presentation on every forefront.

[@balletreign]

Aww thank u sm! We’re happy u enjoyed this 😆😆

[@titansaint]

I'm working on strengthening my joints in hopes of dancing ballet and contemporary again and seeing these performances has motivated me! During all the do you care performances i found myself moving my head and arms because the music is so beautiful. that variation is absolutely up my alley!

[@balletreign]

That one was def one of our faves ✨. Wishing u all the best in ur dance journey and sending good ballet nerd vibes 😆😆🫰🏻🫰🏻

[@matilda8675]

my absolute favourite prix contemporary is rossini cards, i love basically every time its performed

[@oxoelfoxo]

ah, so it's like classical in that there are contemporary "standards" dancers can choose from? i kind of imagined the dances are new every year, lol

[@isabelle_bored]

@@oxoelfoxo there are "standards" but they change pretty regularly to make it fair to the dancers, otherwise there'll be some people who practice the same dances for ages before the comp, none of the dances this year were on the list last year so it does change a lot

[@oxoelfoxo]

thanks! that makes sense@@isabelle_bored

[@Sarah-oj7bh]

Martinho's classical performance already felt very touching and passionate to me, but now I have actual tears running down my cheeks. And I don't usually care that much about dance. This young man is a gift to the world.

[@Upstaged07]

Natalie was also the only woman who picked that contemporary piece. All the others who did it were men.

[@WhitKnight-mi5tx]

Hurray for Paloma!

[@balletreign]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@pasemospagina8]

Thank u for introducing me to Prix De Lausanne! After your last video, I ran to watch the contemporary variations because it's my fav style of dancing and I LOVED the "Do you care" and "Tout va bien?" combos. I wasn't quite enjoying the Joni Mitchell one until I saw Paloma (and this isn't because I'm Argentinian hahaha), it's just that with that kind of choreography you have to go for it a 100% like you said, and I thought she was one of the only ones who managed to do it. Also, she's charming. I adored Crystal too 💜

[@balletreign]

Yayyy so happy u enjoyed the Prix de Lausanne recaps! Thanks for watching and for sharing ur thoughts on the performances ✨✨✨

[@Simplenotion]

I thought E-Eun Park also did it VERY well in the semis.

[@pasemospagina8]

@@Simplenotion thank u for pointing it out, I must have missed it, she did it beautifully too 🫶🏼

[@Pastor_Madeline]

Near the end of the video I was literally wondering about Chainsaw neighbor and behold!!! 🎉

[@dronesclubhighjinks]

I was looking forward to this video, and I ended up enjoying it so much more than I had expected! I appreciate so much your explanations of the dances and the dancers. I had looked up both Crystal's and Paloma's contemporary dances after watching your classical video and I loved both of them! But I also loved everybody you showed us! What did I learn? I was kind of surprised that the choreographed contemporary dances were not for a specific gender. I guess because the classical variations are very clear about men dance THIS and women dance THAT. Questions: 1. Is the choice of costumes (?) up to the dancer or is it suggested by the choreographer or the dancer's coach? (Do they bring a coach? Probably not.) What would be an example of an inappropriate costume for contemporary? I was very surprised by the chap who wore the suit and tie! I suppose one does not normally combine the concepts of a high art form, like contemporary dance, with businessmen at work! 👔 I guess, if the interpretation of the choreography is up to the dancer, the dancer could wear pretty much any costume as long as it fits with the emotions they're trying to express or story they are trying to tell? 2. What about shoes or socks or bare feet? Is that up to the dancer? The girl, who was your honorable mention, had the only costume that looked specifically sporty, like something one can buy from Lululemon (for running, not for yoga). I felt that it very much matched the type of fierce energy she exuded. That was a very different vibe from the other female dancer, who chose the same choreography. As for Paloma, it almost looked like she was wearing pajamas, which definitely fit in with the idea of her dancing in her kitchen along to some music she is enjoying. 🕊️🎼🎧 Whoever edited this video put in a heck of a lot of effort! You two are so charming because you are genuinely enthusiastic! I absolutely love this video and I'm going to watch it again right now! 🙏🩰🌧️🦌🦢🧡🌛

[@nudgificator]

Props given, as requested, to the subtitling. 'Angry violin music' to '*higher* angry violin music' had me giggling, and 'MarioKart mode activated' got a surprised squawk laugh out of me. 😆

[@sarahbauvir1068]

Shanie Obadia from France was my favorite, I watched her contemporary in repeat, a must-seen

[@Pomeranianlover15]

love the bourees at 29:22!

[@theresabriant6499]

I LOVE YOU 2 cutie pies 🎉😊❤ Keep up the good work!

[@balletreign]

lol thank you sm!! 🥰🥰🫰🏻🫰🏻

[@RobinRatt]

Thanks for your choices of music in this one! They actually matched the dances so we didnt feel like we were missing out that much. And i love how you chose a different sibelius piece instead of the original haha

[@Simplenotion]

Airi was my personal favorite over all. Artistically she felt so mature to me. Her dynamics were so clear.

[@mark-briansonna7670]

Loving your coverage.

[@mermaidopulence8539]

So I actually watched the contemporary competition as well and Im so glad yall did a video on this as well. The "Do You Care" piece has to be my favorite by far for so many reasons. That piece is just so breathtaking and mesmerizing all wrapped up in one. I may focus more on classical ballet but contemporary ballet will always have a special place in my heart. Last year I was in a showcase and I did a improve contemporary dance to Stand Up by Cynthia Erivo from the movie Harriet.

[@dalis994]

I prefer contemporary to classical dance. Some time ago I saw Pixel in Austria. A fantastic performance utilizing augmented reality. Paloma with You Turn Me On I'm a Radio is perfection.

[@dearestfrances]

All of these dancers are just so articulate and versatile, it's so special to see how in classical they appear to have an afinity or certain skill for that in particular, but watching them in another medium, they happen to be equally talented. Totally looking forward to seeing you guys dance sometime soon! I really like how you two include a ton of male dancers, too. I'm a male dancer (but more adage-ish) and I don't see a lot of people analyze them like you do! You guys are so entertaining and really pay attention to how you highlight the skills of each dancer. Xx Also loved Paloma and Crystal. Crystal's spinal mobility and fluid movement was so great, and Paloma was just so contagious, as you two said.

[@SevenofEleven]

This series is so fun❤

[@melowlw8638]

i find contemporary dance very awkward, because i imagine myself in the dancer's situation, and cant picture being able to move without having a precise list of steps that i can pick to choreograph from, but i love seeing the more athletic side of the movements, and how they play with having more freedom than classical ballet, or a specific type of dancing that has more rules, if that makes sense can't wait to see how the prix de Lausanne dancers did!! it'll make me appreciate contemporary dance more

[@balletreign]

Haha it’s def very different from the “rigidity” of classical ballet. But it’s a such a cool dance style and fun to dance! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@imanisingleton]

Thank you for sharing these! I’m not a big contemporary gal, but I loved Taichi Toshida’s performance. You ladies are opening my eyes 😍

[@kathygao]

This is so inspiring!!! I often avoid contemporary repertoire (for ballet, for opera, and for music in general). Especially after watching Like Chocolate in Water last year and I thought to myself "well thats 3 hours of my life wasted. I'd rather go to dentist or do my tax than this" 😆(among some other contemporary stuff, single eye? I think it's called single eye). But I'm very surprised that I really enjoyed watching them dance in this video! I start to think maybe I should still occasionally give contemporary pieces a chance!

[@balletreign]

Dentist and taxes 🤣🤣 we were the same way once, coming from a very strictly classical background, but we were very happy to realize the unique beauty of the contemporary dance styles ✨✨. So happy to help open ur mind to appreciate it too 😎😎

[@asiasia]

Thank you so much, I loved this compilations! Maybe one day you could do all time favorite performances from Prix de Lausanne :D?

[@lilianaisella]

Loved it!

[@noramk8698]

I don't know if Révolution (QC, Canada) is available in the US, but i would really suggest watching some of the performance. Notably in Contemporain Gabrielle Boudreau winner of season 5. ❤ I know it's in French, but i find that dancing is a universal langages🥰 There is also 1 performance from Sean Wathen without music and only his breathing (he dance a mix of breakdance and contemporain)

[@francoislechampi2002]

watch until the end, the bloopers are hilarious

[@balletreign]

😂😂

[@shayjo5911]

Yay!! Contemporary

[@JMA864]

Your commentary is so delightful and informative. What about some “then and now” pieces on former Prix winners?? Obviously I can see that people like Vadim and Marcelino (I mostly watch Royal Ballet) have changed immensely, but it would be really interesting to know exactly how and why! Or maybe it would be easier with more recent winners like Antonio Casalinho since the then-now distance isn’t as great. (Apologies if you’ve already done this…haven’t completely devoured all your content yet…working on it!)

[@dmitrykim3096]

Not a fan of contemporary but love your videos, you bring me joy and make me smile

[@BLW888]

Great video. How do you view Pina Bausch? The amazing Rite of Spring just played in Los Angeles.

[@EmL-kg5gn]

How on earth is anyone supposed to judge this?? My favourite dancer was whichever one was on stage at that moment 😭 I can see why Paloma won audience favourite though, like you said she really took you somewhere else. It felt like you were at home not at a competition and as an audience member that is so inviting and inclusive

[@aliciachung7524]

Thank you so much for such an informative, fun video! I learnt a lot (also from your video on the classical variations). Coming from a fellow ballet nerd and enthusiast, I am just curious if you know how the competitors learn the contemporary variations? Does the Prix supply a video for the competitors to learn visually, or is there an instructional video or do they have lessons with the choreographer. It's not like ballet where you have well known choreography and a logical flow of steps. I was just wondering how they do it for contemporary, that's all. Would be great if you could shed some light! Thanks again!!

[@marylee8372]

Happy Spring and it's hilarious that your chainsaw neighbor is back again! 😂😂😂😂

[@F_BRO24]

I know Jenson Blight 😅 he was my buddy in prep at my school nice job Jenson thanks for teaching me how to draw a rocket ship 🚀

[@soapygirl83]

So I went down a rabbit hole looking at other dancers doing the same contemporary choreography and it's interesting how they would all wear the same or very similar looking costumes. I can understand wearing and identical costume when you're doing a classical piece when there's a really established character and it makes sense to dress as that character, but it's interesting that in contemporary people still wear very similar clothing, even if there isn't a very specific character attached to the choreography

[@louisemaaree]

Paloma was my favourite!!

[@lizziefrances]

Julian is like a David Helberg-Vadim Montenegro hybrid. Very exciting!

[@balletreign]

RIGHT?? Truly the makings of a great ✨✨

[@xl1630]

Can you please make a video on Alex Wong’s contemporary piece at this competition???❤❤❤

[@firstlast6109]

14.2K followers, and yet you have not danced for us. I am loosing hope😒.

[@balletreign]

LOL don’t lose hope! This year 😎😎

[@iLiKe._.FoOd._.yUm_yUm]

YAAAAYAYYYYYYYYY! 😆😆😆🫶🏻✨👹

[@SevenRavens007]

Oh and surely classical AND contemporary 🥳

[@cynthiat6505]

YES!!!!!

[@Leo7moon]

Just curious, what's up with dancers doing the same/very similar pieces? Do the judges decide on specific music and choreography every year?

[@tarantellalarouge7632]

they have a list of pieces, (maybe 5 or 6) and they can choose what ever they want in classic and contemporary lists

[@balletreign]

Exactly, and it does change each year 👍🏻👍🏻

[@ThePsychicPillar]

Gaggg thank you sisters. I literally only watch prix for the contemporary lmaoo

[@chisaki_hazuki5524]

What song was used to replace Jason Blights music??? It’s sooooo good!!!

[@FireBird.37]

Please do a ballet analysis on Sleeping Beauty!

[@SophiaCruz-tu8rx]

More Contemporary videos!!!!!! Pleaseee

[@mikegardens]

I see why Crystal and Martinho won, but I thought Jenson Blight was definitely a runner up for the title.

[@themovinganna1948]

I want to see you girls comment on the class!!

[@dance6198]

Paloma omg🥹❤️😍

[@9unravelledcrimes]

Please react to past Prix De Lausanne winners!!

[@JMA864]

I agree…this is so informative!

[@user-jy9rq8nj7q]

taichi and palomas are so beautiful

[@serenang3137]

Agreed!! 🥳🎉

[@PlugInKali]

I don't envy the judges at this competition. I honestly don't know how they do it. It all seems so subjective to me. For example, yes, Martinho has some impressive moves but, honestly, overall I enjoyed Taichi's and Crystal's interpretation of that piece a lot more.

[@oxoelfoxo]

i wonder how long they have to learn and practice their contemporary dance?

[@serenang3137]

I wonder why there weren’t any Korean prize winners in the Prix de Lausanne 2024. I quite liked Kyubeen, Jioh and Wongyeom’s classical, as well as E-Eun’s contemporary tbh.

[@Dseated]

What kind of cookies?

[@HenryDrives]

Do you consider Kenneth Macmillan contemporary? What about making a video about Mayerling or Manon?

[@balletreign]

Macmillan has many works ranging from classical ballet to contemporary 👍🏻👍🏻 thanks for ur request!

[@alfombra1054]

i just wanna say, if SIBELIUS music is protected by copyright, it means we're living in the darkest timeline. like, how is he gonna claim ownership over his work? talking through a ouija board??????

[@balletreign]

😂😂

[@avivabumgardner6107]

Die for any Chris wheeldon choreoooo

[@patriciaalanismaya8131]

🇲🇽❤️🍀

[@francoislechampi2002]

Hello to all ballet fans ! Sorry if my comment comes out of nowhere but since at 02.55 you featured Sangwon Park, I would like to tell you my story. I don't understand anything about ballet but since so many people seem to love it, I decided to give it go. (btw my favorite movie : Billy Elliot. Every ballet fan would *love* this movie) So I began to watch TV reports about dancers, look at rehersals, then I end up following the Prix de Lausanne on YT I love the dancers, their beauty, their skills, their discipline, their dedication to their art, but I still don't watch ballet...😒 and one day I saw this : kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJq3aZaVgZanbNk I was deeply moved, and enthusiastic at the same time. I just thought this is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life. I watched it several times, and, as time went on, I went back to watch it again and again, wanting it to never end… What do you think ? am I just weird ? Did you ever feel that ? Allways or never ?

[@Ms.Opinionated]

Why don't the dancers create original contemporary peices?

[@LeeBeeDeeTree51]

No way you guys eat cookies on the regular unless you have metabolisms like humming bees!😉

[@balletreign]

😂😂

[@Satopi3104]

I loved do you care and tout va bien but didn’t like the other choreo, have to admit.

[@JustBeingAwesome]

Paloma should have won the contemporary prize! Natalie Steele's piece was also very difficult!

[@katego370]

But WHY do they wear pajamas? I get that it's not classical ballet and tutus are not appropriate but can we perhaps choose something other than the shloppy fast fashion shirts and basic shorts? They're artists, at least try to look like you didn't just roll out of bed...

[@maryrosenblatt6741]

Why was Melanie McIntyre not given an award? Her precision was extraordinarily beautiful.

[@Simplenotion]

frankly...she seemed very tight and stiff in class...and wobbly. I have no idea if it was nerves but there was a definitely an unsureness in her technique here and there and her performances were not on the same level of musicality and artistry compared to the prize winners. I'm sure she'll do great in her future but maybe should focus on other stuff in her training.

[@carmenbiascoechea4486]

Please3 I would like to see the dance without thise t wo people comments while the dance is going on

[@me67226]

Not a fan of contemporary 🫥