Nederlands Dans Theater Celebrates Jiri Kylian

Nederlands Dans Theater Celebrates Jiri Kylian is a film that is steeped both in the realm of art and in the depth of human expression, truly a treat for fans of dance and theatre worldwide. The film serves as a retrospective documentation, celebration, and contemplation of the staggering artistic contributions that Czech-born choreographer Jiri Kylian has made to modern dance. Directed and produced with subtlety and sophistication, the film prominently spotlights the extraordinary and influential compilation of works composed by Kylian during his 26-year tenure as artistic director of the Netherlands Dance Theater.

What makes this film complex, and worthy of contemplation, is its strong dual character. On one hand, it is a magnificently filmed compilation of breathtaking dance performances: scenes from some of Kylian's most groundbreaking and beloved choreographies are interspersed throughout the movie. On the other hand, it is also a biographical sketch of an icon in the world of contemporary dance. Intimate interviews with Kylian himself, along with insights from colleagues, critique, and past and present dancers of the Nederlands Dans Theater, are skillfully woven into the film, providing a profound insight into the life, mind, and creative impulse of this master choreographer.

The choice of choreographies showcased in the film reflects the broad range and depth of Kylian’s artistic vision and abilities. From the raw, primal bonds presented in his 1981 creation "Stoolgame", to the shattering emotional power of "Bella Figura" from 1995, to the mesmerisingly silent spatial theater of "Vanishing Twin" from 2008, each of his works represent a distinct style and aesthetic. They all elucidate different facets of the human experience, seamlessly blending grace, strength, acrobatics, and raw emotion to take modern dance to new heights.

As Nederlands Dans Theater Celebrates Jiri Kylian unfolds, so too does the narrative of Kylian's life and creative path. The film illustrates his early years as an eager budding dancer in Prague, his time at the London-based Royal Ballet School, and the crucial impact of his encountering the Nederlands Dans Theater and its then artistic director, Hans Van Manen. It sheds light on how Kylian's career blossomed, and outlines the significant milestones of his life, including his journey to Japan and his deep fascination with Japanese culture.

A deep undercurrent of philosophy and thought pervades the film, captured both in Kylian's reflective interviews and the expressive power of his dances. His musings on the impermanence of art, the relationship between movement and silence, and the eternal growth of an artist are profound and thought-provoking. The film successfully avoids the risk of becoming a mere catalogue of Kylian's work and instead delves into the evolution of his artistic persona, philosophy, and vision, revealing the meaning and force behind the dances.

One of the movie's unforgettable moments is the performance of "Last Touch First," a slow-motion piece that he choreographed together with his life and creative partner, Sabine Kupferberg. Spectral, intimate, and aching with pathos, this piece is presented in its entirety and was captured in one single unedited shot: a testament to both Kylian's daring artistic choices and the precision and expressiveness of the Nederlands Dans Theater's dancers.

The cinematography is equally compelling, capturing the visceral, heartfelt performances in exquisite detail. The use of close-ups in many of the performances highlights the physical exertion and complex technique of the dancers, while the sweeping panoramic shots reflect the grandeur of Kylian's choreographies and the impressive stage designs.

To those unfamiliar with modern dance, Nederlands Dans Theater Celebrates Jiri Kylian will serve as an invigorating and insightful introduction. To those familiar with Kylian's work, the film presents a rich portrait of the man behind some of the field's most celebrated works, laden with newfound subtleties and insights. Overall, the film serves as a heartfelt ode to a pioneer of contemporary dance and a profound exploration of the human capacity for self-expression through movement. It is an indispensible film in the world of performing arts, and an important inclusion in the legacy of one of modern dance's greats: Jiri Kylian.