In the Steps of Moiseyev

There’s not a place in the world that does not have its own rare and traditional arts, dance and music included. In some cultures, dancing is not just entertainment, but also part and parcel of traditional rites such as celebrations, worship and mourning. Founder of the Igor Moiseyev State Academic Ensemble of Popular Dance, Igor Moiseyev (1906-2007) worked tirelessly to preserve and keep alive traditional dance. Trained as a classical ballet dancer, performing with the world-renowned Bolshoi, he had an interest in dance that extended far beyond academia. He combined features of ballet and traditional dance to create a brand-new choreographic language. Moiseyev added theatrical elements to the dance pieces, with dramatic results. His choreography was deeply humanistic, depicting people’s daily lives and reflecting the unique culture of every place.

In 2014, the Ensemble was invited to the HKAF and staged a fabulous performance for Hong Kong audiences. They planned to visit the Festival again in 2020 but the pandemic caused the trip to be cancelled. Fortunately, we have the opportunity to broadcast several of Moiseyev’s masterpieces online in the coming Festival. Don’t miss this chance to see the unique work of one of the 20th century’s greatest choreographers. 

SUMMER

RUSSIAN DANCE

Summer is adapted from the suite of The Seasons. It is set during a harvest festival, where villagers of all ages have gathered to cheer on a young couple. It depicts the humour, mischief, romance and lyricism of country people. Summer’s first rehearsal took place on 10 February 1937, which is regarded as the date Moiseyev’s Ensemble came into being. 

THE SHEPHERDS

AZERBAIJANI DANCE

In the mountains of Azerbaijan, high above the Caspian Sea, Caucasian shepherds protect their flocks from wolves and other menaces. The Shepherds was choreographed in 1959 and it is danced by three male soloists, who convey the shepherd’s vigour and spirit with their virtuoso steps.

GAUCHO

ARGENTINEAN COWBOYS' DANCE

Three male soloists form a group of Argentinian cowboys kitted out in boots and spurs, and who carry knives to show off their skills in competition. “Gaucho” means skilled horseman, and the gaucho is known for his bravery and unruly nature. In Argentina, the Gaucho is a national symbol and an important part of the country’s traditional culture. Gaucho was inspired by the Ensemble’s first South American tour and was choreographed in 1967. 

FOOTBALL

CHOREOGRAPHIC PICTURE

At the referee’s whistle, the match begins. However, during the game one player commits a foul, resulting in a brawl. After the brouhaha, the players bury the hatchet and both teams come together for a commemorative photo. Though the match had descended into farce, friendship wins out in the end. Football is a mixture of mime, acrobatics and folk dance and was choreographed in 1948.

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MELODY LAI
Melody Lai is an Assistant Editor at the Hong Kong Arts Festival

This article was originally published in the 2021 edition of HKAF’s FestMag