Myths
Reloaded

Fairy tales, myths, and dance have belonged together literally since time immemorial. Stone Age rituals, medieval fables, fantasies — all of this can be found in classical ballet repertoire. Virtuoso performers continue to dream even on the sidelines of grueling rehearsals. Munich, Platzl 7, home of the Bavarian State Ballet: on the first floor, Ksenia Shevtsova and Julian MacKay are rehearsing the pas de deux, Act 2, from La Sylphide, a Romantic repertoire icon par excellence. The visitor takes a seat next to ballet mistress Judith Turos and immerses herself in the action. She watches as the first soloist guides her colleague's arms into a correct croisé devant pose with nothing but a tiny flick; as he repeats the multiple pirouette until he lands perfectly on his left knee; how both ...