The pre-show chat of The National Ballet of Canada’s Giselle and Polyphonia was hosted by two former principal dancers of Giselle: Karen Kain and Rex Harrington.

Ballet Talk with Karen Kain and Rex Harrington

Pre-Show Chat of Giselle and Polyphonia

Written By: Breanne Cursley

The pre-show chat of The National Ballet of Canada’s Giselle and Polyphonia was hosted by two former principal dancers of Giselle: Karen Kain and Rex Harrington.

They entered the room to the applause of around 150 people, seated in a semi-circle around the podium on which the two of them sat. Karen Kain, a first-rank international dancer and in her third year as the National Ballet’s artistic director, was first to speak, introducing her companion and then going on to explain the story of Giselle – a tragic romance. She also went on to say that Giselle is a very difficult role for the principal dancers, but that the company of this performance had stepped up to that challenge.

She then passed it over to Rex Harrington, the artist-in-residence for the National Ballet of Canada. He started on the topic of Polyphonia, beginning with the meaning of the word; many sounds – and asked the audience to listen to the calmness within the madness of the music. Mr. Harrington then went to explain that in the ballet there are only eight dancers, with a bare stage and plain costumes.

The couple then answered two questions from the audience. The first was a man wondering whether or not the music was live. They explained that they have an orchestra that travels with them, and that there were some Calgary artists that have joined them only that very morning. The second question was from a woman who asked if they were bringing a certain ballet back to Calgary that she saw years ago. Karen Kain didn’t sound too sure of it but she did say that they were opening a new theatre in Toronto and it might be performed there, and prompted anyone from the audience to come and enjoy the opening of the new theatre.

I found that both Rex Harrington and Karen Kain seemed very energetic, and entertaining, as were the two ballets to follow. The pre-show chat was certainly enjoyed by the people who attended; including myself. I think others would agree with me when I say that the Ballet Talk also added to the theatre experience because we all had the chance to see behind the scenes and get to know the people behind the curtain a little bit; it added a whole dimension to the actual performance and enhanced the entire nights’ entertainment.

To Read The Polyphonia review Click Here

To Read The Giselle Review Click Here

Read The AnEVibe interview with Queen of the Wilis from Giselle Heather Ogden, Click Here

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