LOL: the Hungarian National Ballet presents Hans van Manen pieces

The first ballet premiere of the 2017/18 season of the Hungarian National Ballet takes place at a special venue. Three pieces by internationally acclaimed choreographer Hans van Manen are presented on one evening as part of the Contemporary Arts Festival Budapest at the Müpa Festival Theatre.

Hans van Manen is one of those few choreographers who by combining classical ballet with modern dance and other movement techniques has succeeded in popularising modern ballet across a wide audience.

He is one of the pioneers for those dance artists who assisted him, chiefly in the ’60s, in establishing the, today completely accepted, art form manifesting a synthesis of academic and other dance techniques.

Trois Gnossiennes is the third and central work in Hans van Manen’s Piano Variations cycle from 1980-84. Manen choreographed this sensual duet about resignation, trust and harmony to the magical and melancholy music of Erik Satie.

The piece 5 Tangos is set to the music of Astor Piazzolla. The work, a true audience favourite, flows with fiery energy. Tango, and a little something extra.

The NDT was turning 30 years old when Jiří Kylián informed Hans van Manen, “You’re going to do the ballet for the anniversary.” Manen replied: “Really? And what should I do?” Kylián replied: “A cake”. This is how the festive parody of five movements built around humour – the irresistibly witty Black Cake – was conceived.