L'après-midi d'un faune

Definition

l'après-midi d'un faune is a groundbreaking ballet choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky in 1912, known for its innovative approach to movement and storytelling. This ballet, which translates to 'The Afternoon of a Faun', challenges traditional ballet norms by emphasizing naturalism and sexuality, reflecting the changing artistic landscape of the early 20th century. It was created for the Ballets Russes, a company that significantly influenced the evolution of ballet during this period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. l'après-midi d'un faune premiered on May 29, 1912, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris and caused a scandal due to its provocative themes and unconventional choreography.
2. The ballet features a single male dancer, representing a faun, who interacts with nymphs, exploring themes of desire and sensuality through fluid movements and positions.
3. Igor Stravinsky's music for the ballet was also groundbreaking, contributing to the overall impact of the performance with its complex rhythms and textures.
4. The choreography emphasizes asymmetry and improvisation rather than classical lines and symmetry, marking a shift towards more contemporary styles of dance.
5. The initial reception of l'après-midi d'un faune was mixed, but it has since been recognized as a pivotal work that helped to shape modern dance and ballet.

Review Questions

• How did l'après-midi d'un faune challenge traditional ballet conventions?
  • l'après-midi d'un faune challenged traditional ballet conventions by focusing on naturalistic movement and expressing themes of desire and sexuality. Unlike previous ballets that emphasized structured formations and classical technique, Nijinsky's choreography incorporated more fluid and asymmetrical movements. This innovative approach highlighted individual expression over collective harmony, making it a significant departure from established norms in ballet.
• Discuss the role of Igor Stravinsky's score in shaping the overall experience of l'après-midi d'un faune.
  • Igor Stravinsky's score for l'après-midi d'un faune played a crucial role in shaping the overall experience of the ballet by introducing complex rhythms and textures that complemented Nijinsky's choreography. The music's unique structure mirrored the faun's internal struggle and desires, enhancing the emotional depth of the performance. Stravinsky's modern musical language not only provided an innovative backdrop but also challenged audiences to rethink their expectations of what ballet could convey through both movement and sound.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of l'après-midi d'un faune on the development of modern dance and ballet.
  • l'après-midi d'un faune had a profound long-term impact on the development of modern dance and ballet by paving the way for future choreographers to explore themes of individuality, emotional expression, and non-traditional movement. Its emphasis on breaking free from classical techniques encouraged a generation of dancers and choreographers to experiment with their own styles and narratives. The ballet's influence can be seen in later works that continue to challenge conventional boundaries in dance, making it a cornerstone in the evolution of contemporary performance art.

Related terms

Ballets Russes:

A revolutionary ballet company founded by Sergei Diaghilev in the early 20th century, known for its innovative choreography, music, and collaboration with various artists.

Impressionism: An artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by an emphasis on light, color, and capturing moments in time, influencing many art forms including dance.

Modernism: A broad cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, advocating for new forms of expression and breaking away from traditional styles in art, literature, and dance.