Known as one of the most popular of the Ballet Russes, the production Petrushka, choreographed by Michel Fokine with music composed by Igor Stravinsky, presents an unconventional approach to ballet in the early 1900’s. Fokine combined his ballet experience and knowledge of the dramatic arts to design a highly stimulating production that’s influence has allowed many dance academies to continually perform. The four scene ballet tells the story of love and jealousy between three puppets at a fair in St. Petersburg, Russia. Petrushka professes his love to the Ballerina, but she rejects him for the Moor instead, initiating jealousy. Provoking the Moor to a battle, Petrushka is finally killed by the Moor’s sword. Petrushka’s spirit dies along with him. Fokine emphasizes the use of the body, space, music, and energy in his ballet to display his ideas on highly dramatic and innovative contemporary styles of dance. Petrushka is widely appreciated for its transition out of traditional ballet and into individuality amongst the characters in performances. Fokine introduced …show more content…
Without the dramatic gestures and vitality of the dancers, the overall story of the piece would not have been portrayed as well. Fokine masters the production’s storyline by developing emotion into inanimate objects. The puppets’ ability to convey such an intense amount of feelings such as happiness, love, and jealousy motivates their actions in their dancing. Petrushka’s failed pursuit of the Ballerina clearly agonizes him and his ability to ever be with her. Thus, his way of dancing showcases his jealousy and defeat. The puppets’ dramatic gestures are so emotional that they send powerful feelings towards the audience. The energy and dramatic intent that drives the performers in Petrushka is what makes the production as successful and