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Michael Corder: initial stages
13 November 2007
Michael Corder visited Birmingham Royal Ballet earlier this month, to watch class and begin casting for his new piece, Le Baiser de la fée.
The work is being especially produced for BRB's 2008 performances of ballets to music by Stravinsky. While the score has been a popular one with choreographers over the years, a definitive version of the ballet has never been produced.
Still in the early stages of creation, Michael explained the initial planning that goes into a new work.
'I've come up for a few days to see the dancers so I can start the casting process', he said, 'and for further meeting with John MacFarlane the designer. We've already done the sets, the models of which is beautiful, and I'm going to see the preliminary costume designs this afernoon.' Aside from these behind-the-scenes meeting, there are a number of other preparations to go through before choreography can begin - what Michael describes as the 'practical nuts and bolts'.
We've been going through the technical schedule, and sorting out the weeks I'll be up here rehearsing with the dancers, and scheduling tehcnical and stage rehearsals - all the practical details to putting on a new production. The last thing that I get to do is the choreography!'
Michael also said that he had enjoyed the visit from a personal point of view, having previously danced with the Company. 'I was a dancer with the company when it as Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet', he explained, 'so I know a lot of old friends here: Desmond [Kelly, Ballet Master] and Marion [Tait, Ballet Mistress] and Denis [Bonner, Company Choreologist] - Denis and I were at school together when we were both 11 at White Lodge!'