Focus on: William Forsythe

William Forsythe is recognised as one of the world's highest ranking choreographers. His understanding of ballet as a living language stretches his dancers to the limits, leaning on improvisation to a certain extent in the creative process. Forsythe began as a dancer with the Joffrey Ballet, going on to perform with the Stuttgart Ballet in Germany where he was eventually appointed resident choreographer. In 1984 he became director of Ballet Frankfurt and during the next 20 years he worked to create his signature works and style for Ballet Frankfurt, Paris Opéra Ballet and many other leading ballet companies including The Kirov Ballet (below) Today, Forsythe has his own company based in Germany. The Forsythe Company was founded in 2005 and whilst many of his older pieces are performed by ballet companies around the world, Forsythe’s more recent, theatrical works are performed exclusively by his company. A Forsythe ballet generally contains hyperextended classical shapes and long, exaggerated positions in developing the movement vocabulary of classical ballet. Forsythe is renowned for taking a step or movement phrase and turn it inside out, creating a very distinct style. There is also an emphasis on energy and attack, different values and weight changes, making the movement indeterminate and unpredictable. George Balanchine is said to inspire Forsythe’s choreography, complimenting his love of lightness, speed and musicality. But among Forsythe’s additional inspirations are the arts, the news and life, especially the dancers he has in the studio in front of him. Vital to Forsythe’s work is precise footwork and a deliberate focus which must be conveyed throughout. A crisp technique aids the classical work when it is performed in the moment. The arms must lead the movement in a bid to appear loose and cat-like, but also athletic in approach (demonstrated below in this piece performed by the man himself) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDTu7jF_EwY Forsythe and his company have received numerous awards. Among them the New York "Bessie" for dance and performance along with the Laurence Olivier. The one we're sure he's most proud of was presented in 2010 for his life's work, The Golden Lion award.