Unseen & Boléro | Andonis Foniadakis

The first part of the diptych, “Unseen,” focuses on the sense of isolation that lies beneath the surface of Ravel’s impressionistic style in his piano compositions. As the choreographer states: “In ‘Unseen,’ I draw inspiration from this silent, introspective side of Ravel. Through movement and dance, I seek to delve into his complex emotional landscape and his ability to convey deeply personal feelings while creating a sense of distance and contemplation.”

The second part of the diptych is based on one of the most emblematic works of classical music, “Boléro.” With its repetitive rhythmic pattern and the steadily built intensity that culminates in a dramatic climax, “Boléro” evokes the sense of a ritualistic dance that carries the listener in a continuous motion. In his choreography, Foniadakis combines the pulse of the music with the bounce of a trampoline: the leaps align precisely with the musical repetitions, mirroring the piece’s developmental structure. The dancers’ movements begin as small, controlled bursts and evolve dynamically, capturing the sensation of perpetual rise and fall on the trampoline—a ritualistic cycle that echoes Ravel’s musical ritual.

“In my new work, ‘Unseen,’ I focus on Ravel’s piano compositions which, in my view, are infused with a sense of solitude and introspection. Although his works are often celebrated for their technical perfection, impressionistic textures, and rich tonal colors, there is something deeper beneath the surface: a subtle sense of emotional complexity and distance, often linked to feelings of isolation. ‘Unseen’ is inspired by this quiet, introspective facet of Ravel. Through movement and dance, I want to explore his intricate emotional world and his ability to communicate deeply personal emotions while maintaining a contemplative distance. The solitude, as Ravel understood it and as I have experienced it myself, resonates throughout this performance, inviting the audience to feel the sensitivity that lies behind every melody.

‘Boléro’ by Maurice Ravel is one of the most iconic works in the classical repertoire, known for its unique rhythm and the relentless build-up of intensity throughout the piece. In my choreography for ‘Boléro,’ I combine the rhythmic pulse of the music with the dynamic of jumping on a trampoline. Each leap aligns with the musical repetitions, following the structure of the music’s development. The dancers’ movements begin with small, controlled bursts that gradually transform into powerful leaps, reflecting the piece’s sense of gradual climax. The trampoline’s cyclical nature and the repetitive movement enhance the sensation of constant rising and falling, offering a ritualistic dimension that mirrors the musical ritual of ‘Boléro.’”