Choreographic Credo

For the New York Times, an article August Bournonville at the Royal Danish Ballet

In his “Choreographic Credo,” Bournonville wrote: “It is the mission of art in general, and the theater in particular, to intensify thought, elevate the mind, and refresh the senses.” But this lofty mission was expressed in movement that is musical and light and physically harmonious. Poetry, warmth and modesty of expression: these are the qualities that define the Bournonville spirit, said the Danish dance critic Alexander Meinertz, who is writing a Bournonville biography. “He thought of himself less as a choreographer than as a ballet poet,” Meinertz said.

I was recently in Denmark, spending time at the Royal Danish Theater, a very special place. My article on Bournonville at the Royal Danish Ballet, with beautiful photos by Mathias Eis, has been posted to The New York Times, and will be in Sunday’s Arts and Leisure section. Here is the link:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/02/arts/dance/royal-danish-ballet-bournonville.html?unlocked_article_code=1.5k8.5c81.oMBLpzTx8itH&smid=url-share

1. Chen Gundorph and Joseph AUmeer under the gaze of August Bournonville
2. Gundorph being coached by Amy Watson in La Sylhphide
3. Henriette Muus with one of her pupils
4. Tobias Praetorius, whom some people refer to as “Mr. Bournonville.” He will stage the second act of Napoli for the company in 2027.
5. The company recycles parts of costumes when it creates new ones, including these panels, ubiquitous in Bournonville “peasant” costumes