New artistic director of Moravian Theatre Ballet in Olomouc stages La Bayadere

Michal Štípa.

Long-term first soloist of the National Ballets in Prague and Brno, Michal Štípa, becomes new Artistic Director of the Moravian Theatre ballet company in Olomouc in January 2019. Right after assuming the new role he must face a creative challenge – mounting his own recreation of Ludwig Minkus‘s romantic ballet, La Bayadère.

The first soloist of the Czech National Ballet in Prague has retired from dancing and assumed the role of Artistic Director of the Moravian Theatre ballet company in Olomouc. “It was not an easy step to make. However, the found offer very interesting because I can continue my career and pass on the experience I gained during my years with the National Theatre ballet. Audiences and colleagues were disappointed I had ended my dancing career in Prague, but I still have their full support,” said Michal Štípa.
The new head’s priority is to adapt to the theatre inner operation as soon as possible. He explains: “I highly esteem the work and achievements of the previous artistic directors. It makes me feel respectful of the company’s legacy and I know there’s a strong base for more achievements in the upcoming period.“
Another important move is the staging of La Bayadère. A romantic ballet by Ludwig Minkus about a temple dancer, set in exotic India, premieres in Moravian Theatre on 22 March 2019. Michal Štípa, who is the choreographer and director of the production, has danced the role of the warrior Solor several times during his career. “I’m familiar with this ballet and I’ve had the opportunity to perform in many choreographic versions of this classic. Solor is close to my heart as I graduated in this role from the eight-year programme of Dance Conservatory in Brno,” noted Štípa, who staged another ballet by Minkus, Don Quixote, in the National Moravian-Silesian Theatre in Ostrava last season. “Both titles are very expensive as far as costumes and scenery are concerned. It’s by rule La Bayadère is performed on big stages due to financial costs and the size of ballet companies. But for me, it’s a challenge! I believe we can do a successful and beautiful classical production.” said Štípa. The creative team involves the assistant choreographer Malgorzata Chojnacka, stage and costume designer Aleš Valášek and light designer Martin Špetlík.
Apart from classical ballets, Michal Štípa wants to bring contemporary pieces into the ballet’s repertory. “I would like the repertory to be balanced. I want to present not only classical titles, but also modern and neoclassical works. I’d like to make use of my contacts and invite interesting ballet masters to give company classes, so the dancers had a possibility of personal development.” pointed out Štípa. The new head will strive to promote the company in public space, for example by organising workshops or open rehearsals of upcoming productions. “For me, Michal Štípa is one of the prominent figures of contemporary dance theatre in our country and in Europe. I believe he will share his long-time experience with the dancers and push the company forward in the field of dance as well as healthcare. One of Michal Štípa’s main assets is his previous collaboration with leading choreographers and directors, which will show in his work ethic, choreographic style, and choice of guest artists. I think that the audiences of the Moravian Theatre have much to look forward to,” concluded the director of the Moravian Theatre Olomouc, David Gerneš.

Source: Art Institute – Theatre Institute and Czech Press Agency