SYLVIE GUILLEM: LIFE IN PROGRESS

After an illustrious career spanning almost four decades, Sylvie Guillem has decided to hang up her pointe shoes.

The French ballerina has graced theatres all around the world in productions such as Giselle, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Don Quixote and Cinderella.

In the last ten years Guillem has also become a force in the contemporary dance world, collaborating with Akram Khan for the acclaimed production Sacred Monsters, which merged ballet with kathak, a Northern Indian classical style of dancing.

Her upcoming performances at the Sydney Opera House will be the final chance Australian audiences get to witness Guillem, who has been referred to as “the most exciting dancer in the world”.

Aptly titled Life In Progress, Guillem partners up again with Khan for this production to mark her farewell from the stage. With a limited six show run, live music will accompany solo performance techne, and a duet with Italian dancer Emanuela Montanari titled Here & After. In addition the evening will showcase Duo, a rhythmic production choreographed by William Forsythe, which will be performed by guest dancers Brigel Gjoka and Riley Watts in addition to Mats Ek’s audience favourite, Bye.

Guillem’s musings on her retirement reflect a spirit that will linger long after the curtains close:
“I have loved every moment of the last 39 years, and today, I am still loving it in the same way.  So why stop? Very simply, because I want to end while I am still happy doing what I do with pride and passion.” (AS)

Until August 25. Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney. $63.20-$249. Tickets & info: sydneyoperahouse.com or 9250 7777

By Alicia Sim