Choreographer, Conductor Must Work Together

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29725, 19 January 1962, Page 2

Choreographer, Conductor Must Work Together

"The Press' 1 Special Service

AUCKLAND, Jan. 18.

The modern choreographer should be musically educated and able to understand the position of the conductor when arranging dance steps for a musical score, said the conductor for the projected new theatre orchestra. Mr James Robertson. Mr Robertson was addressing members of the New Zealand Ballet Trust summer school of ballet in His Majesty’s Theatre. The choreographer thought in terms of convenient dance steps in the time allowed, but the conductor had to think of the musical score, said Mr Robertson.

“When the choreographer says 'You can cut that bit, that's 10 minutes gone,' it is more than just 10 minutes gone. Hundreds of hours'

work have gone as well, and about £ 100 payment for copy.” Good choreography included a balance of dancers with instruments, Mr Robertson said. “You should not have one little ballerina accompanied by the whole orchestra and then the whole ballet company dancing to a single flute.” Poul Gnatt, of the New Zealand Ballet, agreed with Mr Robertson that conductor and ballet producer should work closely together. The conductor should attend some rehearsals, and during performances should keep in touch with the stage and stimulate dancers with his interest.