The article explores Tamara Rojo's reinterpretation of the classic ballet 'Raymonda,' highlighting its shift towards feminist themes and the complexities of female agency. Unlike the original 19th-century version, where the titular character is defined by her relationships with men, Rojo's update presents Raymonda with more autonomy, paralleling her with Florence Nightingale. The narrative now enriches the heroine's desire for a career alongside romantic entanglements, creating a more modern tale of love and ambition while criticizing historical gender norms in ballet and beyond.
I always thought ballet would be a music box come to life. In reality, one heroine fumbles every life decision and ends up in a swamp.
Our OG heroine is a noblewoman from 1898 and has perfect posture, but minimal personal agency; She twirls for the affection of two men.
Structurally speaking, Raymonda hasn't strayed too far in Rojo's recent update, which puts a feminist perspective on choreographer Marius Petipa's original work.
This brings gender politics a full century ahead, but it gave me more 1990s-00s Wedding Planner or Sweet Home Alabama.
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