Set to the first movement of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1, Epic Short is based on the classical ballet vision scene of The Sleeping Beauty. It explores Karl Jung theory within fairy tales and the process of individuation.

Set to the first movement of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1, Epic Short is based on the classical ballet vision scene of The Sleeping Beauty. It explores Karl Jung theory within fairy tales and the process of individuation.

Steeped in symbolism, the ballet is a mix of classic stage ideas and contemporary ballet moves. The backdrop, designed by Olav Ryland Myrtvedt, is a simple mountain scape painted on canvas with dancers rolling down the mountain side and disappearing into it. The challenging music of Tchaikovsky drives the piece heavy handedly as the well known story quickly unfolds.

Steeped in symbolism, the ballet is a mix of classic stage ideas and contemporary ballet moves. The backdrop, designed by Olav Ryland Myrtvedt, is a simple mountain scape painted on canvas with dancers rolling down the mountain side and disappearing into it. The challenging music of Tchaikovsky drives the piece heavy handedly as the well known story quickly unfolds.

The 18 dancer corps de ballet acts as both natural elements in nature as well as creatures assisting the main characters in the story. They morph seamlessly into the different elements. Pointe shoes on the women were used as a request from Norwegian National Ballet’s artistic director, but they also act as a symbol of enlightenment or spirituality. Aurora “earns” her pointe shoes only after she awakens.

The 18 dancer corps de ballet acts as both natural elements in nature as well as creatures assisting the main characters in the story. They morph seamlessly into the different elements. Pointe shoes on the women were used as a request from Norwegian National Ballet’s artistic director, but they also act as a symbol of enlightenment or spirituality. Aurora “earns” her pointe shoes only after she awakens.

Creative team

Creative team

Choreography and Concept
Melissa Hough

Music
Classical Works by Antonio Vivaldi;
Concerto in E minor,
Cum dederit, Mandoline
Concerto No. 1, Eja Mater
Soundscape by Jon Balke

Costumes
Xavier Ronze

Lighting
Paul Vidar

Choreography and Concept
Melissa Hough

Music
Classical Works by Antonio Vivaldi;
Concerto in E minor,
Cum dederit, Mandoline
Concerto No. 1, Eja Mater
Soundscape by Jon Balke

Costumes
Xavier Ronze

Lighting
Paul Vidar

Dancers 
Klara Mårtensson
Erik Murzagavliyev
Georgie Rose
Nae Nishimura
Claire Barrington
Alberto Ballester
Bart Engelen
Francois Rousseau
Kenji Wilkie

Duration
15 minutes

Dancers 
Klara Mårtensson
Erik Murzagavliyev
Georgie Rose
Nae Nishimura
Claire Barrington
Alberto Ballester
Bart Engelen
Francois Rousseau
Kenji Wilkie

Duration
15 minutes