James Kudelka

Abstract

James Kudelka glides comfortably between the worlds of ballet, modern dance, and postmodern dance. As one of Canada’s most prolific choreographers, he has a repertoire that bridges classical and contemporary modes as he moves skillfully between revisiting classical behemoths such as Swan Lake and creating entirely new works driven by his masterful relationship to music and his ability to push the boundaries of ballet vocabulary and partnering. This chapter contextualizes Kudelka’s work within the historical narrative of ballet in Canada and his impact on the repertoires of the National Ballet of Canada and Les Grands Ballet Canadiens. Kudelka’s dominant themes of love, sex, and death; his vocabulary and strong emphasis on artistic collaboration; and his musical awareness are all crucial elements of his creative process and are integral to his exploration of the human condition through ballet.