BALLADES

2021 Revamp

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Credits

BALLADES, 2021 revival

choreography by Claudio Ronda

assistant choreographer Federica Iacuzzi

original music by Paolo Zambelli

Fabula Saltica dance company

produced by the “Città di Rovigo” Ballet Association with support from the Ministry of Culture – ArcoDanza, Veneto Region.

Synopsis

Thanks to the magic of dance, the unparalleled atmosphere of “Ballando Ballando,” the 1983 film directed by Ettore Scola—the great master of Italian cinema who recently passed away—is brought to life in *Ballades*, a choreography by Claudio Ronda, performed by the Fabula Saltica Company.

The true star of the set design is the dance hall, which is evoked here through minimalist furnishings. Space is left for the audience that frequents it, and for musical atmospheres that allow couples to connect, perform, and merge as one. It is an ideal setting to welcome and portray the behaviors, expectations, and desire for ostentation of ordinary people. People gather at dance halls on Saturday nights or on holidays to escape the drudgery of daily life, to dream and to love, to don a mask, and to become the absolute protagonists of their own lives. One takes on the role one wishes to play at that moment, while the flow of time absorbs and blurs everything. Through a poetic and playful narrative—sensual and full of irony—the choreography of *Ballades* explores every corner of this timeless universe. It is a small world where, conveyed through dance, expectations and hopes, illusions and disappointments, encounters and stories, passions and indifference, one-night stands, and intrigues both big and small come to life. All of this is underscored by the melodies of a small orchestra, which—in the finest Italian tradition—discreetly accompanies the performance, adapts to the moods of the guests, follows the emotional tensions, and gives voice to the expectations of those who, through it, wish to express their desire to know and be known.

Paolo Zambelli’s music draws on the folk traditions of the waltz, tango, and mazurka, and is enriched with modern sounds inspired by jazz and rock. The resulting rhythm—fast-paced and captivating—enhances the energy of the dances and complements the theatrical performance.

The show has been described by critics as intelligent, refined, and full of charm.