The first new production to be presented by the Czech National Ballet in the current season is the mixed bill Timeless, scheduled to receive its premiere on 20 October 2017. It is made up of three choreographies. The first of them, George Balanchine’s Serenade, and the final one, Glen Tetley’s Le sacre du printemps, rank among the most celebrated ballet works. The second, Separate Knots, is a piece directly created for the Czech National Ballet by the Israeli choreographer Emanuel Gat to Fryderyk Chopin’s music.

The opening night of Timeless will be of a truly festive nature not only owing to its presenting the first performance of  Tetley’s Le sacre du printemps in the Czech Republic, but also thanks to its including the world premiere of Emanuel Gat’s Separate Knots. The renowned Israeli choreographer has worked with such prominent companies as the Paris Opera Ballet, Sydney Dance Company, Ballet National de Marseille, Royal Swedish Ballet, Polish National Ballet, Ballet de Lorraine … This will be Gat’s debut work with the Czech National Ballet.

The ballet Separate Knots is accompanied by the captivating strains of Fryderyk Chopin. Gat himself has referred to music as merely one of the sources of his inspiration. “I do not make choreography to illustrate music. Choreography is an independent form of thought and expression, and it has more important roles than to be inspired by music,” Emanuel Gat said, adding: “I would say that I’m closer to choreography which is structure-based than effect- or concept-oriented. I’m after a choreographic process that is a sort of space in which the dancers can fully express themselves and bring their individuality forward.”

The Israeli choreographer and Artistic Director Emanuel Gat is considered one of the most exciting contemporary dance creators. He has conceived new pieces for companies around the world, including the Paris Opera Ballet, Sydney Dance Company, Tanztheater Bremen, Le Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève, Ballet de Marseille, the Royal Swedish Ballet, Polish National Ballet, Ballet de Lorraine and Cedar Lake. “When forming his ideas and images within the creative process, Emanuel Gat draws upon a loose conception, affording the dancers the freedom to make their own choices. As a result, the timing of the improvisation is discovered a new during every single performance,” says Filip Barankiewicz, Artistic Director of the Czech National Ballet.

Separate Knots

Choreography: Emanuel Gat
Music: Fryderyk Chopin
Costumes: Emanuel Gat
Lighting design: Emanuel Gat