“Riptide” the first major dance performance created by the Icelandic choreographer and dancer Hlín Hjálmarsdóttir. On this occasion, the Royal Swedish Opera for the first time produced a performance as a film.
Choreographer Hlín Hjálmarsdóttirhas created a new performance exclusively for the Royal Swedish Ballet in close collaboration with the artist and designer Martin Bergström. Together with the musicians Jacob Haage and Sarah Assbring (El Perro del Mar) and lighting designer Linus Fellbom, Riptide depicts the ancient and timeless theme of exclusion. The title refers to a strong tidal current that is ruthless and dangerous. The result is a production which features strong visual elements of scenography, costume, lighting, music and movements.
In Riptide, the choreographer, who is deeply rooted in the present, depicts the phenomenon of social exclusion. While the pandemic has dramatically affected our lives, the message is clear and relevant – social context is crucial for good health. Like Nijinsky and Stravinsky's works The Rite of Spring, this choreography offers a refined advanced language and the pulse of the collective. It is fulfilling, sensible and strong. This is what art does; it brings you together to life.
Nicolas Le Riche, Ballet Director at the Royal Swedish Opera and previous FEDORA Jury Member.