NAC Foundation
Peter Quanz, a man who dreamed of being a choreographer since he was nine years old, knows you need mentors to make a dream like his come true.
In Rodin/Claudel, a work he choreographed for Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal about the two famous sculptors, he explores that very theme.
On March 27, supporters of the Donors’ Circle filled the Southam Hall Lobby to hear Peter speak before attending an open rehearsal of the ballet.
Rodin and Claudel, Peter explained, needed one another. Rodin was inspired by Claudel, while Claudel – a 19th century female artist with no opportunities – needed to be allied with an experienced male artist like Rodin as a mentor.
In his own life, Peter credits Brian Macdonald, who gave him the opportunity to choreograph for his fellow students at the Dance Training Program of the Banff Centre for the Arts.
Rodin/Claudel, Quanz said, is his interpretation of a relationship between two great artists. Twelve dancers become sculptures, embodying the shapes and emotions emanating from the minds of their creators.
Quanz was thrilled that the National Arts Centre Orchestra was performing live with the ballet. The Orchestra is the largest yet to perform the music for Rodin/Claudel. He couldn’t wait to “hear the richness of it.”
By the end of Quanz’s talk, the audience couldn’t wait to hear, and see, Rodin/Claudel either.
A special thank you to our Open Rehearsal and Preview Sponsor, Rob Marland, Royal LePage Performance Realty who makes these sessions possible for NAC Foundation donors.
