Now, I'm not mad at Mr Chalamet for his recent remarks on ballet and opera. I think it was likely an ill thought out joke that got clipped and effectively became ragebait.
However, I'd like to take this opportunity to explore my very first special interest with all of you. It never ceases to surprise me how much of the general public is infamiliar with ballet stories! So here is a short guide to the most famous ballets, besides those based on stories better known in other mediums (e.g. Sleeping Beauty, Beatrix Potter, A Midsummer Night's Dream).
The Nutcracker - Based on "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" by E.T.A. Hoffman, this classic Christmastime ballet tells the story of a girl named Clara who is gifted a nutcracker doll by her Uncle Drosselmeyer, which turns out to have once been an apprentice of his, transformed into the toy by the since deceased Mouse Queen. Now her son the Mouse King is out for revenge, with his army of mice!
Swan Lake - Inspired by the "Swan Maidens" of folklore, this ballet tells the tale of Odette, who was transformed into a swan by the evil Rothbart. During a time when she is briefly human again, she starts a romance with one Siegfried, who offers to break her spell. Unfortunately, Rothbart finds out and replaces her with his daughter Odile during a ball where Siegfried intends to propose to Odette...
Coppelia - Loosely based on Hoffman's gothic tale "The Sandman", this tells the story of Swanhilda, who is unhappy that her boyfriend Franz is more interested in an elusive neighbour named "Coppelia" than herself. The girl lives with the local mad inventor, Dr Coppelius, and one day Swanhilda sneaks into his shop, only to find out that Coppelia is actually a very realistic doll. She disguises herself as the doll, to fool Dr Coppelius and get back at Franz.
Petrushka - A clown puppet named Petrushka has a crush on his ballerina puppet co-star, but she is more enamoured by the Moor puppet, breaking his heart. Petrushka becomes angry at both the puppet master and the Moor, culminating in a sword fight with the latter.
Giselle - Based on a spooky poem by Victor Hugo, this tells the tale of a nobleman named Albrecht, who disguises himself as a peasant and cheats on his girlfriend with a commoner named Giselle, who has a weak heart. When Giselle finds out the truth, she dies from the shock. Albrecht is remorseful and visits her grave at night, only to find out that Giselle has joined a tribe of ghostly virgins named the "Wilis", who pose a danger to any man...
The Firebird - Based on several Russian folk tales, this ballet concerns one Ivan, who spares the life of a magical firebird. She gives him a feather of hers so he can summon her in his time of need...a time which comes very soon, when the evil Koschei arrives!
La Sylphide - Based on "Trilby, or the Fairy of Argyle" by Charles Nodier, this ballet is about a Scotsman named James, who is taunted by a sylph while preparing to marry his fiance. Wanting to be rid of the sylph, he asks a witch named Madge for help, who gives him a magical scarf, saying it will make the sylph turn human...but witches aren't exactly known for their honesty.
The Rite of Spring - Aah, spring is finally here! The weather is warmer, flowers are growing again, baby animals are being born. It's time for dances, celebrations, sharing ancient wisdom...and choosing a young girl to be sacrificed to the gods. Like you do!
