Anu Sistonen: «Timeline»

Anu Sistonen was one of the premier dancers of the Finnish National Ballet in the 1980’s and 90’s and her dancing is still exquisite now at her age of 45. On stage, Sistonen still has her articulated  strength and musicality. But in her own choreography her movement is much softer and more sensual than it was in the works of others; stripped of all the decorativeness that went along with classicism.

Sistonen’s choreographic language is reduced, streamlined and beautifully devoid of unnecessary intricacy.

In her most recent piece, “Timeline,” performed at the Finnish National Opera’s Alminsali, Sistonen appears to have found her individual mode of expression, as the piece makes such pleasurable viewing. “Timeline” is a temporal overview – of transitions in music from the baroque era to the present, as well as of changes in the art of dancing and in the life of a
woman.

Anu Sistonen has collaborated with cellist André Mergenthaler on previous occasions but in this particular production their cooperation has proved especially powerful. Mergenthaler, a superb and innovative recycler of Bach’s music, has created an inventive score by combining improvisation with Bach’s magnificent solo ...