Samuel Opsal | Golden Sessions
Based on C.S. Lewis’ renowned work The Four Loves, Golden Sessions is a poetic interpretation of love and its many forms. Hear what the Ballet 5:8 artists have to say about Julianna Rubio Slager’s virtuosic new ballet.
Samuel Opsal, Solo Artist
Q: Describe your experience during the creation and rehearsal process of Golden Sessions. What have been the most challenging and rewarding parts of learning this ballet?
A: The creative process of this ballet has been fun to be a part of. I am performing an intricate and high energy pas de deux portraying Eros. Throughout the piece being choreographed it has been nice to see the amount of trust and intuition that has been built over the past five years that Julianna Slager and Brette Benedict and I have worked at Ballet 5:8. That aspect allowed for a very smooth process and a unique and virtuosic pas de deux. The challenge has been the physical demands and stamina required for the ballet, but alongside that goes the reward. It is very satisfying to accomplish all the steps with a partner and during the piece we try to continually support each other so that if one of us is exhausted the other tries to give that little bit of extra energy to keep going.
Q: What is your favorite movement of Golden Sessions to dance and why? How would you describe the choreographic style of this movement?
A: I am dancing in Eros and Agape, overall I would say Eros is my favorite to dance. The abstracted image of Eros as flames in a fire intertwining has been fun to explore. Golden Sessions is classical in form and structure, but of the the four movements Eros is the most contemporary. Although still using classical movement vocabulary the lines are more off balance and extreme than the other movements.
Q: Why should audience members see Golden Sessions?
A: This virtuosic whirlwind is a powerful abstracted view of the four loves. Empathy, friendship, passion and sacrificial love are beautifully woven together in a tapestry of movement that you don't want to miss!
To learn more, visit ballet58.org/golden-sessions.