Seeing double

While watching two identical dancers on stage at Bubeníček & Friends, don't think you are being deceived by your eyes. Those strikingly similar performers are the famous Czech twins Jiří and Otto Bubeníček, and their two-night appearance at the National Theater is an absolute must-see for all ballet fans. It is one of the main events of the season and will certainly stir the calm waters of Czech dance.

For their performances in Prague, the Bubeníček brothers will be collaborating with dancers from renowned European ballet ensembles such as the Hamburg Ballett, Zürich Ballet and Dresden Semperoper Ballett. They will be bringing famous stars such as Bridget Breiner (principal dancer, Stuttgart Ballett), Arman Grigoryan and Yen Han (principal dancers, Zürich Ballet), and Elena Vostrotina and Katherina Markowskaya (first soloists, Dresden Semperoper Ballett).

"The purpose of this evening is not only to present world-renowned ballet stars," says Jiří. "We would also like to show the close artistic cooperation with our friends."

The program features mostly work by the Bubeníčeks. Except for pieces by the well-known choreographers Heinz Spoerli and Claude Brumachon, and the opening Double Violin Concerto, co-created by the brothers, they were all choreographed by Jiří, and are set mainly to music by his brother Otto.

"We are very close - we trust each other, and our cooperation as choreographer and composer is very inspiring," Jiří says of working with his brother. "I think we speak the same artistic language. Each piece we have created together so far has taught me something new."

The Bubeníček brothers were born to an old Czech circus family (their parents worked as acrobats), and spent most of their childhood traveling around Europe with the circus. When they were just 11 years old, a dance teacher who recognized their talent recommended them for studies at the Dance Conservatory in Prague. There, they caught the attention of John Neumeier, director and chief choreographer of the Hamburg Ballett, who invited them to study at a ballet school in Hamburg.

They elected to stay in Prague, graduating from the Conservatory in 1993. Then they went to Hamburg, where in a few years they became principal dancers with Neumeier's company, interpreting many significant roles, gaining experience with important choreographers and touring the world. They have been awarded many international prizes for their work.

In 2006, Jiří moved to the Dresden Semperoper Ballet, while his brother Otto stayed in Hamburg. Otto has been active in other fields, composing classical and electronic music for film and dance, and creating short films and video clips. Jiří remains devoted to his choreographic work, which has been presented throughout the world.

Czech audiences had an opportunity to see the Bubeníčeks in the National Theater on two previous occasions. They performed in Ballet Gala, or Rendezvous in Prague during the 2004-05 season, and in 2000 came as part of the Hamburg Ballett company's presentation of A Midsummer Night's Dream, choreographed by Neumeier. In 2002, Jiří created two roles for a piece called Graffiti at Prague's Laterna Magika theater. But this is the first time local audiences will have a chance to see Jiří and Otto Bubeníček's work on a larger scale.

The twins have danced with plenty of renowned soloists throughout their career, and have been invited as guests on prestigious stages, participating in gala performances and international festivals in cities such as Munich, Vienna, Paris, St. Petersburg, Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo, Houston, New York and Los Angeles.

"We are very busy," acknowledges Jiří. "Two days before the Prague performance, I have a premiere of my new ballet in New York [Toccata, created for the New York City Ballet]. Right after the premiere, my brother and I will catch an 11:30 plane to Prague."

The Bubeníček brothers' technical virtuosity and collaboration with world-famous ballet stars promises an unforgettable evening. Dance fans won't want to miss it; this grand-scale performance is an event that won't soon be repeated, if ever.

Johana Mücková can be reached at
features@praguepost.com