A couple of really powerful impressions of dance have provided the inspiration for Babushka! .. I remember the Swedish Royal Opera, at the end of the 1980’s, standing in the wings waiting to enter. We were surrounded by dancers; quiet, expectant, focused, they stretched in preparation of their entrance. We were in a world of fairytales. This memory is the moment before I and my violinistfriends entered the stage to play the grotesque dance duet during the dance lesson in Prokofiev’s Cinderella. The scene where the evil and clumsy sisters prepare for the ball at the castle was one of my first introductions to the art of ballet. For me as a young violinist, this was an unforgettable experience.
Another powerful impression of dance was when I saw dancer/choreographer Virpi Pahkinen dance to one of Bach’s partitas on Skeppsholmen. Ever since, I have been fascinated by her expressiveness and captivating presence.
So, here is a video with the mesmerizing Virpi Pahkinen. I am so thrilled to finaly collaborate with her, in Babushka!