In line with the goal of the European Academy of Music Theatre as a forum for dialogue and exchange between research and artistic practice, this publication reflects on the relationship and connection of opera and ballet, and examines their interaction from both the historical and contemporary perspective. From different viewpoints stemming from both theoretical reflection and practical observation, the publication sheds light on the intricate connection between the two art forms in different eras and configurations. Starting with historical roots and the conventions in early Italian and French opera, as well as their implementation in today’s productions between historically based interpretation and new artistic creativity, it stretches up to contemporary forms of transmedial music theatre as well as current projects that are searching for new means of artistic expression. Contributions examine the relationship between dramaturgical concepts and their present-time realisation on stage, further discussion illuminates contemporary strategies of integrating ballet into opera performances through case studies. Bringing it all together, the book features acclaimed choreographers who review and reflect on their different choreographic approaches to opera, creating synergies between the art forms. With contributions by Cindy Van Acker, Koen Bollen, Aviel Cahn, Stijn Celis, David Conway, John Deathridge, Rebecca Harris-Warrick, Amir Hosseinpour, Arnold Jacobshagen, Stephanie Jordan, Katrin Kolo, Sergio Morabito, Joachim Schloemer, Isolde Schmid-Reiter, Christian Spuck, Stephanie Schroedter, Susanne Vill, Demis Volpi.

Preface (Isolde Schmid-Reiter, Aviel Cahn) The Role of Dance in Opera. Historical Perspectives from Claudio Monteverdi to Sasha Waltz (Arnold Jacobshagen) Eighteenth-Century Perspectives on Operatic Dancing (Rebecca Harris-Warrick) The ‘Mandatory’ Ballet of the Grand Opéra: Then and Now (David Conway) Case Study: Staging Ballet in Grand Opéra Today (Sergio Morabito) Wagner’s Moving Bodies (John Deathridge) Sensual Leanings: The Embodiment of Operatic Voice through Dance (Stephanie Jordan) Dance in Music Theatre as a Challenge for Contemporary Choreography (Stephanie Schroedter) To Make the Invisible Visible. Contemporary Symbolism in Pelléas et Mélisande (Koen Bollen) Performance of Musical E_Motion: From Dionysian Mysteries to Dancing Media (Susanne Vill) New Forms of Artistic Interchange (Stijn Celis, Katrin Kolo, Joachim Schloemer, Christian Spuck in conversation with Stephanie Schroedter) Staging and Choreographing Opera (Cindy Van Acker, Amir Hosseinpour, Sergio Morabito, Demis Volpi in conversation with Aviel Cahn) Index Authors