In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated

In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated is a 1987 first performed ballet of choreographer William Forsythe to music by Thom Willems . It is one of the most famous works by the choreographer.

The title (English: in the middle, slightly raised ) refers to a pair of golden cherries hanging centrally above the stage.

The one-act play consists of a main choreographic and musical theme, which is repeatedly taken up and varied in the course of the piece by soloists, in duets or groups. The difficulty of the choreography increases more and more until the piece finally reaches its climax in a virtuoso pas de deux . In contradiction to the technical challenges of the work, the dancers display a haughty coolness, they seem to want to outdo each other all the time.

In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated , classical ballet ad absurdum . The required stretches, jumps and turns far exceed the requirements of the great classical works. The competition held on the stage among the dancers laughs at the clichéd quarrels within the ballet companies.

The world premiere of In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated took place on May 30, 1987 at the Opéra National de Paris with Sylvie Guillem and Laurent Hilaire in the leading roles. In addition to the choreography, Forsythe is also responsible for the costumes and stage design.

In 1988 Forsythe used the piece as the second part of his full-length work Impressing the Czar .