Caroline Mathilde

Now what a lovely ballet, despite it being put on by danes. I was impressed and intrigued by absolutely everything about it.

It is a ballet about Caroline Mathilde, a 18th century english princess that at the age of 15 is being sent to marry Christian VII in Denmark. At the mere age of 17, Christian VII becomes the danish king. You know that he is young, but the feeling you get is that he is 5, not 17. That he is impulsive, and is of the opinion that people around him are his objects, toys to play with. Repetitive attacks of anguish and cramps, renders the feeling of not only a young man, but a borderline Schizophrenic one. Caroline Mathilde seems scared and baffled by her new husband, and seeks comfort, safety and later also sexual pleasure from the kings doctor. The doctor, Strauensee, takes all the state decisions instead of the psychotic young king, and becomes more and more powerful, practically ruling Denmark. When he also is found to have a relationship, and obviously being the father of Caroline's secound child, the royal family has had it. They decapitate Strauensee, and sends Caroline back to England. Without her beloved children. The scene is breathtaking.

What I am impressed by, is that you understand the whole plot by just looking at people dancing, and listening to the orchestral music. I had a strong feeling of psychiatric problems with the king, probably Schizophrenic, and when I afterwards buy a program for the ballet, I find out that Christian VII actually turned more and more into himself, and was believed to suffer from Schizophrenia. And this you get from people dancing, I am so impressed.

The second thing that impressed me were the dancers. Bulging muscles, the super-strechable bodies, and coordination and balance that leaves you little else but the sensation of utter and completely awe.

Finally, the dresses. I was stunned by the beautiful dresses, and suits. With lace, fluffy bulging skirts and beautiful sparkling colours. I am totally inspired now. Soon my own dress project, with silk from Vietnam and Singapore, will commence with full power. To the drawing table!

If you ever get the chance, promise me you'll go enjoy the ballet Caroline Mathilde, set by the Royal Danish Ballet.