Nature Theater of Oklahoma: No President – Review
Nature Theater of Oklahoma: Revolutionizing Ballet in 2025 and Beyond
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As of July 10, 2025, teh landscape of contemporary ballet is undergoing a fascinating shift, driven by companies like Nature Theater of Oklahoma (NTO). While conventional ballet continues to thrive, audiences are increasingly drawn to performances that challenge conventions and blur the lines between dance, theater, and performance art. Nature Theater of Oklahoma, known for it’s audacious and often unconventional approach, is at the forefront of this movement, injecting a much-needed dose of avant-garde energy into the world of ballet. This article delves into the history, style, impact, and future of NTO, exploring how they are redefining ballet for a new generation.
Who Is Nature Theater of Oklahoma? A History of Defiance
Nature Theater of Oklahoma was founded in 2009 by Kelly Copper and Pavol Liska, two artists with backgrounds in theater and performance art. The company’s origins are rooted in a deliberate rejection of traditional artistic boundaries. They weren’t initially focused on ballet; rather, they sought to create work that was raw, honest, and deeply engaged with the present moment. Their early performances often involved extended improvisations, found texts, and a willingness to embrace awkwardness and failure.
The name itself, “Nature Theater of Oklahoma,” is intentionally absurd. Copper and Liska chose it because it sounded “big and American” while simultaneously being completely arbitrary and disconnected from their actual work. This playful irony is a hallmark of their aesthetic. They began gaining recognition for their durational performances, most notably “No Dice,” a 12-hour piece based on a transcript of a conversation between the two founders. This piece, and others like it, established NTO’s reputation for pushing the limits of theatrical endurance and challenging audience expectations.
The Evolution into Ballet: A Deliberate Disruption
The company’s foray into ballet was not a natural progression, but a deliberate act of disruption. In 2012, NTO began working with former New York City Ballet soloist, Wendy Whelan, on a project that would ultimately become “The Most Beautiful Hour.” This piece,a collaboration between Whelan and the company,marked a turning point in NTO’s artistic trajectory.
“The Most Beautiful Hour” wasn’t a traditional ballet. It was a deconstruction of the form, a meditation on the physicality and emotionality of dance, and a commentary on the pressures faced by professional ballet dancers. Whelan, a celebrated ballerina, was asked to perform a solo based on her own memories and experiences. The result was a deeply personal and moving performance that challenged the conventions of both ballet and performance art.
This collaboration opened doors for NTO to explore ballet further. They continued to work with prominent dancers, including former American Ballet Theatre principal dancer, Ethan Stiefel, and created pieces that interrogated the history, aesthetics, and ideologies of the form. Their approach is characterized by a willingness to question everything, from the technical demands of ballet to the gender roles and power dynamics inherent in the dance world.
Defining the Nature Theater of Oklahoma Style: Deconstruction and Authenticity
Nature Theater of Oklahoma’s style is arduous to categorize. it’s not simply “avant-garde ballet” or “postmodern dance.” It’s something altogether different. Several key elements define their unique aesthetic:
Deconstruction: NTO often takes apart the elements of ballet – the steps, the costumes, the music - and reassembles them in unexpected ways.They expose the underlying structures of the form, revealing its artificiality and its inherent contradictions.
Authenticity: Despite their deconstructive approach, NTO’s work is deeply rooted in authenticity. They are interested in exploring the real experiences of dancers,the challenges they face,and the emotional toll of pursuing a career in ballet. Humor and Irony: NTO’s performances are frequently enough infused with humor and irony. They don’t take themselves too seriously, and they are willing to poke fun at the pretensions of the art world.
Durational Performance: While not all of their ballet-related works are durational, NTO’s background in long-form performance informs their approach to choreography and staging. They are interested in creating experiences that unfold over time, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in the world of the performance.
collaboration: NTO consistently collaborates with established ballet dancers, bringing their expertise and experiance into the creative process. This collaboration is crucial to their ability to both deconstruct and celebrate the art form.
Key Performances and Their Impact
several NTO performances have been particularly influential in shaping their reputation and redefining the boundaries of ballet:
The Most Beautiful Hour (2012): This collaboration with