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A Deep Dive into Dance with Étoile
The vibrant essence of dance permeates through the latest series, Étoile, produced by the renowned creative team of Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino. Known for their previous works like Gilmore Girls and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, they take a bold leap back into the ballet world that they explored in their earlier show, Bunheads. Unlike the gentle charm of its predecessor, Étoile ramps up to a larger-than-life portrayal of the ballet universe, releasing all eight episodes simultaneously on Prime Video, an approach that may overwhelm some viewers.
Set against the backdrop of the opulent cultural hubs of New York City and Paris, Étoile presents a cast of colorful, neurotic characters. Here, the world of ballet is depicted with both elegance and chaos, captivating in its artistic portrayal of rehearsals and performances. However, moments of brilliance may be overshadowed by a tendency towards excessive melodrama, leading some to wish that the dialogue would take a backseat to the dance itself.
At the helm of this ambitious project is Emmy winner Luke Kirby, whom audiences may recognize from his role in Mrs. Maisel. He plays Jack McMillan, the troubled executive director of the fictional Metropolitan Ballet Theater. With mounting pressures to sustain the company’s legacy, Jack reaches out for help in an audacious player swap with a struggling Parisian ballet company led by Geneviève Lavigne, portrayed energetically by Charlotte Gainsbourg. Geneviève finds herself in a precarious position, as her future hinges on the success of this artistic gamble.
Among the key players is Cheyenne Toussaint, a fiercely talented diva personified by Lou de Laâge. Her character exudes both terror and magnetism, often unsettling those around her with piercing soliloquies that intimidate fellow dancers. Cheyenne’s greatest challenge comes from a strategic trade-off involving a promising young ballerina whose mother holds an influential political position, as well as an unpredictable choreographer named Tobias Bell, played by Gideon Glick. Both Cheyenne and Tobias bring an electrifying, albeit disruptive, energy to the stage, rarely adhering to the constraints expected in the world of ballet.
Contrasted with Cheyenne’s fierce demeanor is Crispin Shamblee, a wealthy benefactor whose ostentatious flair and dubious corporate background invite a degree of skepticism. Despite Jack’s disdain for him, Crispin’s financial backing proves critical to the ballet theater’s survival.
Beneath Cheyenne’s intimidating exterior is a glimpse of her sensitive side, especially when she encounters SuSu, a young girl practicing ballet unattended after hours. This interaction highlights a nurturing instinct within Cheyenne, as she finds herself drawn to the child, revealing an unexpected depth to her character. During a public forum, when questioned about her relentless dedication to dance, Cheyenne articulates the profound joy and escapism that dance brings, stating, “Dance lets you float above it all. It lets you play in the clouds. And when I dance, I want the audience to play with me, to dance in the clouds, to feel what I feel, to hear my song.”
When Étoile embraces its whimsical spirit and taps into the euphoria of dance, it transforms into a dazzling celebration of artistic expression.
Étoile, Series Premiere (eight episodes), Thursday, April 24, Prime Video
Source
www.tvinsider.com