Aki Saiti and Wim Vanlessen, two principals of Ballet Vlaanderen, had the honour of stepping back at the pinnacle of their careers. Wim Vanlessen felt that a book could best capture his career.
In his magnum opus 'Dancer', his figure is certainly central, but it is anything but a narcissistic portrait gallery, nor has it become a hagiography. It expresses an enormous gratitude for the people who guided and supported him throughout the entire process and offered him opportunities. Who lifted him above himself. Success does not define a career. What does define it is how someone deals with failures, setbacks, injuries, hardships and perseverance. A dance career requires extraordinary commitment from beginning to end. Because even principals have to audition for a role.
Via a circuitous route he returns to the very beginning. Looking back in time, the reader can follow how his career was built. As a child he was a busy little fellow. To let off steam, he joined a gymnastics group. He was completely taken with the dance group Tijl: the setting, the stage, the audience, the costumes, the choreography, the dancers. He wanted to be able to do that too. Vanlessen describes how, as a small boy of 10-11 years old from Neerpelt, he courageously decided to study in Antwerp. To avoid having to commute back and forth, he moved in with a family. He doesn't know anyone in the big city and the couple offering lodging, Auntie & Uncle, speak only French and English, languages he doesn't speak. The first months are difficult, but he perseveres. From age 12 to 17 he is a regular at their home. He walks alone every day the few hundred meters from school to the house on Jodenstraat and back. In all those years he never once visits the Groenplaats or the beautiful O.L. Vrouwkathedraal. There was only the focus: to become the best ballet dancer.
The emotional power of his roles
Wim Vanlessen became a dancer who reaped world fame and respect, but it was Flanders that gave him the opportunities to develop artistically. The Royal Ballet of Flanders (now Ballet Vlaanderen) underwent a transformation under various directorates. He flexibly adapted when the culture changed and different emphases were placed. Thus he developed into the multi-talented dancer who could handle both classical, neo-classical and contemporary repertoire. What stands out is his persistence in making his dreams come true.
With self-assured candour he exposes himself in 'Dancer' as an artist and as a human being. The book is enriched with special contributions from stars from the world of fashion, dance and photography: Raf Simons, Kathryn Bennetts, Stephan Vanfleteren, Willy Vanderperre, Wendy Whelan, Stephen Galloway and many others.
The book is published in an artistic layout, no overkill, less is more. A beautiful and interesting read and look book.
- WHAT: Book Wim Vanlessen – Dancer
- AUTHOR: Wim Vanlessen and Michael James Gardner
- PUBLISHER: Hannibal - language: English - price: € 45
- PHOTOS: © Marc Haegeman / Uitgeverij Hannibal