Shaker loops

Photo: Hans Gerritsen

Choreographer: Hans van Manen

John Adams belongs to the group of minimal-music composers. As one of the younger representatives of this school, his music tends to have a more emotional character.
Originally, 'Shaker Loops' (1977/78) was composed for string quartet, in close co-operation with the musicians. In 1982/83 it was re-written for string orchestra, the version used for this choreography.

Hans van Manen's eponymous ballet follows the composer's musical structure. Restricted to an enclosed space, the encounter of a group of men and women create an oppressive atmosphere. In the no man's land where their short-lived affair takes place, a powerful sexual attraction builds up, and Adams' ecstatic “shakings” take on orgiastic proportions.