For the ballet performance of "The Nutcracker" production of State Opera Ruse, we invited a true illusionist, William Aribart, a follower of the great David Copperfield. Initially, he was supposed to play the role of Drosselmeyer, but due to his busy schedule, he couldn’t participate in the performance. Nevertheless, he revealed his magical secrets to our artists. It was an incredible week of magical arts training with William Aribart at the very beginning of the rehearsals for the production.
Here’s what William Aribart shared about his work at the Ruse Opera, his first steps in the art of illusions, and what qualities are needed for the magical art of turning the impossible into reality:
William, when did you first see "The Nutcracker"?
In France, "The Nutcracker" is a beloved story that has captured the hearts of many. The first performance of this ballet that I had the privilege of watching was Natalia Osipova's interpretation a few years ago. Her artistry, combined with the timeless beauty of the production, left a lasting impression on me. I still remember how captivated I was by the music and the living characters – it felt like I was dreaming. It’s incredible how this story continues to enchant audiences across generations, regardless of cultural differences.
What inspired you to pursue illusions professionally?
As a child, I was captivated by the idea of levitating, defying gravity, and pushing the boundaries of the possible. This dream sparked my initial interest in magic. The art of illusion allowed me to bring these fantasies to life in a way that seemed both magical and real. The more I practiced and studied the craft, the more I realized that magic wasn’t just a hobby, but my calling. Turning it into a profession was a natural next step – that way, I could share the feeling of wonder and awe with people all around the world.
You helped the Canadian Oliver Bustin and the Spaniard Samuel Charles master real magic tricks for the role of Drosselmeyer. Was it easy for them to learn?
Learning magic is never easy – it requires mastering secret techniques, precise dexterity, and a lot of patience. But Oliver had a significant advantage: as a professional dancer at the Opera, he already possessed exceptional stage presence, elegance, and control over his movements. The challenge was to integrate the complex techniques of magic with his graceful dance style. Sometimes, the dancer's natural instincts conflict with the fine precision needed for magic tricks, so he had to learn some new gestures. I also worked with Samuel Charles, who also plays Drosselmeyer in the performance. It was a pleasure to watch how the two performers combined dance, drama, and illusion into one harmonious and captivating performance.
What qualities are necessary to master the art of illusions?
Magic requires a unique combination of skills. Dexterity and speed of the hands are essential, but just as important are the illusion of ease and the confident execution. Beyond the technical aspects, strong stage presence is key – the magician must embody a character that captivates and enchants the audience. It’s not just about the trick itself, but the overall performance – storytelling, charisma, and the ability to create an emotional connection with the audience. But the most important thing is passion. The path to mastering magic is long and challenging, but if you truly love it, every effort is worth it.
Do you believe in the magic of love?
Love, like magic, has the power to surprise us, to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, and to create moments of pure enchantment. Both require trust, dedication, and belief in something greater than ourselves. Whether on stage or in life, love and magic share the same essence – they inspire us to dream and believe in the impossible.
You are a world-renowned magician. Would you dare to dance and perform in "The Nutcracker" on stage?
It would be a great honor to step onto the stage in "The Nutcracker" at the Ruse Opera. Combining music, dance, and storytelling, this ballet perfectly complements the world of magic. Unfortunately, my busy touring schedule makes such collaborations difficult. But if I ever have the chance, I would be thrilled to bring my magical touch to this legendary production. It’s always exciting to imagine how magic and dance can merge into something new and unexpected.
