Both Sides Now

“The film began during my last days at Ballett am Rhein, originally as a documentary about Demian, my first work for the Hamburg Ballet—a work that never saw the stage. What followed became something much broader: the crew accompanied me, softly and fiercely, through two intense years of life and work.

The film’s director, Kim Hess, wanted to make sure my artistic voice had a place in it and asked whether I could imagine creating a short piece for the documentary. That invitation became Both Sides Now: a moment to pause and look at time in both directions, backwards and forwards.

I created the solo for Elisa Badenes, who has been an inspiration since my early years as a choreographer. The trust we share was essential to making something so personal.

I asked bass-baritone Padraic Rowan and composer and pianist Demian Martin to create a new interpretation of Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now. Their unexpected and powerful version became the musical world of the solo. With gratitude to Joni Mitchell for allowing us to use her extraordinary and timeless song.

With heartfelt thanks to the Stuttgart Ballet and the John Cranko School for making the creation and filming of this dance possible.

And to Kim Hess and the wonderful team behind Between Times: thank you for accompanying me through it all, for documenting this chapter, and for bringing it to the screen.”

Demis Volpi