★★★✰✰ Giselle was the first full-length classical ballet that Arthur Mitchell's company of black American dancers would perform. He thought there would be no point in their pretending to be Rhineland peasants, so decided to set the 19th century ballet in pre-Civil War Louisiana.
Tag - Birmingham Royal Ballet
★★★✰✰ This was indeed a case of Up Close and personal with five intimate pieces variously dosed with Cuban fire and flair...
★★★★✰ In spite of all the problems with performing a proscenium arch ballet in an arena setting with a purpose-built stage, it is no less magical than any other production and in some ways, it works advantageously.
Lynette Halewood with some reflections on London dance performances over the last year - the good and the less good...
★★★★✰ The dancing is so enjoyable, the comedy so appealing, that any flaws in the story telling are easily overlooked.
★★★★✰ ...exemplary performances from Momoko Hirata as Giselle and César Morales as Albrecht make for a richly rewarding and moving experience.
★★★✰✰ The Washington Ballet opened its season with a program of new works created specifically for the company. All three ballets ...had a strong visual appeal and plenty of winning ideas...
Birmingham Royal Ballet ★★★✰✰ & Ballet Black ★★★★★ The Suit rewards multiple viewings and it thoroughly merited the opportunity of the bigger platform...
★★★✰✰ In the event, the levels of polish and invention were quite remarkable given the circumstances.
★★★★✰ The choice of works emphasised ensembles more than individuals. It was interesting to see large numbers of young men dancing together, as well as a more usual female corps de ballet.
This years Yorkshire Ballet Seminars take place from 13 July to 2 August 2019 – time for a word with Director Iain Mackay about what makes them so special and his plans…
The Young Talent Festival at London's Royal Opera House included an important Symposium, hosted by Theresa Ruth Howard, under the title "Exposure, Access and Opportunity: Exploring the Cultural Barriers to Ballet." Deborah Weiss with a comprehensive report on a stimulating event...
★★★✰✰ The great achievement of LCB is to mount professional productions, complete with full orchestra, without charging parents for the privilege.
★★★★✰ Big-hearted, whimsical, suffused with equal parts romance and drollness, Hobson’s Choice is a gem of the BRB repertoire – long may it keep being revived.
★★★★✰ Royal Ballet School at the ROH Young Talent Festival with a mixed bill of over 10, new and old works...
★★★✰✰ Overall, invigorating; a demonstration of the company’s healthy enthusiasm for innovation and playing with the form...
Northern Ballet has just announced details of its 50th Anniversary Season for next year. The plans include a big Gala and new full evening works by Kenneth Tindall (Geisha) & Drew McOnie (Merlin). Here are the full headlines and dates on one page...
★★★✰✰ Bintley feels strongly about tradition (much more so than most other directors) and the commissions are his way of saying what's important and passing that baton on.
I was at the recent Critics’ Circle lunch when Carlos Acosta won his latest award and was struck by Graham Watts citation - it seemed to splendidly sum up Carlos, both the man and his illustrious career... and why exactly we all admire him. BM, Ed.
We quickly catch up with choreographer Ruth Brill about her latest work for BRB, how she creates and what else she is up to... she's a busy bee!