Dance
Cranko’s legacy
Stuttgart Ballet’s rapid ascent to fame is at the core of one of the most interesting chapters of ballet history.…
The Royal Ballet's triple bill was danced to perfection
There was a time when the term ‘world première’ was not as fashionable as it is these days. Great works…
Seasonal treats
There was a time when the term ‘world première’ was not as fashionable as it is these days. Great works…
Is there or isn't there a hanged man in 'Sun'?
Sun is one of those performances that confront reviewers with the eternal dilemma of whether or not it is appropriate…
Light and shade
Sun is one of those performances that confront reviewers with the eternal dilemma of whether or not it is appropriate…
A rich, colourful romp
Bold decisions are at the core of great artistic directorship. And Tamara Rojo, the ballet star leading English National Ballet,…
Entertaining romp
Bold decisions are at the core of great artistic directorship. And Tamara Rojo, the ballet star leading English National Ballet,…
Carlos Acosta’s Don Quixote lacks the wow factor
Superstar Carlos Acosta makes little or no reference to Don Quixote’s established history in his programme note about the genesis…
Don Q lite
Superstar Carlos Acosta makes little or no reference to Don Quixote’s established history in his programme note about the genesis…
A masterclass in stage presence from the Bolshoi
Jewels is everything a George Balanchine admirer could ask for. The sumptuous triptych, set to scores by Fauré, Stravinsky and…
A trio of gems
Jewels is everything a George Balanchine admirer could ask for. The sumptuous triptych, set to scores by Fauré, Stravinsky and…
The Bolshoi remains faithful to the classics
Tradition is often frowned on. Yet, if properly handled, it can be sheer fun and pure bliss, as demonstrated by…
Hooked on classics
Tradition is often frowned on. Yet, if properly handled, it can be sheer fun and pure bliss, as demonstrated by…
Gusto galore from Boston Ballet
Those who lament sluggishness in contemporary stagings of Balanchine’s ballets — and those who are responsible for it — should…
Boston’s artistry
Those who lament sluggishness in contemporary stagings of Balanchine’s ballets — and those who are responsible for it — should…
Self styled
As someone who once raved about William Forsythe’s innovative approach to ballet and fondly admired his groundbreaking choreographic explorations, I…
Losing the plot
Last Friday, ballet’s overcrowded aviary welcomed a new addition: Raven Girl. Sexy, sleek, troubled and troublesome, she is the creation…
The end of innocence
As far as memory serves, in my 46 years of being both in and at the ballet I have encountered…
Mixed blessings
Last week, Sergei Polunin’s powerful entrance in Marguerite and Armand was saluted with a wave of electrically charged silence: not…
From Russia with love
If you want to know what’s so great about John Cranko’s choreography, look at the opening phrase of the final…
Bourne again
While most theatres brace themselves for the annual invasion of prancing Nutcrackers and flying snowmen, Sadler’s Wells offers something that…
Captivating kaleidoscope
When Philippe Decouflé first introduced the idea of sheer fun into the deadly serious business of postmodern dance-making, sceptics predicted…
Mixed bag
Last year I raved about Birmingham Royal Ballet, their artistic drive, their freshness, their impeccable artistic eclecticism and, not least,…
Twin peaks
According to an old ballet commonplace, no one can beat the Russians when it comes to Swan Lake. Biased and…
American beauty
Tragically, the number of ballet directors who can orchestrate good programmes and good openings is dwindling these days. Helgi Tómasson,…
