Sparkle, fireworks: Ballet Icons Gala 2025
A terrific evening. It was also one that probably contained more chances to see fouttées than most in the audience get in a year. No one disappointed.
Charlotte Kasner
A Cuban butterfly: Mariposa by DeNada Dance Theatre
It is important to remember that it is inspired by Madam Butterfly, however, and is not a retelling, as difficult as I found that.
Varna International Ballet: Swan Lake
While Varna’s production harks back to the original, it just goes to show how the many alterations over the decades have improved the ballet
Gandini Juggling: Heka
As if being able to juggle and dance weren’t enough, Sean Gandini and his company have added magic to the mix.
Think you know these classic ballets well? Think again.
“A page-turningly good read” as “Fullington and Smith… invite the general and specialist reader alike to rethink nineteenth-century ballet.”
English National Ballet: Giselle
The happy grins and overheard comments during the interval told you all you needed to know. Mary Skeaping’s Giselle is wonderful, a real gem.
Michael Keegan-Dolan/Teaċ Daṁsa: NOBODADDY
It’s all a very long way from Keegan-Dolan’s stunning and powerful Swan Lake… Abstract to the point of meaninglessness.
Chicos Mambo in Tutu (and a lot more!)
The highly entertaining show also lovingly mocks acrobatic, contemporary and rhythmic dance. There’s a take on Dirty Dancing, and much more.
Modernity meets tradition in Lazgi by National Ballet of Uzbekistan
An unexpected surprise. The choreography is endlessly inventive, the corps moving seamlessly from interesting shape to interesting shape
Ballet Nights at Cadogan Hall
A mixed bill brought, inevitably perhaps, mixed success but without a shadow of a doubt, it was worth it for Set Fast alone.
State Ballet of Georgia: Swan Lake
A pleasing, traditional Swan Lake, but one that lacks characterisation and struggles for ‘wow’ factor.