Extended Play: How to Build a Universe
The work flips easily between physical theatre and playful contemporary dance, at its best in unison sequences that are invariably tightly performed
David Mead
The Royal Ballet: Manon
Period melodrama brought to vivid life. Love, jealousy, criminality, sexual abuse, murder… And Francesca Hayward was near perfect in the title role
New Movement Collective: Les Noces – The Departure
The new Les Noces choreography, very much collaborative, embodies Stravinsky’s music absolutely. There’s a powerful sense of direction of travel.
Varna International Ballet takes Swan Lake back to its roots
Daniela Dimova talks about Varna International Ballet’s Swan Lake, now touring, that restores the score and dramaturgy to Tchaikovsky’s original.
La Strada: bringing a film classic to the ballet stage
Cojocaru recalls being particularly attracted by Gelsomina’s way of thinking. “Her way of being, of seeing the world… so naive, innocent and simple…”
The Dance Locker: Alina Cojocaru
In the first of an occasional new series, Alina Cojocaru chooses seven works that have particular significance for her, saying a few words about each.
Meredith Monk: Calling
A unique retrospective of her immersive creations. Across three large rooms, the Munich exhibition presents major creations from her catalogue
Badisches Staatsballett: The Girl & the Nutcracker
Bridget Breiner shifts the action to early 20th-century America. The all-new choreography is refreshingly classical, the ballet a showcase for technique
Scottish Dance Theatre: Pirates!
A show full of imagination and fine physical theatre and dance. It may be aimed at youngsters, but this grown up enjoyed it a lot too!
John Cranko School and Stuttgart Ballet: Aktion Weinachten
With all ticket proceeds from which go to the charity, this year’s edition of established favourites and new work was a festive feast of fine dance
An epic voyage: Zephyr by Mourad Merzouki and Compagnie Käfig
Dance at its very best. A fabulous, fabulous seventy minutes of marvellous theatre. A real spectacle that holds you from start to finish