The finest of all narrative ballets? Stuttgart Ballet in John Cranko’s Onegin
Martí Fernández Paixà is a superb Onegin, perhaps ballet’s ultimate romantic villain. He fills the stage, even when just standing in the background
David Mead
Future Choreography: an evening of new work by and with the Badisches Staatsballett
“A typically varied evening of work that ranged from out-and-out classical ballet to experimental dance theatre.”
A star still shining brightly: Acosta at 50
An evening that oozed warmth. Of the ten ballets and excerpts presented in this birthday celebration, Acosta appears in five.
Stuttgart Ballet: Remember Me
A beautiful double bill of John Cranko’s Initials R.B.M.E. and Requiem by his great friend Kenneth MacMillan. It was an evening to savour.
Stuttgart Ballet: The Taming of the Shrew
The pas de deux are wonderful. They are not steamy but, typically Cranko, they are very human… balletic but without the formality
Boîte-en-valise: a celebration of Goyo Montero’s 15 years in Nuremberg
Snippets of signature works by other noted choreographers that have helped define the company, plus Montero’s own, new, Boîte-en-valise
Ballet Preljocaj in a Swan Lake with a message
There are changes but… there are swans. There is a lake. There is an Odette in white, and a Siegfried who falls for an Odile in black.
Classicism to the fore: John Cranko School
Absolutely and unashamedly classically-focused. Even the student choreography. The contemporary pieces were clearly classically underwritten too
Badisches Staatsballett International Benefit Gala
An enjoyable and interesting evening with the focus on duets and the more contemporary end of the spectrum, and only one firework pas de deux.
A tale of two queens: Badisches Staatsballett in Maria Stuart
While Sophie Martin is a commanding presence as Elizabeth, albeit someone aloof and alone… it is Bridgett Zehr as Mary who stalks every scene
Opposites attract: Badisches Staatsballett do Jazz
Sleek, slinky and smooth, sophisticated yet playful, Stina Quagebeur’s Deviations feels like peeking in on an easy going jazz club.