Elmhurst Ballet School: Voices & Virtues
The programme for the Upper School showcased the talent, technique and artistry of the students across in classical ballet, contemporary and jazz
Birmingham & Midlands
Ballet Hispánico: CARMEN.maquia
A more authentically Spanish take on the story, traditional yet innovative and with a contemporary vibe. It looks terrific, and was wonderfully danced
A trip down ballet’s memory lane with BRB2
The best performance of the afternoon came in the closing pas de deux from The Firebird… Alexandra Manuel was quite simply terrific
Acosta Danza: Cuban Eclectico
For sheer athleticism, expression and the multiple techniques of the dancers, all on show in Cuban Eclectico, they are hard to beat.
Motionhouse: Hidden
Artistic director Kevin Finnan’s works are always deeply thought, but I’m not sure any has reached out and touched as Hidden.
Varna International Ballet: Romeo and Juliet
While certainly a romantic story of two lovers, Romeo and Juliet is also a tale haunted by death, which Bobrov emphasises throughout.
Ballet Theatre UK: The Nutcracker
Creates a fantasy of world that delights and entertains from start to finish with its fine storytelling, choreography… and a lot of excellent dancing.
Dickensian delights: Northern Ballet’s A Christmas Carol
The setting may be dreary, but the story is warm, the characters vividly brought to life. Carols, Christmas tunes, fine dance, and a good story.
Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker. A real Christmas treat
Undoubtedly the best production of the ballet in this country by some distance, it’s once again casting its spell over audiences
Birmingham Royal Ballet: Luna
A ballet of fine intentions. A ballet of plenty of fine moments that, at times, is quite powerful. But also one in need of stronger thread to hold it together
A sunny evening with Birmingham Royal Ballet’s La Fille mal gardée
Fine, bright, happy dancing, great characterisations, Osbert Lancaster’s brilliantly sunny designs. Even a super-cute pony. A real heart-warming evening.