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
London & SE
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
A patchwork narrative of treacherous journeys: Kin by Gecko
The creases of individuality have not been ironed smooth… delightfully unpolished in its finer details, and yet musically and choreographically tight.
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.
A classic classic: English National Ballet’s Giselle
A pleasure to watch in every respect: the dancing is a joy, and the costumes and sets some of the best around.
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!
A Gothic delight: Matthew Bourne’s Edward Scissorhands
Trumps both The Royal Ballet and the English National Ballet’s traditional Christmas Nutcrackers… a Christmas fairytale like no other
Cloud Gate Dance Theatre: Lunar Halo
The total commitment of the dancers produces a torrid intensity that sears across the footlights.
Ballet Nights 003
Proximity was highlight of the second half. Choreographed and performed by Pett|Clausen-Knight, it is a mature, sophisticated duet
Powerlessness, politics and pulsating dance: Company MEK’s Father Politics
I have rarely seen choreography that speaks a message so clearly, so profoundly, and so directly.
Rambert: Death Trap
A somewhat mysterious, weird evening. Dark yet humorous. And, while it has death at its core, perhaps, in its own way, even more a show about life.