A vision of a disturbing, dystopian eco-dictatorship: Daniela Marcozzi’s monstrous
What if women could be artificially inseminated with animals, plants, minerals, emotions, natural phenomena and behaviours useful to an eco-regime?
UK
Brilliant, high-intensity theatre: Ruination by Lost Dog
Ben Duke has found a sweet spot to set his trial of Medea. The kingdom of Hades, across the River Styx but not yet in Elysium, is just right
A Christmas treat: Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty: A Gothic Romance
With some of Bourne’s best choreography in the detail of the variations, the passion of the duets and strong ensemble numbers.
ACE Dance and Music: Unknown Realms
The quality and physicality of the dancing could not be faulted. The togetherness in unison moments was exceptional.
Freaky Bones: Israel Galván’s La Consagración de la Primavera
Goes far deeper than the spectacular or technique for technique’s sake. One comes out feeling awed and moved
Glistening, glowing and a riot of colour: Birmingham Royal Ballet’s reinvigorated Nutcracker
The refurbishment hasn’t just freshened the ballet up, it’s completely reinvigorated it… The perfect pre-festive treat for old and young alike
New English Ballet Theatre: Cycles of Loss and Love
It was apposite to present this programme close to Remembrance weekend when we recall the human loss suffered through the madness of war.
An inspiring evening of contemporary ballet: English National Ballet, Ek/Forsythe/Quagebeur
Perhaps only a giant of choreography such as Mats Ek could so successfully pull off a reboot of such a familiar subject as The Rite of Spring
Celebrating male dance: Men In Motion
A largely enjoyable affair, Ivan Putrov must be congratulated for pulling everything together. Here’s to another ten years.
Northern Ballet: Made in Leeds
The superb Nostalgia is yet more evidence of Quagebeur’s talent. It’s no wonder she’s in demand at home and abroad.
A fun-filled lunar adventure: Motionhouse’s Starchitects
An entertaining hour that everyone will enjoy. Smiles and laughs all round are guaranteed. It really is a lot of fun