Luscious, if a bit of a muddle: Northern Ballet’s Casanova
There is some excellent dancing and interesting choreography but the story is complex and Tindall struggles to produce a ballet narrative that works
Sadler’s Wells
Hitting you right between the eyes: Shades of Blue by Matsena Productions
Anthony and Kel Matsena take considerable risks as the work follows a maverick path… It is daring, bold and essential viewing.
Humour with disturbing undertones: Pasionaria by La Veronal
Marcos Moreau gazes deep into a terrifying world but the anarchy of Pasionaria is so compelling, the detail so intelligent, that it totally captivates
Matthias Sperling: No-How Generator
The show is abstract to the point of pointlessness. There is no context, no emotion, just jigging around, writhing and lots and lots of panting
Brothers in Dance: Anthony and Kel Matsena
A revealing portrait, with film of rehearsals for Shades of Blue interspersed with insights into the brothers’ experiences as Zimbabwean immigrants in Wales
Vibrant brilliance: The Forsythe Evening from English National Ballet
Two works complement to make a vibrant evening that leave the audience breathless and begging for more.
Grace and strength, and a troubled man: the BalletBoyz in Deluxe
Ripple is a beautiful, fluid work that remains true to its title. Full of grace and strength, it does indeed constantly reminds one of shifting water
Fine dance with a dash of comedy in an English National Ballet School’s mixed-bill
The four new works covered classical and contemporary dance while also allowing the dancers to show their presentation and comedy skills.
A triple bill of youthful power and energy from NDT 2
Whether the expressionism of Marco Goecke, modern classicism of Hans van Manen, or quirkiness of John Inger, they make dance come truly alive
The inventiveness of Pina Bausch’s Kontakthof still shines brightly
It remains an unparalleled piece exploring relationships between the sexes…full of ideas and observations that have not lost their brilliance.
LIFE: A love letter to Merce Cunningham from Gandini Juggling
As if the juggling wasn’t skilful enough, fiendish ports de bras and footwork are built up ball by ball. I can’t help thinking Merce would have approved.