A bold, visually innovative double bill that feels like exactly what contemporary ballet needs right now
At Sadler’s Wells, Body & Soul by English National Ballet brings together two outstanding premieres from Crystal Pite and Kameron N. Saunders, offering a programme that explores how our relationship with others and the world around us.
The first half presents the UK premiere of Body and Soul (Part 1) by Crystal Pite, originally choreographed for the Paris Opera Ballet. The choreography is centred around a French spoken narrative that describes the dancers’ movements in real time. As the narration outlines each action, the dancers respond with a movement vocabulary that is intentionally restrained, relying on repetition and synchronised movement to build tension.
Visually, the work is meticulously composed. Stark lighting creates shifting focal points across the stage, while costumes of trench coats, white singlets and black trousers establish a uniform, almost dystopian aesthetic. The result is highly cinematic, at times resembling a curated sci-fi piece.
The second half introduces the world premiere of Proper Conduct by Kameron N. Saunders, a choreographer known for his work across both commercial and contemporary dance. Drawing on personal experience, Saunders explores the tension between individuality and societal expectation, asking what it means to search for authenticity under constant observation.
The visual design plays a particularly striking role in shaping the atmosphere. The set feels expansive and immersive, transporting the audience into something otherworldly. This is reinforced by the dancers’ astronaut-like costumes, which introduce a sense of detachment and unfamiliarity. The effect is both visually compelling and conceptually aligned with the work’s themes of identity and perception. Combined with the cooler lighting and futuristic aesthetic, the staging creates a distinct shift from the first half, offering a more expansive and visually dynamic environment that lingers long after the performance ends
Body & Soul is not driven by narrative in a traditional sense, but by atmosphere and thematic exploration. It leaves a lasting impression through its visuals, conceptual ambition and the contrast between two distinct choreographic voices.