FEATURE: Scene Change
Reading Time: 6 minutesBallet classics can contain beloved dance and music – but also outdated cultural stereotypes. Can we reimagine them? Phil Chan offers a sound solution to problematic music.
Category Dance
REVIEW: Assembly Hall
Reading Time: 2 minutesCrystal Pite endeavours to ponder upon this query together with her dancing ensemble Kidd Pivot, coming back to UK with her latest Assembly Hall, a story she co-creates with Kidd Pivot's resident playwright Jonathon Young. It elaborates a group of medieval re-enactors who come for their annual meeting in their local community hall, a set ingeniously designed by Jay Gower Taylor, where a shabby basketball racket stands high and lonely, a nostalgic reminder of the old days when people spend plenty of time in communal spaces and being with others. The group faces a pivotal decision: to dissolve or not, decided by their vote. As the narrative unfolds, the awakening of a knight from the past blurs the lines between the real and the medieval re-enactment, rolling the story into turmoil, chaos, and the knight's eventual demise — foreshadowed in the beginning.
REVIEW: UniVerse: A Dark Crystal Odyssey
Reading Time: 2 minutesWayne McGregor's reimagines Jim Henson and Frank Oz's 1982 cult classic with multimedia projection, an extraordinary soundscape, and a powerful ensemble.
REVIEW: Sao Paulo Dance Company
Reading Time: < 1 minuteComing from Brazil, Sao Paulo Dance Company presents their premiere UK and Ireland tour. Separated into three different parts, Anthem, Gnawa and Agora, all with latin influence and the technical foundations of classical ballet, the performance is an explosive and dynamic dance experience that is definitely worth the watch.
FEATURE: Bethlehem Culture Festival x Habibti Nation presents: Watermelon Womxn: a musical journey through Palestine
Reading Time: 2 minutesIt’s difficult to celebrate when such terrible tragedy is happening in your homeland. Watermelon Womxn by the Bethlehem Culture Festival and Habibti Nation was originally planned as a club night, with DJs spinning some tunes to celebrate Palestinian musicians and creators throughout the last 100 years of their history. However due to the events of October 7 and the months since, the organisers decided to tone things down, and create a space for reflection and education.
REVIEW: New York City Ballet
Reading Time: 2 minutesThe New York City Ballet's long-awaited return to Saddler's Wells is a testament to its enduring legacy, combining classical roots with a contemporary twist. In their 75th-anniversary season, the company, under the direction of Jonathan Stafford, showcases a dynamic quadruple bill that effortlessly marries tradition and innovation.
REVIEW: The Sleeping Beauty: Birmingham Royal Ballet
Reading Time: 2 minutesBirmingham Royal Ballet's rendition of the timeless classic, The Sleeping Beauty, enchants audiences with its captivating portrayal of Princess Aurora's journey. Directed by Carlos Acosta, the production boasts a level of artistry and finesse that is truly commendable. With coaching support from former Principal, Dame Darcey Bussell, BRB dancers excel, embodying the essence of the story with remarkable skill and grace.
FEATURE: An Accident / a Life comes to Tramway Glasgow ahead of tour
Reading Time: 2 minutesLeading dance artist Marc Brew and world-renowned choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui present brand new dance theatre piece, an Accident / a Life.
an Accident / a Life has its UK premiere at Tramway, Glasgow from 22-23 March 2024, before touring.
FEATURE: Barrowland Ballet’s Chunky Jewellery
Reading Time: 2 minutesLeading contemporary dance company Barrowland Ballet present the world premiere of new production, Chunky Jewellery across International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day.
REVIEW: Listen to the Forest
Reading Time: 2 minutesListen to the Forest, the first onstage work of creator and choreographer Valeria Levi, promises to be “an experimental dance performance blending movement together with spoken word, music and BSL,” and “a space to explore our capacity of feeling and empathy for other life-forms through our connection with breathing.” An explanation that perfectly describes and sells this production.