Performer: Dores André

A diverse triple bill, both musically and choreographically, this has been a gamble that's paid off.

An enjoyable evening of thematic dance but without any insights into the future of ballet. 

A welcome return to London for America's oldest ballet company begins with a highly personal interpretation of Shostakovich in dance 

Ulrich Birkkjaer presented an affecting portrait of a tormented Shostakovich, as he paced, leapt, slumped, was propped back to standing, and relentlessly propelled forward.

Among the standouts at the San Francisco Ballet gala evening performance were Ana Sophia Scheller in Rubies, Sasha De Sola in Études, Benjamin Freemantle in Agon, and Misa Kuranaga and Angelo Greco in Handel-A Celebration.

Most of the pieces were choreographed at a similarly demanding level, with speed, precision and immaculate timing as necessities.