Performer: Maria Kochetkova

Ballet Icons Gala 2025 was the 19th since its inception. One can only applaud the dedication of Olga Balakleets, Founder and Artistic Director, for bringing many of the world’s most eminent dancers.

An evening at Sadler's Wells emphasises that dance is a powerful tool for everyone and anyone. 

The catchphrase for the Staatsballet’s La Sylphide is 'Kilts and kicks’ or ‘kilts and beats’. A real feast for the eyes alas, it is over in no time!

Organised by Berlin State Ballet audience’s darling, the principal dancer Polina Semionova, the gala Polina & Friends and its stellar cast literally left the house roaring from enthusiasm.

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

Unbound by restrictions, they’ve been given free rein to create, implement and demonstrate to the world what contemporary ballet looks like. Hint: it looks great.