A bold triple bill, bookended by two masters

By Erin Whitcroft, 27 March 2017

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“Francesca Velicu... became the beating heart at the centre of this choreographed primal scream”

Reviewed at Sadler's Wells Theatre, London on 24 March 2017

In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated (William Forsythe)

Adagio Hammerklavier (Hans van Manen)

Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring) (Pina Bausch)

English National Ballet

Gavin Sutherland, Conductor

English National Ballet Philharmonic

Olga Khoziainova, Piano

Francesca Velicu, Dancer

Laurretta Summerscales, Dancer

James Streeter, Dancer

Tiffany Hedman, Dancer

Precious Adams, Dancer

Cesar Corrales, Dancer

Crystal Costa, Dancer

Isaac Hernández, Dancer

Madison Keesler, Dancer

Sarah Kundi, Dancer

Fernanda Oliveira, Dancer

James Forbat, Dancer

Fabian Reimair, Dancer

Tamara Rojo, Dancer

Pina Bausch’s Kontakthof – Echoes of ‘78: poignant reality

Graham Watts, 7th April

A reimagining of Pina Bausch's 1978 Kontakthof by Meryl Tankard brings together eight of the original cast members in a unique and poignant revival.

*****

Sweet Mambo: charismatic masters of Pina Bausch at Sadler’s Wells

Graham Watts, 12th February

Sweet Mambo was one of those rare evenings that felt very special, unique in the sense of watching history revisited in the present day.

****1

Rites in Antwerp: a towering triple bill for Opera Ballet Vlaanderen

Elsa Giovanna Simonetti, 17th January

In Rites, Opera Ballet Vlaanderen confirm its status as a leading contemporary dance company with a formidable triple bill, technically demanding for both dancers and orchestra.

****1

Tanztheater Wuppertal inject new life into Pina Bausch's Vollmond

Graham Watts, 18th February

A late Bausch classic reinterpreted by a nearly new ensemble, it remains an excellent example of her remarkable artistic dynasty that continues to astonish over 15 years after her death.

***11

Acogny & Airaudo/École des Sables: a riveting double bill

Graham Watts, 6th November

A double bill of great contrasts, common ground[s] with Germaine Acogny and Malou Airaudo, and Bausch’s Rite of Spring with École des Sables is captivating.

****1

Pina Bausch's Nelken: still a signature piece

Graham Watts, 14th February

Pina Bausch's Nelken returns to Sadler's Wells for the first time in almost two decades.

****1

More reviews...

Erin Whitcroft

Erin is a professionally trained ballet dancer having moved from the United States as a teenager to train at The Royal Ballet’s lower and upper schools. Since her performance career ended she has continued to research the history of dance and has post-graduate qualifications in both English and Education. Erin regularly presents papers at academic conferences and is a freelance critic specialising in dance, books and art.

A bold triple bill from English National Ballet, bookended by two masters