Ballet Nights: A Grand Finale is the perfect recipe for pleasure

Ivana Bueno the Act 2 variation for Medora in Le Corsaire

Viktor Erik Emanuel, for Ballet Nights

Sangeun Lee and Gareth Haw in William Forsythe's In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated

Laurel Dalley Smith in Sir Robert Cohan's Wind

Aitor Arrieta and Katja Khaniukova in Don Quixote pas de deux

By Deborah Weiss, 26 November 2023

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“charm and technical brilliance are prerequisites, but there were some stand out moments”

Reviewed at Lanterns Studio Theatre, London on 24 November 2023

Le Corsaire (Excerpt) (Travis Clausen-Knight, Marius Petipa)

324a (Joshua Junker)

Wind (Sir Robert Cohan)

Czardas (Steven McRae)

Esmeralda, La (Excerpt) (Jules Perrot)

Proximity (James Pett, Travis Clausen-Knight)

Don Quixote: pas de deux (Marius Petipa)

Katja Khaniukova, Dancer

Aitor Arrieta, Dancer

James Pett, Dancer

Ivana Bueno, Dancer

Steven McRae, Dancer

Laurel Dalley Smith, Dancer

Viktor Erik Emanuel, Piano

Yasser D'Oquendo, Dancer

Felicity Chadwick, Dancer

Ballet Icons 20th anniversary gala offered a roster of star dancers

Amanda Jennings, 15th February

Many world class performances to enjoy in this 20th edition of the annual Ballet Icons Gala.

****1

World ballet stars and future talents at Ballet Nights’ Decadance

Vikki Jane Vile, 4th February

Ballet Nights is an ambitious dance project that began two and a half years ago and was the brainchild of founder, Jamiel Devernay-Laurence. Lots to applaud while celebrating its tenth programme.

****1

Ballet superstars in Frankfurt for a night to savour

Vikki Jane Vile, 30th November

For one night only, audiences in Frankfurt were treated to some world class ballet on the expansive stage of the Jahrhunderthalle.

****1

Ballet Icons Gala 2025 brings much excitement to the Coliseum

Amanda Jennings, 9th March

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.

****1

Ballet Nights 006: a potent mix of diverse pieces works its magic

Amanda Jennings, 4th September

Jamiel Devernay-Laurence's Ballet Nights series is growing rapidly in appeal, just one year after its launch. With ever more ambitious projects afoot and a packed Cadogan Hall, it's worth seeing.

****1

English National Ballet School embraces the unconventional

Deborah Weiss, 19th June

English National Ballet School Professional Trainees show great versatility in their final performance of the year, with a highly entertaining mixed programme.

****1

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Deborah Weiss

Deb joined Bachtrack in 2022 and commissions reviews and writing on ballet and dance. She was Royal Ballet School-trained and is a former principal dancer for companies including London Festival Ballet (now English National Ballet) and Bayerisches Staatsballett. She has been writing for more than 30 years – publications have included Dancing Times, DanceTabs, Dance for You and Dance Europe. She also interviews for Voices of British Ballet, an oral archive of people who have worked in the industry in the UK. In addition to her writing, since 2016 she has been facilitating programmes that support victims of domestic abuse. Deb is passionate about her rescue dog, Bruce, and daughters (not in that order), swims a mile at least five days a week and is an avid reader.