Bal Impérial & Boléro: multi-layered work challenges in Geneva

Le Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève in Boléro

Le Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève in Bal Impérial

By Daniel Pratt, 21 November 2025

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“group dances with complex rhythmical footwork abound, interspersed by harrowing solos”

Reviewed at Grand Théâtre de Genève, Geneva on 19 November 2025

Bal Impérial (world premiere) (Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui)

Boléro (Damien Jalet, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui)

Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève

Constantin Trinks, Conductor

Orchestre de la Suisse Romande

Tim Yip, Set Designer, Costume Designer

Jen Schriever, Lighting Designer

Marina Abramović, Set Designer

Riccardo Tisci, Costume Designer

Urs Schönebaum, Lighting Designer

Liam Francis Dance Company in Alchemy: an absorbing London debut

Daniel Pratt, 7th November

Liam Francis Dance Company at The Place brings an instinctive and intelligent debut for a choreographer in-step with what it is to be a dance artist now.

*****

Pelléas et Mélisande as a dark, shining fairy tale in Geneva

Elodie Olson-Coons, 26th October

A maximalist production of Pelléas et Mélisande at Geneva's Grand Théâtre shines, but tries a little too hard.

****1

an Accident/a Life: a story of extraordinary resilience

Maggie Foyer, 25th September

At Sadler's Wells East, a profound, moving and extraordinary account of former ballet dancer Marc Brew’s life-changing car accident.

*****

Vlaemsch (chez moi): the revitalisation of culture with new blood

Maggie Foyer, 18th September

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui's Vlaemsch (chez moi) is an extraordinary piece of dance theatre proving the value of multiculturalism where difference can be absorbed within the search for artistic expression.

****1

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui presents Idomeneo as a confused ballet in Geneva

Laura Servidei, 2nd March

The Grand Théâtre de Genève presents a new production of Mozart’s opera seria where the focus is all on dancing and rope twirling. Nevertheless, a good cast, led by Federica Lombardi as Elettra, manages to shine through.

**111

Introdans: Bach elevates in this powerful but repetitive triple bill

Vikki Jane Vile, 11th May

Introdans is a company of skilled dancers, and whilst the results may not be thrilling, they are nevertheless engaging.

***11

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Daniel Pratt

Daniel Pratt trained in London, England, attending the Royal Ballet School Associates program before completing his vocational training at Central School of Ballet where he gained a BA (hons) in Professional Dance and Performance. Daniel joined The Sarasota Ballet in 2012, dancing a broad range of works including ballets by Ashton, Balanchine, MacMillan, and modern works by Taylor, Graham and Tharp. Daniel has also performed with Northern Ballet and English National Ballet. Daniel’s writing on dance has appeared in The Dancing Times and Tanz Magazine. Daniel currently serves on the board of the American Guild of Musical Artists.