Czech National Ballet: vibrant programming in Sarcasms

Czech National Ballet in Andrey Kaydanovskiy's ...And How Is Your Life?

Francesco Scarpato in Andrey Kaydanovskiy's ...And How Is Your Life?

Paul Irmatov and Romina Contreras in Hans van Manen's Sarcasmen

Czech National Ballet in Eyal Dadon's Katastrof

By Graham Watts, 25 April 2025

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“It’s a smart capsule of human observation and a bonus was the presence of the choreographer himself”

Reviewed at National Theatre (Národní divadlo), Prague on 24 April 2025

Katastrof (Eyal Dadon)

Sarcasmen (Hans van Manen)

...And How Is Your Life? (Andrey Kaydanovskiy)

The Czech National Ballet

Paul Irmatov, Dancer

Romina Contreras, Dancer

Kristina Kornová, Dancer

Kristýna Němečková, Dancer

Alexandra Pera, Dancer

The Dutch National Ballet’s Hans van Manen in Carré

Mark Vicente, 30th April

Dutch National Ballet give an exemplary account of a quadruple bill comprised of the late Hans van Manen’s works. It’s a wonderful tribute to the great master choreographer.

*****

Dutch National Ballet brings much needed heat to this winter season

Mark Vicente, 10th February

The Dutch National Ballet helped shake off those winter blues with a mixed programme that highlighted ballet’s love affair with Latin rhythms and movement.

****1

NBJ's Ballet Coffret is a feast of modern classics

Naomi Mori, 5th February

National Ballet of Japan's Ballet Coffret showcased the versatility of the company with modern classical works including Dawson's A Million Kisses to my Skin, van Manen's 5 Tangos and Balanchine's Theme and Variations.

****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

Dutch National Ballet's Program B is the A+ Program in New York

Ivy Lin, 21st November

Dutch National Ballet's second mixed bill at New York City Center ticked all the right boxes, showcasing the depth of talent across the whole company.

*****

Dutch National Ballet's opener in New York: meandering and unfocused

Ivy Lin, 20th November

Dutch National Ballet returning to New York after more than 40 years should have been thrilling. The opening program, whilst beautifully danced, was somewhat muted.

***11

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Graham Watts

Graham Watts is a freelance dance writer and critic writing regularly for Dancing Times, Dance Europe, Danza Europa, and many more publications. He regularly writes features for Sadler’s Wells, London Coliseum and La Scala. Chairman of the Dance Section of the Critics’ Circle in the United Kingdom and of the UK National Dance Awards he has interviewed many of the greatest names in dance including Maya Plisetskaya, Vladimir Vasiliev, Boris Eifman, Alexei Ratmansky, Andris Liepa, Sir Peter Wright, David Bintley and Dame Gillian Lynne. When not involved in dance Graham is a keen fencer, and has captained the British Sabre team.