Festival of New Choreography: plenty of imagination and bold choices

Yasmine Naghdi in Gemma Bond's Boundless

Yasmine Naghdi and Ryoichi Hirano in Gemma Bond's Boundless

The Royal Ballet in Joshua Junker's Never Known

The Royal Ballet in Mthuthuzeli November's For What It's Worth

Mayara Mayagri in Mthuthuzeli November's For What It's Worth

Fumi Kaneko and William Bracewell in Jessica Lang's Twinkle

By Deborah Weiss, 17 February 2024

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“both so well-suited to the mellifluous, poetic movement”

Reviewed at Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London on 15 February 2024

Boundless (Gemma Bond)

Never Known (Joshua Junker)

For What It's Worth (Mthuthuzeli November)

Twinkle (Jessica Lang)

The Royal Ballet

Orchestra of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden

Kate Shipway, Piano

Robert Clark, Piano

Yasmine Naghdi, Dancer

Ryoichi Hirano, Dancer

Mayara Magri, Dancer

William Bracewell, Dancer

Fumi Kaneko, Dancer

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

Dutch National's Junior Company sets ballet to new rhythms

Mark Vicente, 23rd January

The Dutch National's Junior company dazzled in three new works and a Balanchine classic, showcasing the stars of tomorrow.

****1

Ballet Nights makes an impressive and unforgettable Scottish debut

Kathy Elgin, 4th July

Ballet Nights is more than an evening of party pieces: it showcases emerging talent alongside older favourites and, in the case of this first Scottish outing, has an eye to local tradition.

****1

The Royal Ballet's revival of Cinderella: a sparkling spectacle

Amanda Jennings, 3rd December

The Royal Ballet revive Ashton's masterpiece with some superlative leading performances in a production that is visually rich and imaginative.

****1

Encounters: The Royal Ballet at its versatile best

Amanda Jennings, 22nd October

In a quadruple bill of contemporary works, The Royal Ballet's dancers shine in this diverse programme, creating an immersive experience.

****1

Ballet Nights: Ministry of Sound opens its doors to new horizons

Deborah Weiss, 31st May

“Ballet Nights: New Voices” proves a hit in an unlikely venue in Ministry of Sound. Watch this space!

****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.