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

Sweet Mambo by Pina Bausch for Tanztheater Wuppertal

By Graham Watts, 14 February 2026

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“a work about strong women, often overcoming sinister low-level abuse from the three men in black”

Reviewed at Sadler's Wells Theatre, London on 12 February 2026

‘Sweet Mambo’ (Pina Bausch)

Tanztheater Wuppertal

Peter Pabst, Set Designer

Marion Cito, Costume Designer

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.

*****

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

common ground(s)/The Rite of Spring: an impactful debut in New York

Erin Bomboy, 29th November

Occurring at the Park Avenue Armory, the double bill program investigated stories of the crone and the maiden. They were united by the mother who brought us together – Pina Bausch.

****1

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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.