There’s a spate of Giselles about at the moment, radical reinventions of the 1841 ballet from Akram Khan for English National Ballet, and South African choreographer Dada Masilo, drawing on modern class and gender politics to rewrite the Romantic heroine for our times. But if you prefer your Giselle with original spirit intact, then Birmingham Royal Ballet is the one for … [Read more...] about Photo Album of Two Giselles: English National Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet
David Bintley
David Bintley announces promotions at Birmingham Royal Ballet for the last time
Brandon Lawrence has been promoted from First Soloist to Principal at Birmingham Royal Ballet, David Bintley has announced. The past weekend has seen enthusiastic applause for performances of one of David Bintley’s signature works, Hobson’s Choice, which closed the 2018-19 season at London’s Sadler’s Wells and marked the company's final performances with Bintley as … [Read more...] about David Bintley announces promotions at Birmingham Royal Ballet for the last time
Ruth Brill, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s dancer/choreographer, moves on
Ahead of performances of her bold new take on the fable of Peter and the Wolf as part of the [Un]leashed triple bill, Birmingham Royal Ballet has announced that First Artist Ruth Brill will be taking the next step in her choreographic journey at the end of this season. Brill will leave the Company to concentrate on her choreography full time and will take her last curtain call … [Read more...] about Ruth Brill, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s dancer/choreographer, moves on
Photo Album: Backstage at Beauty and the Beast – Birmingham Royal Ballet
Beauty and the Beast In David Bintley's glorious Gothic ballet, witness transformations, wild waltzes, soaring birds and a relationship between Belle and the Beast that is at first terrifying, but ultimately serene and beautiful. Dasa Wharton takes her camera backstage to see the preparations and the view from the wings. Belle - Yvette Knight The Beast - Brandon … [Read more...] about Photo Album: Backstage at Beauty and the Beast – Birmingham Royal Ballet
Photo Album: Beauty and the Beast – Birmingham Royal Ballet 2019
Beauty and the Beast - Birmingham Royal Ballet A cruel Prince, cursed to spend the rest of his life living in a fantastical castle with the animals he callously hunted, finds salvation in the heart of a beautiful girl. Caught stealing a single rose, Belle’s desperate father exchanges his youngest daughter’s freedom for his own life. In his distant castle the Beast, stripped … [Read more...] about Photo Album: Beauty and the Beast – Birmingham Royal Ballet 2019
Birmingham Royal Ballet announces its 2019/20 Season
10 productions, 11 venues, 127 performances, including first time collaborations with Ballet Black and newly appointed Director Carlos Acosta. For the first time in the history of Birmingham Royal Ballet, the season has been created in partnership with leaders from across the world of dance, including Ballet Black and Birmingham Royal Ballet’s newly appointed Director Carlos … [Read more...] about Birmingham Royal Ballet announces its 2019/20 Season
Carlos Acosta appointed as new Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet
Birmingham Royal Ballet has announced that Carlos Acosta been appointed as its new Director. He will take up his post in January 2020. The appointment follows an open competition and extensive international search by Birmingham Royal Ballet Board, supported by an expert panel of leading figures in the dance world. It follows the news earlier this year that David Bintley, the … [Read more...] about Carlos Acosta appointed as new Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet
Tributes to choreographer Dame Gillian Lynne flood in from the worlds of musicals and ballet
A tweet from Peter Land on Dame Gillian Lynne’s account on Sunday evening, 1 July, announced that the beloved choreographer had died - she was 92: Rest In Peace my darling Gillie. I am heartbroken to write that Dame Gillian Lynne DBE & my dearest wife & friend & love for 40 years passed away at 6.20pm tonight 1st July 2018 at the Princess Grace Hospital. She … [Read more...] about Tributes to choreographer Dame Gillian Lynne flood in from the worlds of musicals and ballet
Alexander Campbell answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
Q&A When did you start dancing? I started dancing aged 5. Why did you start dancing? My Grandmother was teaching at a ballet school at the time and apparently I showed an interest after watching an end of year performance given by the students. Which dancer inspired you most as a child? Mikhail Baryshnikov. I used to watch as many videos of him as I could … [Read more...] about Alexander Campbell answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
“Faster, *****, *****” – Bintley’s ballet gets censored
David Bintley, Birmingham Royal Ballet's Artistic Director, has dropped two adjectives from his new ballet after the International Olympic Committee banned him from using the Olympic motto as its title. Bintley’s new creation places dance and sports alongside in what is presumably a compare and contrast exercise. Just the sort of thing to reflect the spirit of the Cultural … [Read more...] about “Faster, *****, *****” – Bintley’s ballet gets censored