Details

This breathtaking programme presents a thrilling programme featuring works by two of the greats of British ballet, Sir Frederick Ashton and Sir Kenneth MacMillan, alongside an exciting new work from upcoming choreographer Alexander Whitley, all performed to live music from members of the Royal Ballet Sinfonia. LES RENDEZVOUS - A huge hit when it was first performed in 1933, Les Rendezvous was the first ballet in which Ashton put aside the comedy for which he was known and concentrated on pure technique. Loosely based round a group of friends meeting up in a park, the ballet is a series of fiercly difficult divertissements which give the whole cast the chance to show off their virtuosity. KIN - An exciting new ballet from Royal Opera House Choreographic Affiliate, Sadler's Wells New Wave Associate and former Birmingham Royal Ballet dancer, Alexander Whitley. The ballet, to music by young American composer Phil Kline, will receive its premiere at the 2014 International Dance Festival Birmingham. Not to be missed! ELITE SYNCOPATIONS - A completely stripped back theatre bursts into life as dancers in brilliantly coloured costumes gather for a dance competition. An equally vibrant rag-time band play old favourites from Scott Joplin and his contemporaries to accompany a string of sketches, spanning the dazzling, the witty and the touching, as each dancer at the competition takes their turn. One of his best-loved creations, Kenneth MacMillan's Elite Syncopations is certain to leave you smiling. Birmingham Royal Ballet website.

Creatives/Company

Company: Birmingham Royal Ballet
Music(s): Scott Joplin (Elite Syncopations), Phil Kline (Kin), Daniel Auber (Les Rendezvous), Constant Lambert (arranged and orchestrated) - Les Rendezvous)
Choreographer(s): Kenneth MacMillan (Elite Syncopations), Alexander Whitley (Kin), Frederick Ashton (Les Rendezvous)
Design(s): Ian Spurtling (Elite Syncopations), Jean-Marc Puissant (Kin), Anthony Ward (Les Rendezvous)
Lighting(s): John B. Read (Elite Syncopations), Peter Teigen (Kin), Peter Teigen (Les Rendezvous)