Details

One of the UK's leading Ballet Companies. The Rite of Spring - Pina Bausch's production features 13 male and 13 female dancers and a stage covered in soil. Dancing the selection and sacrifice of a terrified victim, it is as gut-wrenching and galvanising as Stravinsky's score, performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. English National Ballet is honoured to be only the second Company in the world beyond Tanztheater Wuppertal, and the only UK Company to perform Bausch's masterpiece, not seen in the UK since 2008. In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated - With "this classic loaded with extreme moves and killer attitude" (The Times), William Forsythe started a completely new school of choreography, deconstructing classical ballet. Set against a bare stage it is danced by nine individuals culminating in a fierce display of technical and physical wizardry. Adagio Hammerklavier - As the first notes of Beethoven's pensive piano Sonata No 29, Op 106 play out, three couples slowly walk on stage. Eyes downcast, they set the tone for this cool, lyrical work by Hans van Manen, "one of the great masters" (The Guardian) of ballet. English National Ballet website.

Creatives/Company

Choreographer(s): Pina Bausch (The Rite of Spring), William Forsythe (The Middle Somewhat Elevated), Hans van Manen (Adagio Hammerklavier)