Month: September 2017

Unity Phelan discusses finding her “Unity-ness” in a role previously performed by Wendy Whelan and Maria Kowroski in Christopher Wheeldon’s POLYPHONIA, and the parallels between the ballet’s 9th Movement pas de deux and Stanley Kubrick’s film EYES WIDE SHUT, which share the same piece of the Ligeti score.

Two Ballets by Jerome Robbins DANCES AT A GATHERING Music: Frédéric Chopin Choreography: Jerome Robbins Costumes: Joe Eula Lighting: Jennifer Tipton THE CONCERT Music: Frédéric Chopin Choreography: Jerome Robbins Set: Saul Steinberg Costumes: Irene Sharaff Lighting: Jennifer Tipton Conductor: Nathan Brock Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra Piano: Michal Bialk The Hamburg Ballet

Jared Angle discusses the technical and physical challenges of stepping into a role choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon on former Principal Dancer Jock Soto, and the problems of holding your breath in anticipation while concentrating on choreographically intense moments.

Frank Andersen on the story behind August Bournonville’s La Sylphide. August Bournonville’s classic Romantic ballet is devotedly recreated by Eva Kloborg and Frank Andersen in this captivating production, and is accompanied by an enchanting score, played live by English National Ballet Philharmonic.

Russell Janzen talks about the importance of the Black Swan pas de deux in the dramatic action of Swan Lake, and the level of trust required between himself and the ballerina in the role of Odette/Odile (Teresa Reichlen) that helps convey the emotional connection the two characters share.

A special behind-the-scenes look at the photoshoot for Kenneth MacMillan’s revered Song of the Earth, touring to Manchester (11 – 14 Oct), Milton Keynes (17 – 21 Oct) and the London Coliseum (9 – 13 Jan) as a double bill with La Sylphide.

Akram Khan and Tamara Rojo discuss the challenges of reimagining Giselle and the importance of reinvigorating the classics to keep them relevant today.