I really enjoyed this mixed programme of British choreography.  The evening progressed back in time from post modernism on pointe to European neoclassicism in its most delicate form.  Limen by Wayne McGregor was a brilliant effort of bringing the audience a broad sensory experience on stage as it incorporated 21st century movement by 15 dancers with an installation by Tatsuo Miyajima and music by Kaija Saariaho performed by Anssi Karttunen. 

Marguerite and Armand a beautiful narrative ballet by Frederick Ashton that was created for Margot Fonteyn and Nureyev followed. It was based on Alexander Dumas’ The Lady of the Camellias and set to music by Franz Liszt.  Tamara Rojo and Sergei Polunin gave a beautiful emotional performance.

Finally, Requiem by Kenneth MacMillan was breathtaking and solemn as it is a tribute to his friend Choreographer and Director of the Stuttgart Ballet John Cranko who died tragically in 1973. It was an exquisite performance of one of MacMillan’s best ballets.

I must say that this was an unexpected lovely evening because not only was I invited to attend with wonderful seats at the last minute; but also I had the opportunity to see this ballet once again, but this time performed by the Royal Ballet. 

It was a delight to see a complete work by Balanchine (one of my earliest influences in choreography) at the Royal Opera House in which three of my favourite Royal Ballet ballerinas: Tamara Rojo, Sarah Lamb and Alina Cojocaru were performing in.  It was refreshing to see pure neoclassicism on stage performed so elegantly and with great lyricism that characterizes Balanchine’s work. Alina was just flawless in Diamonds! And that’s why she gets paid the big bucks as she also performs as a guest artist with companies worldwide.