By Michelle Rawlins
Northern Ballet are renowned for their spell binding, exquisitely choreographed and contemporary performances, and their latest compilation didn’t falter.
World premiere, Made in Leeds: Three Short Ballets, has certainly made an impressive impact. The trio of exquisite performances explores a range of emotions through dynamic and captivating dance, under the creative guidance of Artistic Director, Federico Bonelli.
Wailers, choreographed by South African-born Olivier Award winning Mthuthuzeli November, transports the audience to a traditional African community, where the cast expertly explore a community who have endured so much. November says the piece ‘gives thanks to life. To its struggles, beauty and the people. Those with us and no longer with us’.
Beautifully performed against a giant wall, that could be interpreted as a place of remembrance, the outstanding technical skill of the dancers and the African influenced music succeeds in engrossing the audience for the thirty-minute set.
The second performance, Nostalgia, was inspired by emerging Belgian choreograpger, Stina Quagebeur, who wanted to explore the impact of looking back at fond memories during times of isolation, boredom and anxiety.
The intimate inter connectivity of the two pairs of dancers, once again reveals why this Leeds based production company is held in such high esteem.
Seen through the eyes of a couple, who seem to be in a state of turmoil, they witness flashbacks of a past and happier life. As they reminisce about their younger selves, they gradually begin to find a calmer state of existence. All the while the audience are invited to hold onto and cherish the special moments in life, which often pass by far too quickly.
The last piece, Ma Vie Live, brainchild of award-winning Hip-Hop dance artist, Dickson Mbi, certainly upped the tempo.
This fast-paced finale, was inspired by Giacamo Casonova and his insatiable thirst for power and love as he battled against his complex relationship with the church. Exploring his eventual downfall, this exquisite short ballet, examines Casonova’s demons in the form of hooded dancers, resulting in a sense of fear that is almost palpable, as the set comes to a high energy, sinister like climax. The standing ovation that followed, is a testament to the creativity, energy and sheer skill that oozed through the two-hour collaboration.
Northern Ballet may have momentarily stepped away from their big traditional length productions, with this trio of unique and ambitious work, celebrating diversity, young talent and new voices, but the thought provoking twist on tradition is ever present and, as followers of the company have come to expect, the end result makes a formidable impression.
Next Performances – London Linbury Theatre, Royal Opera House
1-3 November 2022
Tickets available here.