Reviewed at: Leeds Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre by Michelle Rawlins
Creativity and originality are both synonymous with the Northern Ballet. Renowned for pushing boundaries and producing pieces that are both unique and fresh, their latest collection of Three Short Ballets, Generations, doesn’t falter.
In conjunction with international award-winning choreographers, the Leeds based company have added Generations to their programme of events, under relatively new artistic director – former Royal Ballet dancer Federico Bonelli.
The trio of short performances each explore a different concept, inspired by individually chosen pieces of music.
The first ballet, Joie de Vivre, is directed by Benjamin Ella, an Australian born soloist with the Royal Ballet.
The classical and romantic piece was set to piano and violin solos from Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius. This traditional piece of dance felt fitting for the intimacy of the small studio theatre, allowing the audience to feel they were part of a very special performance. The six technically sophisticated dancers were the epitome of grace and sophistication. It was mesmerising to watch the love story unfold, accompanied by pianist Ewan Gilford, and violinist Geoffrey Allan.
After a short interval, Adagio Hammerklavier, the work of globally recognised master of ballet, Hans Van Manen, exquisitely relayed the technical and extraordinary skill of the dancers. They performed their moves in slow motion, holding each pose for longer than seems physically possible.
Supported by pianist Colin Scott, this really is an extraordinary piece of ballet. It illustrates the incredible brilliance of the dancers who have dedicated their whole life to perfecting and strengthening their art.
Arguably the biggest coup of this beautiful array of performances, was led by New York City Ballet star, Tiler Peck, in her world premiere of Intimate Pages. Her inspired piece of music is Leos Janacek’s second quartet, performed live by three violinists and a cellist from Northern Ballet’s Sinfonia. The twenty-minute piece explores the varying, and often emotionally charged, feelings and experience of love.
Ecstasy competes with struggle, yearning with elation, dark competing against light, as one man (Harris Beattie) searches for happiness. The result – a high energy, immaculately executed piece of ballet, that allows those watching to be transported to the battle being played out on stage.
This show isn’t a typical full-length story, which Northern Ballet also excel at. Rather it’s a collaborative collection of some the world’s best choreographers, successfully showcasing their artistic vision and ability, to encapsulate a range of complex emotions through music and dance.
Showing at Linbury Studio Theatre, London, October 31 – November 2 2023
Tickets for Northern Ballet’s Generations can be found here