British ballet’s male superstars are set for a successful 2012, with both Matthew Bourne’s company New Adventures and the all-male group Ballet-boyz planning a series of shows around the country.
Bourne, who earned his reputation with his men-only production of Swan Lake, has now been in the business for a quarter of a century, and is showing no signs of slowing down. Although tickets are like gold dust for the current run at Sadler’s Wells of “Nutcracker!”, his typically quirky take on the Tchaikovsky classic, fans around theUKcan look forward to a number of new touring productions over the new 12 months.
Once the national tour of “Nutcracker!” is concluded, Bourne’s talented dancers will be performing a series of revivals, including some of his earliest works. “Early Adventures”, a comedy ballet which launched Bourne’s career 25 years ago, will be followed by a long-awaited performance of his successful “A Play Without Words”.
2012 isn’t just about looking backwards for Bourne and New Adventures, however, as the year ends with the third and final instalment in his trilogy of modern takes on Tchaikovsky, with his own interpretation of the classic “Sleeping Beauty”. Entitled simply “Beauty”, Bourne has promisedLondonaudiences a classic love story with a paranormal twist.
Fans of Ballet-boyz, the tattooed bad boys of ballet, can also look forward to some fantastic shows in 2012. “Men in Motion” featuring both the musical and physical skills of principal dancer Ivan Putrov will be touring the country until April.
Once thought of as a stuffy and old-fashioned form of entertainment, the ballet establishment is now embracing the 21st century, introducing crowd-pleasing interpretations of classic novels and films, and even using elements of hip hop-style street dancing to reach out to a younger audience.
Londoners are spoilt for choice in 2012 when it comes to new dance productions, including the English National Ballet’s most daring and innovative show to date, “Time is of the Essence”, at the Hammersmith Apollo. Working alongside “Britain’s Got Talent” finalists and street dance champions Flawless, choreographers have come up with a ballet with a genuinely modern and edgy feel.
Unless you have been living under a rock for the last few months, you will be aware that 2012 is the year that the Olympics also come toLondon; and alongside the hundreds of sporting events visitors can enjoy a number of ground-breaking cultural events. TanztheaterWuppertalPina Bausch: World Cities 2012 is a series of ten pieces by the late choreographer and dancer which aim to encapsulate the spirit of several different destinations, including Hong Kong andRome.
The Royal Ballet’s contribution to the Cultural Olympiad is going to be making an appearance on the Summer Big Screen during July and is inspired by artworks by the painter Titian. The live show is sure to be a sell-out and one of the highlights of a packed 2012.
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