Scenes De Ballet, Voluntaries.The Rite of Spr description
Elegant, moving and thrilling: the last programme of the 2010/11 Season has contrasts to show the wonderful range of The Royal Ballet.
Frederick Ashton's Scenes de ballet is one of the choreographer's - and the company's -defining works. Sophisticated and stylish, it became one of AshtonÂ?s own favourites of his ballets, and has given every generation of Royal Ballet dancers the opportunity to show the distinctive qualities of this world-class company.
More reflective in mood is Glen Tetley's Voluntaries. Challenging in technique and profound in feeling, it is a great way to discover Tetley's combination of the classical and contemporary.
Kenneth MacMillan's visceral and energetic The Rite of Spring is one of the finest dance interpretations of StravinskyÂ?s 20th-century musical masterpiece -conducted here, as is the whole programme, by Barry Wordsworth, Music Director of The Royal Ballet. This revival is especially distinctive in using MacMillan's own seldom-seen alternative of a male sacrifice. it provides a fabulous chance for the company's male Principals to show the roleÂ?s athleticism, attack and dramatic significance in a less familiar light.
