It is an absolute privilege to see London City Ballet back on tour following a 30-year hiatus – as sharp and vibrant as ever with a stunning repertoire to match.
London City Ballet dancers Ellie Young and Álvaro Madrigal | Photo © ASH
Theatre Royal Bath is their second stop in a tour that ends in the USA but is absolutely worth the accolades and ovations that met them from the apparently full house.
The programme of a quartet of dances were diverse and energetic allowing the magnificent company to shine.
Opening with Larina Waltz by Ashley Page, it was clear that LCB were back and as superb as ever.
A useful background projection of their history for those too young to know reflected the struggles they have faced.
Ballade by Kenneth Macmillan followed, with Ayca Anvil, Joseph Taylor, Nicholas Vavrecka and Arthur Wille. Intense and packed with emotions throughout.
Five Dances by Arielle Smith was a beautiful compilation of power struggles and storytelling. It is no surprise as a choreographer she has been celebrated in The Stage 25 as one to watch. This was a new vision and hugely compelling.
Eve by Christopher Marney was stronger in narrative than the previous dances and enlisted some atmospheric lighting (Andrew Murrell) and projection which captured the story with a romance and passion. The costumes were particularly effective in the closing images.
This is an excellent opportunity for any dance lover or dance student to witness contemporary ballet at the height of achievement. London City Ballet are most definitely back and long may they stay.
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Reviewer: Petra Schofield
