1. Introduction to the topic of acclaimed ballroom dance companies in Britain
Introduction to Acclaimed Ballroom Dance Companies in Britain
Britain is home to some of the world’s most acclaimed ballroom dance companies, with a rich history of dance and culture going back centuries. From the Royal Ballet to the English National Ballet, the country has a long-standing reputation for excellence in the art form.
Ballroom dance is a popular form of entertainment in the UK, with many different styles of dance to be found. From the graceful waltz to the sultry tango, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The top 10 acclaimed ballroom dance companies in Britain are:
1. The Royal Ballet
The Royal Ballet is one of the oldest and most prestigious ballet companies in the world. Founded in 1931, it is one of the foremost classical ballet companies in the UK, with a repertoire that includes traditional and contemporary works.
2. English National Ballet
English National Ballet is a leading classical ballet company in the UK. Founded in 1950, it has a vibrant repertoire of works that span classical and contemporary ballet.
3. Birmingham Royal Ballet
Birmingham Royal Ballet is a classical ballet company based in Birmingham, England. Founded in 1990, it is one of the leading classical ballet companies in the UK, with a repertoire that includes classical and contemporary works.
4. Scottish Ballet
Scottish Ballet is Scotland’s national ballet company. Founded in 1969, it has a repertoire of classical and contemporary works, and is known for its innovative approach to ballet.
5. Northern Ballet
Northern Ballet is a leading classical ballet company based in Manchester, England. Founded in 1969, it has a repertoire that includes classical and contemporary works.
6. Rambert Dance Company
Rambert Dance Company is a leading contemporary dance company based in London, England. Founded in 1926, it has a repertoire of contemporary works, and is known for its innovative approach to dance.
7. Ballet Black
Ballet Black is a leading contemporary ballet company based in London, England. Founded in 2001, it has a repertoire of works by black choreographers, and is known for its innovative approach to ballet.
8. Phoenix Dance Theatre
Phoenix Dance Theatre is a leading contemporary dance company based in Leeds, England. Founded in 1992, it has a repertoire of works by contemporary choreographers, and is known for its innovative approach to dance.
9. Ballet Cymru
Ballet Cymru is a leading contemporary ballet company based in Wales. Founded in 1986, it has a repertoire of works by Welsh choreographers, and is known for its innovative approach to ballet.
10. BalletLORENT
BalletLORENT is a leading contemporary ballet company based in Newcastle, England. Founded in 2002, it has a repertoire of works by contemporary choreographers, and is known for its innovative approach to ballet.
2. The National Dance Company Wales
The National Dance Company Wales
The National Dance Company Wales (NDCW) is a professional dance company based in Cardiff, Wales. Founded in 1999, NDCW is renowned for its innovative and exciting choreography, which combines traditional and contemporary dance styles.
NDCW has performed at prestigious venues across the UK, including the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Opera House, and the National Theatre. The company has also toured internationally, performing in countries such as Japan, Spain, and the USA.
NDCW is committed to creating high-quality performances that celebrate Welsh culture and heritage. The company’s repertoire includes traditional Welsh folk dances, as well as contemporary works inspired by Welsh mythology and literature.
NDCW’s Notable Achievements
NDCW has won numerous awards, including the Arts Council of Wales’ ‘Outstanding Achievement in Dance’ award in 2011. The company’s work has also been recognised by the British Council, which awarded NDCW its ‘Excellence in International Dance’ award in 2014.
The company has also been featured in the BBC’s ‘Dance for the Nation’ series, which showcased the work of leading British dance companies. NDCW has also collaborated with renowned choreographer Akram Khan on a number of projects, including a critically acclaimed adaptation of the classic ballet ‘Giselle’.
3. Ballet Black
Ballet Black
Ballet Black is a contemporary ballet company founded in 2001 and based in London. The company is dedicated to showcasing the work of black and Asian dancers and choreographers, and has become a leader in the field of contemporary ballet.
The company has toured extensively throughout the UK, Europe, the United States and Canada, and has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including the Royal Opera House, Sadler’s Wells, and the Royal Albert Hall.
The company’s repertoire includes a range of classical and contemporary works, and the company has commissioned new works from choreographers such as Christopher Wheeldon, Richard Alston, and Arthur Pita.
Notable Performers
Ballet Black has featured some of the most talented dancers in the UK, including Cira Robinson, Mthuthuzeli November, and Joseph Toonga.
Accolades
Ballet Black has been praised for its high-quality performances and has won numerous awards, including the Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for Outstanding Company in 2011 and the South Bank Sky Arts Award for Dance in 2012.
4. English National Ballet
4. English National Ballet
The English National Ballet is one of the most acclaimed ballet companies in Britain. Founded in 1950, it is one of the world’s leading touring companies, performing to audiences in cities across the UK each year.
The company has an impressive repertoire, featuring works from classical ballets to new creations by world-renowned choreographers. It is also renowned for its commitment to nurturing young talent and providing training and education to aspiring dancers.
The English National Ballet is renowned for its dazzling performances, which feature some of the country’s most talented dancers. Its productions are often praised for their technical excellence, artistry and energy.
Notable Productions
The English National Ballet has produced a number of acclaimed productions, including:
• Swan Lake (1951)
• The Nutcracker (1952)
• Romeo and Juliet (1959)
• Giselle (1962)
• Cinderella (1965)
• La Bayadère (1971)
• Romeo and Juliet (1988)
• The Sleeping Beauty (1989)
• Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (2011)
• The Nutcracker (2016)
Performances
The English National Ballet regularly performs at venues across the UK, including the London Coliseum, Sadler’s Wells Theatre and the Royal Albert Hall. It also tours internationally, performing in cities such as Paris, Tokyo and New York.
5. The Ballet Boyz
The Ballet Boyz
The Ballet Boyz is a highly acclaimed British ballroom dance company that was founded in 2002. It is made up of two male dancers, Michael Nunn and William Trevitt, who are also the artistic directors of the company.
The company has gained a reputation for its innovative and creative approach to dance. Their work is often described as a mix of ballet, contemporary, and hip hop, and they have been commissioned to create works for the Royal Ballet, the Royal Opera House, Sadler’s Wells, and the London Contemporary Dance School.
The Ballet Boyz have also been featured on television and radio programmes, and have won numerous awards, including the South Bank Sky Arts Award for Dance in 2009.
Notable Works
The Ballet Boyz have created a number of acclaimed works, including ‘The Talent’, ‘Life’, ‘The Rite of Spring’, and ‘The Prince of the Pagodas’. They have also created a number of short films, including ‘The Rite of Spring’ and ‘The Prince of the Pagodas’.
Performances
The Ballet Boyz regularly perform at venues throughout the UK and internationally. They have also taken part in a number of prestigious festivals, including the Edinburgh Festival, the London International Festival, and the Brighton Festival.
Collaborations
The Ballet Boyz have collaborated with a number of high-profile artists, including the Royal Ballet and Sadler’s Wells. They have also worked with musicians such as Damon Albarn, Jarvis Cocker, and Jamie Cullum.
Awards
The Ballet Boyz have won numerous awards, including the South Bank Sky Arts Award for Dance in 2009. They have also been nominated for a number of other awards, including the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance.
6. Phoenix Dance Theatre
6. Phoenix Dance Theatre
Phoenix Dance Theatre is a unique ballet and contemporary dance company based in Leeds, England. Founded in 1981, the company has become one of the most successful and acclaimed contemporary dance companies in the UK, with a repertoire of over 50 works.
The company is known for its innovative approach to dance, combining classical ballet with contemporary and urban styles. It has a strong commitment to making dance accessible to all, and has toured extensively across the UK and internationally.
Notable Works
Phoenix Dance Theatre has created a number of acclaimed works, including:
- The Rite of Spring (2003)
- The Great Gatsby (2008)
- The Red Shoes (2011)
- The Nutcracker (2013)
- The Firebird (2015)
Awards
Phoenix Dance Theatre has won numerous awards, including:
- The South Bank Show Award for Dance (2003)
- The Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for Outstanding Company (2006)
- The National Dance Awards for Outstanding Company (2013)
7. Scottish Ballet
7. Scottish Ballet
The Scottish Ballet is one of the oldest and most renowned ballet companies in Britain. Founded in 1969, the company has become an international leader in the field of classical ballet. The company is known for its commitment to excellence in both performance and choreography, and has been praised for its unique style of combining traditional and contemporary dance elements.
The company has performed in some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including the Royal Opera House, the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, and the Royal Albert Hall. It has also been featured in numerous international tours, including performances in the US, France, and Japan.
The Scottish Ballet is renowned for its innovative and creative approach to ballet. It has produced a variety of works, from traditional ballets such as Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty to more contemporary works such as Cinderella and The Nutcracker. The company has also commissioned and produced new works, including the critically acclaimed Romeo and Juliet.
The company is also renowned for its commitment to education and outreach. It has a dedicated education department that works to bring ballet to young people across Scotland and the UK. The company also works with local communities to bring dance to those who may not otherwise have access to it.
Notable Performances
The Scottish Ballet has performed in some of the most prestigious venues in the world. Notable performances include the Royal Opera House, the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, and the Royal Albert Hall. The company has also been featured in numerous international tours, including performances in the US, France, and Japan.
Notable Choreographers
The Scottish Ballet has worked with some of the most renowned choreographers in the world. Notable choreographers include Kenneth MacMillan, Matthew Bourne, and Ashley Page. The company has also commissioned and produced new works, including the critically acclaimed Romeo and Juliet.
8. Rambert Dance Company
Rambert Dance Company
Rambert Dance Company is a leading contemporary dance company based in London. Founded in 1926, the company has toured extensively across the world and has won several awards, including the Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for Best Company in 2013 and the South Bank Sky Arts Award for Dance in 2015.
Rambert’s repertoire includes both traditional and contemporary works, and the company has a reputation for pushing the boundaries of dance. It has commissioned some of the world’s leading choreographers, including Christopher Bruce, Siobhan Davies, Mark Baldwin, and Mark Morris.
Training and Education
Rambert Dance Company is dedicated to training and educating the next generation of dancers and choreographers. The company runs a range of classes and workshops for all levels, from beginners to advanced. It also offers an intensive training programme for aspiring professionals, and a range of courses for teachers.
Performances
Rambert Dance Company is renowned for its high-energy performances. The company has a regular touring schedule, performing in venues across the UK and internationally. It also hosts regular performances at its London home, Sadler’s Wells Theatre.
Collaborations
Rambert Dance Company has collaborated with some of the world’s leading artists, including the Royal Ballet, the Royal Opera House, and the English National Ballet. The company has also worked on several film and television projects, including the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Awards and Accolades
Rambert Dance Company has won several awards, including the Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for Best Company in 2013 and the South Bank Sky Arts Award for Dance in 2015. The company has also been nominated for a number of other awards, including the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance in 2016.
9. Richard Alston Dance Company
9. Richard Alston Dance Company
The Richard Alston Dance Company is one of the most acclaimed ballroom dance companies in Britain. Founded in 1992 by renowned choreographer Richard Alston, the company has an impressive track record of creating innovative and critically acclaimed works.
The company has toured extensively throughout the UK and has performed in prestigious venues such as the Royal Opera House, Sadler’s Wells, the Barbican Centre and the Southbank Centre. It has also toured internationally to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and China.
The company’s repertoire is highly varied and includes works from the classical ballet repertoire, contemporary works, and pieces that draw on folk dance and social dance. The company has also collaborated with a range of artists, including composers, visual artists, and musicians.
The Richard Alston Dance Company is renowned for its commitment to excellence and for its ability to combine energy and precision with a sense of fun. It is a company that is passionate about pushing the boundaries of dance and creating works that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
10. Ballet Cymru
10. Ballet Cymru
Ballet Cymru is a professional Welsh ballet company based in Cardiff. Founded in 1986, Ballet Cymru has become one of the leading ballet companies in Britain and has toured extensively throughout the UK and internationally.
The company’s mission is to bring ballet to a wide audience through performances of classical and contemporary works, as well as to provide opportunities for young dancers to develop their skills.
Ballet Cymru has a strong commitment to creating new work and has commissioned works from some of the most acclaimed choreographers in the UK, including Christopher Bruce, Siobhan Davies, and Arthur Pita. The company has also collaborated with some of the most iconic composers and musicians in the UK, including Karl Jenkins, John Metcalf, and John Hardy.
The company has performed in some of the most prestigious venues in Britain, including the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Opera House, and the London Coliseum. Ballet Cymru has also toured extensively throughout the UK and internationally, performing in countries such as Italy, Spain, and the United States.
Notable Productions
Some of Ballet Cymru’s most acclaimed productions include the award-winning Romeo and Juliet, the critically acclaimed A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the powerful and moving Swan Lake. The company has also created several original works, including the darkly comic The Rake’s Progress and the beautiful and haunting The Snow Queen.
Awards and Recognition
Ballet Cymru has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including a nomination for the South Bank Sky Arts Award for Dance in 2018. The company has also been recognised for its commitment to new choreography and has been awarded the National Dance Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance in 2006.
11. Conclusion
Conclusion
The UK is home to a number of acclaimed ballroom dance companies, each with their own unique style and approach. Whether you are looking for a traditional ballroom experience or something more contemporary, there is sure to be something to suit your needs.
The companies listed in this article offer a variety of experiences, from the classical to the cutting edge. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, there is something for everyone.
No matter what your level of skill or experience, ballroom dancing can be a great way to exercise, have fun and meet new people. With the help of the talented companies listed here, you can take your dancing to the next level.
Happy Dancing!
12. Sources
12. Sources
1. British Dance Council
The British Dance Council is the official governing body for ballroom dancing in the UK, and provides a comprehensive list of all professional ballroom dance companies in Britain. The list can be found on their website at: https://www.british-dance-council.org.uk/.
2. Dance UK
Dance UK is a charity dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of dancers in the UK. They provide a comprehensive list of all professional and amateur ballroom dance companies in Britain, which can be found on their website at: https://www.danceuk.org/.
3. UK Ballroom Magazine
UK Ballroom Magazine is a monthly publication dedicated to ballroom dancing in Britain. They provide a comprehensive list of all professional and amateur ballroom dance companies in Britain, which can be found on their website at: https://www.ukballroom.co.uk/.
4. National Dance Council of Great Britain
The National Dance Council of Great Britain is the official governing body for all forms of dance in the UK, including ballroom dancing. They provide a comprehensive list of all professional and amateur ballroom dance companies in Britain, which can be found on their website at: https://www.ndcgb.co.uk/.
5. British Dance Alliance
The British Dance Alliance is a network of professional and amateur ballroom dance companies in Britain. They provide a comprehensive list of all professional and amateur ballroom dance companies in Britain, which can be found on their website at: https://www.britishdancealliance.org/.
