1. The Royal Ballet’s ‘Swan Lake’
The Royal Ballet’s ‘Swan Lake’
The Royal Ballet’s production of ‘Swan Lake’ is perhaps the most famous and beloved ballet in the world. The story of the prince and the cursed swan princess has been performed countless times since its first performance in 1895, and has been adapted for film and television numerous times.
The Royal Ballet’s production of ‘Swan Lake’ is renowned for its perfect blend of classical ballet and ballroom dancing. The original choreography was created by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, and it has since been adapted by several choreographers, including Rudolf Nureyev, Anthony Dowell, and most recently, Christopher Wheeldon.
The Royal Ballet’s ‘Swan Lake’ is a must-see for any ballroom dancer. The choreography is intricate and beautiful, and the costumes and sets are stunning. The production is a perfect example of how classical ballet and ballroom dancing can be combined to create a truly magical performance.
2. English National Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’
2. English National Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’
The English National Ballet’s performance of ‘The Nutcracker’ is one of the most beloved ballets of all time. This classic Christmas tale of a young girl’s magical journey to the Land of Sweets is brought to life by the English National Ballet’s stunning choreography.
The ballet features a full score of Tchaikovsky’s iconic music, as well as a range of stunning ballroom dances. From the graceful Waltz of the Flowers to the energetic Russian Dance, the performance is a showcase of the best of ballroom dancing.
The English National Ballet’s production of ‘The Nutcracker’ has been performed in the UK since the 1950s and has become a firm favourite of ballet fans across the country. It is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the beauty of ballroom dance.
Where To See It
The English National Ballet’s production of ‘The Nutcracker’ is usually performed at the London Coliseum in the spring. It is also performed in other major cities across the UK throughout the year.
3. Birmingham Royal Ballet’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’
3. Birmingham Royal Ballet’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’
Birmingham Royal Ballet’s production of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is one of the most iconic ballroom performances in Britain. The production, which was choreographed by David Bintley in 1994, is a faithful adaptation of the classic Shakespeare play. The production features some of the most iconic and memorable ballroom scenes in British theatre, including the famous balcony scene and the duel between Romeo and Tybalt.
The production has been performed in a number of venues across the UK, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Birmingham Hippodrome and the Edinburgh Playhouse. It has also been performed internationally, including in the United States and Canada.
The Cast
The production features some of the best dancers in Britain, including Tamara Rojo, Robert Parker, and Iohna Loots. The cast is rounded out by a number of talented supporting dancers and musicians, including the Royal Ballet Sinfonia and the Birmingham Royal Ballet Chorus.
The Music
The production features some of the most iconic music from the classic Shakespeare play, including the famous ‘Love Theme’ and the ‘Death of Tybalt’. The music is performed by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, conducted by David Bintley.
Critical Reception
Birmingham Royal Ballet’s production of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ has been met with critical acclaim. The production has been praised for its faithful adaptation of the classic Shakespeare play and for its stunning choreography. It has also been praised for its talented cast and for its beautiful music.
4. Rambert Dance Company’s ‘Dance of the Seven Veils’
Rambert Dance Company’s ‘Dance of the Seven Veils’
The Rambert Dance Company’s ‘Dance of the Seven Veils’ is a spectacular production, combining elements of contemporary ballet and traditional ballroom dance. The piece was choreographed by Mark Baldwin and premiered in 1999. It has since been performed around the world, including in the UK.
The Story
The ‘Dance of the Seven Veils’ tells the story of Salome, a young woman who is determined to have her way, no matter the cost. She seduces the King of Judea, Herod, and demands the head of John the Baptist in return. The piece follows her journey from innocence to corruption, with a mesmerizing mix of traditional and contemporary dance styles.
The Choreography
The choreography is a mix of traditional ballroom steps and contemporary ballet moves. The piece is performed to a score of classical and contemporary music, which adds to the drama of the story. The dancers move in perfect unison, creating a mesmerizing display of grace and power.
The Performance
The Rambert Dance Company’s ‘Dance of the Seven Veils’ is a stunning performance that has captivated audiences around the world. It is a must-see for any fan of ballroom dance in Britain.
5. English National Ballet’s ‘Giselle’
5. English National Ballet’s ‘Giselle’
A Timeless Classic
The English National Ballet’s production of ‘Giselle’ is a timeless classic. The production, which premiered in London in 1985, is based on the story of a peasant girl who is betrayed by her lover and dies of a broken heart. She then joins a group of other betrayed women in the afterlife, and the story follows her journey of redemption and forgiveness.
The Choreography
The production features choreography by the renowned English choreographer, Sir Peter Wright. He has created a unique and emotive interpretation of the original ballet, blending classical and contemporary styles. The choreography includes a variety of ballroom dance steps, from the graceful waltz to the energetic cha-cha-cha.
The Costumes
The costumes for the production are inspired by the romantic period of the 19th century. The costumes are designed to evoke a sense of elegance and sophistication, with the female dancers wearing flowing skirts, corsets and delicate lace. The male dancers wear traditional tailcoats and breeches.
The Music
The music for the production is composed by the renowned French composer, Adolphe Adam. His score is full of beautiful melodies and is sure to captivate the audience.
The Cast
The production features an all-star cast of dancers, including British ballroom champions, international ballet stars and rising stars from the English National Ballet. The performance is sure to be a spectacular show that will leave audiences spellbound.
6. The Royal Ballet’s ‘The Sleeping Beauty’
The Royal Ballet’s ‘The Sleeping Beauty’
The Royal Ballet’s production of ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ is one of the most iconic performances of ballroom dancing in the UK. The production was first performed in 1890, and has been delighting audiences ever since.
The performance is based on the classic fairytale, with the main characters, Princess Aurora and Prince Florimund, taking part in a grand ballroom dance. The choreography is based on the classic ballet of the same name, and the costumes and sets are truly breathtaking.
The Royal Ballet’s production of ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ is a must-see for any fan of ballroom dancing. It is a truly magical experience, and one that will stay with you long after the performance is over.
Where to See It
The Royal Ballet’s production of ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ is performed at the Royal Opera House in London. Tickets can be booked through the Royal Opera House website.
When to See It
The Royal Ballet’s production of ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ is performed throughout the year. Check the Royal Opera House website for performance dates and times.
7. Northern Ballet’s ‘The Three Musketeers’
Northern Ballet’s ‘The Three Musketeers’
Northern Ballet’s ‘The Three Musketeers’ is a thrilling adaptation of the classic novel by Alexandre Dumas, set to the music of Tchaikovsky. The production is a stunning display of ballroom dancing, and a perfect example of how the art form can be used to bring a classic story to life.
The story follows the adventures of the four Musketeers, Athos, Porthos, Aramis and d’Artagnan, as they battle the forces of evil in a quest for justice and honour. The ballroom dancing sequences are some of the highlights of the production, as the Musketeers and their allies take to the dance floor to express their emotions and show their strength.
Cast and Creative Team
The production was created by Northern Ballet’s Artistic Director, David Nixon, and choreographed by Cathy Marston. It features the award-winning dancers of Northern Ballet, including Kenneth Tindall, Elisha Willis and Matthew Koon.
Critical Reception
The production has been met with critical acclaim from audiences and critics alike. The Guardian described it as ‘a thrilling, passionate and often breathtakingly beautiful production’, while The Times praised the ‘stunning ballroom sequences’.
Where to See It
The production is currently touring the UK, with upcoming performances in London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Edinburgh. Tickets can be purchased from the Northern Ballet website.
8. Birmingham Royal Ballet’s ‘Coppelia’
Birmingham Royal Ballet’s ‘Coppelia’
Birmingham Royal Ballet’s ‘Coppelia’ is a classic example of a theatrical ballroom dance performance. The ballet is based on a story by E.T.A Hoffmann and tells the story of a mysterious dollmaker, Dr. Coppelius, and his creation, Coppelia. The story follows the adventures of two young lovers, Swanilda and Franz, as they attempt to outwit the doctor and save their love.
The production features a variety of different ballroom dance styles, including the waltz, mazurka and pas de deux. The choreography is by David Bintley and the music is by Leo Delibes. The production has been performed in Birmingham since 1991 and is well known for its stunning costumes and sets.
Notable Performances
Birmingham Royal Ballet’s ‘Coppelia’ has been performed in some of the most prestigious theatres in the country, including the Royal Opera House in London and the Edinburgh Festival Theatre. The production has also been performed in other countries, including Japan, the United States and Canada.
The production has been seen by millions of people around the world, and has been praised for its beautiful choreography and costumes. It is one of the most popular ballets in the world and continues to be performed regularly in Birmingham.
9. The Royal Ballet’s ‘Giselle’
The Royal Ballet’s ‘Giselle’
The Royal Ballet’s ‘Giselle’ is a classic ballet performance that has been performed in Britain since the mid-19th century. It tells the story of a peasant girl who falls in love with a nobleman, only to be betrayed and driven to death. The ballet is full of emotion, beauty and tragedy, and is a must-see for any ballroom dance enthusiast.
The Royal Ballet’s production of ‘Giselle’ is a stunning spectacle of classical ballet. The choreography is intricate, the sets are lavish and the costumes are stunning. The performance is accompanied by a full orchestra and the music is composed by Adolphe Adam.
The Royal Ballet has been performing ‘Giselle’ since the mid-19th century, and it is still one of the most popular ballets in the world. It is a timeless classic that has been seen by millions of people around the world.
Notable Performances
The Royal Ballet’s production of ‘Giselle’ has been performed in some of the most prestigious theatres in Britain. In 2011, the ballet was performed at the Royal Opera House in London. In 2014, the ballet was performed at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre.
Notable Dancers
The Royal Ballet’s production of ‘Giselle’ has been danced by some of the most famous dancers in the world. In 2011, the lead role of Giselle was danced by Lauren Cuthbertson. In 2014, the lead role was danced by Natalia Osipova.
Conclusion
The Royal Ballet’s ‘Giselle’ is a timeless classic that has been performed in Britain for over a century. It is a beautiful and emotional ballet that is a must-see for any ballroom dance enthusiast.
10. English National Ballet’s ‘Swan Lake’
10. English National Ballet’s ‘Swan Lake’
The Stunning Performance
English National Ballet’s production of ‘Swan Lake’ is one of the most beautiful and iconic performances of ballroom dance in Britain. The ballet follows the story of Prince Siegfried and his love for the Swan Princess, Odette. The performance is a stunning display of grace and power, as the dancers move with elegance and purpose through the choreography. The costumes, sets and music all add to the atmosphere, creating a truly magical experience.
The Choreography
The choreography for ‘Swan Lake’ was created by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. It is a classical ballet, with a mix of classical and modern elements. The choreography is intricate and complex, with a combination of solos, duets and ensemble pieces. The movements are graceful and powerful, and the dancers bring the story to life with their skill and passion.
The Music
The music for ‘Swan Lake’ was composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It is a beautiful and powerful score, with sweeping strings and powerful brass. The music helps to create the atmosphere of the performance, and is a key part of the ballet’s success.
The Legacy
English National Ballet’s production of ‘Swan Lake’ has become a classic of British ballroom dance. It has been performed around the world, and is still popular today. It is a stunning example of the beauty and power of ballroom dance, and is an inspiring performance for any aspiring dancer.
