The company now known as the Royal Ballet gave its first performance on 5th May 1931, presenting a mixed bill of short works. Among those works was a new ballet by Ninette de Valois, technically the first ever ballet premiered by the Royal Ballet, and it is this ballet I will be examining today. Humble … Continue reading Forgotten Ballets: The Jackdaw and the Pigeons, 1931
The Royal Ballet
La Dame aux Camélias: The Ballets
French author Alexandre Dumas fils (1924-1895) enjoyed a career that spanned decades, publishing many successful books and plays. One of his most notable works is the 1848 novel La Dame aux Camélias. Inspired by his relationship with courtesan Marie Duplessis, who died of tuberculosis at the age of 23, Dumas fils created the characters of … Continue reading La Dame aux Camélias: The Ballets
20th February 1946: The Premiere of the Sadler’s Wells Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty
In the last months of the Second World War, the Council for the Encouragement of Music and Arts were discussing what to do with a London theatre that was currently in use as a dance hall. Led partially by John Maynard Keynes, negotiations took place for music publisher Boosey & Hawkes to become the theatre's … Continue reading 20th February 1946: The Premiere of the Sadler’s Wells Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty
Review: Òran na h-Eala
Steve Exeter's short film Òran na h-Eala (The Song of the Swan) is inspired by the Scottish ballerina Moira Shearer, and her decision to star in the 1948 Powell and Pressburger film The Red Shoes. Starring Shannon Davidson as Shearer, Alastair Thomson Mills as Michael Powell, Alec Westwood as Emeric Pressburger and Nicole Nelrose as … Continue reading Review: Òran na h-Eala
Three Forgotten Dancers of the Ballet Russes
The Ballet Russes became a sensation in the 1910s. Their first Paris season of 1909 led to further seasons in the city, along with engagements in London, Monte Carlo, and further beyond. Under the leadership of Serge Diaghilev top artists came together to produce some of the most interesting ballets of all time. Some of … Continue reading Three Forgotten Dancers of the Ballet Russes
A Homage to the Queen
In 1953, the British Empire was preparing for the coronation of their new Queen, Elizabeth II. And the Royal Ballet was no different. Frederick Ashton's ballet Homage to the Queen united the top dancers of the company in a marvellous pièce d'occasion. The ballet premiered on the 2nd June 1953, the same day as Elizabeth … Continue reading A Homage to the Queen
Madeleine's Stage 