BIRMINGHAM Royal Ballet are to showcase its world-class dancers, new dance talent and the Royal Ballet Sinfonia in a week-long residency at The Rep Theatre.
The residency will feature Dance Track 25, a celebration of the 25th anniversary of BRB’s landmark talent development programme.
BRB director Carlos Acosta said: “Our music and dance events provide the perfect opportunity to showcase our orchestra and dancers as they all take to the stage.
“It’s wonderful to shine a light on our musicians who are usually largely out of sight in the pit!
“The interplay of music and dance in these events creates a unique dynamic that also serves to introduce ballet to classical music fans and classical music to fans of ballet, but also it is, purely and simply, a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or evening with young family members and friends.
“We are especially delighted that the residency features the 25th anniversary celebration of BRB’s Dance Track programme telling the extraordinary story of how Dance Track has been keeping Birmingham’s young people dancing for 25 years.”
The performances are:
Dance Track 25 – Sunday, May 8:
Featuring more than 200 former and current Dance Track students on stage, including students at The Royal Ballet School and Elmhurst Ballet School and guest performances from BRB principals Céline Gittens and Brandon Lawrence.
Studio to Stage – Tuesday, May 10:
BRB’s Director Carlos Acosta and members of the BRB Company will take to The Rep’s stage for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how the company takes a new ballet from the studio to the stage.
How does a ballet come to life? Who directs the dancers? What comes first: the music or the movement? And who creates the costumes, designs the sets and lights the lights?
This special event will focus on two very different works: Will Tuckett’s Lazuli Sky, part of On Your Marks! this summer’s triple bill at Birmingham Hippodrome, part of Birmingham International Dance Festival, and Sir Peter Wright’s classic Coppélia, back in the city in October.
Family Music & Dance – Friday, and Saturday, May 13- 14:
This special interactive performance is the perfect introduction to ballet and the orchestra for everyone aged 4+.
Shireenah Ingram is host, accompanied by conductor Phill Ellis, to present the 60 strong Royal Ballet Sinfonia who will take to The Rep stage as BRB’s brilliant dancers perform highlights from Sleeping Beauty, La Fille mal gardée and other classic ballets.
An Evening of Music and Dance – Friday, and Saturday, May 13- 14:
The award-winning journalist, broadcaster and BRB Board member Marverine Cole will host a spectacular fun and enjoyable concert style evening of world class ballet featuring the Royal Ballet Sinfonia and BRB dancers.
The evening will also feature singers from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
For more information visit: www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/
