A chance to see some highly skilled dancers perform newly commissioned works

The annual Ballet Central tour offers a chance to see some of the most highly-skilled, new dance talent perform newly commissioned works and much-loved revivals by the dance industry’s top choreographers.

Audiences for the Ballet Central tour are increasing each year, attracting dance lovers and those new to live dance performance. The varied repertoire features a programme of ballet, contemporary and narrative dance suitable for families and all age groups.

William Glassman, artistic director of Ballet Central, said: “Each year we bring a programme featuring works by some of the UK’s most highly-acclaimed, established choreographers and talented young choreographers to local theatres. It’s a chance to see electrifying new works and time-honoured favourites performed regionally. The 2015 repertoire includes a dynamic range of new pieces; an energetic neoclassical work by Scottish Ballet’s artistic director, Christopher Hampson entitled Four, to music from Flak by Graham Fitkin; a world premiere of Morning & Moonlight, a contemporary piece suggesting elements of a seascape by international choreographer Christopher Bruce, performed to excerpts from Benjamin Britten’s Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes; an enthralling narrative work by current MA choreography student and dancer with Birmingham Royal Ballet Kit Holder entitled Hopper, inspired by the paintings of American artist Edward Hopper which features a new score by Ballet Central’s Musical Director Philip Feeney.”

William added: “Classical ballet fans will relish the Blue Ball Pas de Deux from Cinderella, choreographed by the late company founder Christopher Gable and staged by Carole Gable, as well as La Fille Mal Gardée Pas de Deux and Pas de Quatre staged by Central tutors Resmi Malko and Patricia Linton. This year’s tour will also see revivals of Code by Phoenix Dance Theatre’s artistic director and Central artistic advisor Sharon Watson, and Scenes from a Wedding by Christopher Marney, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures company principal artist and Central MA choreography graduate.”

Ballet Central is the touring company of the centre for professional dance training and education, Central School of Ballet (Central) based in London. Students on the final year of their three-year BA (Hons) degree course join Ballet Central to gain invaluable touring experience before graduation.

Sara Matthews, Central’s director, said: “Ballet Central’s dancers not only perform but also help with all aspects of staging, from technical lighting to wardrobe. Another highlight of Ballet Central is the music, much of which has been created by Central’s composer-in-residence Philip Feeney who also performs live on the tour.

“We are the only vocational ballet school to offer an honours degree in professional dance and performance and pre-professional touring experience on such a scale. Ballet Central continues to be a springboard for hundreds of dancers into the top international dance companies. Dancers live to perform so touring is a much-anticipated part of our three-year curriculum. And we hope the Ballet Central tour will provide inspiration to young dancers who may be thinking about professional dance as a career.”

Tickets on 01293 553636 or by visiting www.hawth.co.uk.

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