Bausch / Forsythe / van Manen

English National Ballet performs Pina Bausch’s iconic Le Sacre du Printemps (The Rite of Spring), in an electrifying triple bill also featuring William Forsythe’s In The Middle, Somewhat Elevated and Hans van Manen’s Adagio Hammerklavier.

In The Middle, Somewhat Elevated

With “this classic loaded with extreme moves and killer attitude” (The Times), William Forsythe started a completely new school of choreography, deconstructing classical ballet.

Set against a bare stage it is danced by nine individuals culminating in a fierce display of technical and physical wizardry.

A shot of pure adrenalin

The Daily Telegraph

Adagio Hammerklavier

As the first notes of Beethoven’s pensive piano Sonata No 29, Op 106 play out, three couples slowly walk on stage.

Eyes downcast, they set the tone for this cool, lyrical work by Hans van Manen, “one of the great masters” (The Guardian) of ballet.

Choreography of exquisite refinement

The Observer

Le Sacre du printemps

Not seen in the UK since 2008, English National Ballet is only the second ballet Company in the world to perform Pina Bausch’s masterpiece, Le Sacre du printemps (Rite of Spring). Stravinsky’s riotous score is performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic.

Hot, dark and terrifying

The Guardian

Le Sacre du printemps is a co-production between English National Ballet and Pina Bausch Foundation in collaboration with Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch

Main image: English National Ballet in Pina Bauch’s Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring) © Laurent Liotardo.