Rhythm Riot

Overview

Think you know ballet? Think again.

One stage, three moods. Explosive energy. Deep resonance. Unstoppable drive. Feel the pulse of ballet now.

George Balanchine – Symphony in Three Movements

A rhythm that ignites the night.

In this 21-minute corker, no tutus – only leotards, no tiaras – only ponytails, and no story – only the bold propulsion of Stravinsky’s percussive music driving 32 dancers to an explosive conclusion.

George Balanchine revolutionised ballet in the 20th century, combining speed and precision to create the neo-classical style. It’s fast, sharp, dynamic – and breathtaking to watch.

This triple whammy brings zing, grit and chills... wildly eclectic

The Guardian

The cast clearly enjoyed it as much as the audience

Financial Times on Bow Out

What a thrill to see this Balanchine gem... playful, propulsive and razor-sharp

The Times on Symphony in Three Movements

Creates an intense, immersive world through atmospheric visuals and score

The Guardian on Auguries of Innocence

The company look spiffing in their tail coats, and particularly razor-sharp in the dynamic, angular opening

The Telegraph on Bow Out

You can't watch this work without being intoxicated

Gramilano on Symphony in Three Movements

Precision, virtuosity and showmanship... an immensely enjoyable and intriguing debut from Taylor.

The Guardian on Bow Out

Joo makes striking use of large numbers and the stage pictures are enhanced by Mark Henderson’s lighting

Financial Times on Auguries of Innocence

A rhythmically alert sensibility in choreography that blends a dizzying host of styles

The Times on Bow Out

A cracking triple bill

Seeing Dance

An absolute barnstormer of a number... It feels in part from a bygone era but is brought bang up to date with hip-hop and jazz influences. The result is truly a riot of rhythm.

BroadwayWorld on Bow Out

3 Reasons to see

Fresh, bold, unmissable. Three distinct works in one evening.
Never-before-seen and rarely performed. Two world premieres and a treasured gem.
A riot of dance and music. Moving, memorable, and soul-stirring.
A black and white image of a reclining figure in a black suit. Tiny dancers are posed on their arms and leg, one of which is dressed in a bright pink leotard.

Meet the team

Please note casting is subject to change

Symphony in Three Movements

George Balanchine

Choreography

Igor Stravinsky

Music

Karinska

Costume Design

Ronald Bates

Lighting Design - reproduced by Pip Walsh

Ben Huys

Guest Repetiteur

Performances

Sadler's Wells Theatre, London

Wed 30 Sep 2026 - Sat 3 Oct 2026
Wed 30 Sep 2026
Thu 1 Oct 2026
Fri 2 Oct 2026
Sat 3 Oct 2026

More access

Find out more about access at our touring venues.