Christopher Walker reviews theatre dance production Cycles of Loss & Love
There’s nothing more exciting than spotting the young stars of the future, writes Christopher Walker.
In a mixed dance bill entitled Cycles of Loss & Love, The New English Ballet Theatre [NEBT] treated us to four very different pieces, where their raw talent shone through.
NEBT is a creative platform for young professional dancers as they enter full time careers, and also offers support to the next generation of ballet choreographers, designers and musicians.
Perhaps it is not surprising they chose to perform at the new Jebsen Studio Theatre, recently opened by the Queen Consort at the Royal Academy of Dance.
A new theatre in London is always a cause for celebration. Especially here. It is a wonderfully intimate space. You can actually hear the young hoofers’ steps, as if they’re wearing tap shoes.
The academy is a beacon of excellence based near the river in Battersea.
It offers dance classes for all ages urging you to “strut our stuff” if you are so tempted.
But for youngsters it is the leading training ground for the best of London classical dance talent.
Cycles of Loss & Love was a showcase of the brightest and the best.
The box office draw was two Royal Ballet Principals, Mayara Magri, and Matthew Ball, in a piece Ball choreographed called Re(Current).
They were both excellent. Demonstrating consummate professionalism.
But it was the newcomers who stole the show.
Particularly in The Four Seasons, choreographed by Jenna Lee to Vivaldi’s music of the same title.
Jenna wanted to show life persists through hardship and turmoil and she certainly made the youths work for their breaks.
The costumes by April Dalton were very inventive.
New talents Dylan Springer stood out in Summer, and Xholindi Muci in Winter.
Dylan has incredible strength and spirit, and with polish and dedication will shine bright in the future.
Xholindi has stage presence, and you actually felt that he cared for the girl he was dancing with.
Eric Caterer Cave and Mischa Goodman gave Spring a lift.
A sentiment we can all join in.
https://www.nebt.co.uk/whats-on/
Pictured: NEBT performance Picture: Deborah Jaffe