London City Ballet: Resurgence

It's time for Resurgence. Such an appropriate name for the new tour of the former resident dance company of Sadler’s Wells, London City Ballet, after a 30 year 'rest'.

Famously patronised by Diana, Princess of Wales, the original company closed its doors in 1996. But over the last two years Artistic Director Christopher Marney has rebuilt the organisation with "insights from its early pioneers"and selected rarely seen archival video footage that pays homage to the company’s roots.

London City Ballet comprises 14 dancers, many of whom are former principals from leading dance companies around the world: Brazil, South Korea, UK, Romania, Canada, Spain and from companies including Scottish Ballet, Orlando Ballet, Ballet Black, San Francisco Ballet, Staatsballet Berlin and ENB.

London City Ballet informed my own career. Seeing the company perform as a child stimulated my enthusiasm for the artform.
I am drawn to reviving past repertoire of influential choreographers alongside presenting dynamic new works from current dance talent.

The new tour includes performances at many of the former company's beloved venues in the UK including York Theatre Royal. The company will also perform in Italy, Portugal, China and at the Joyce Theater in New York. The UK tour concludes at Sadler’s Wells in London in September.

Resurgence includes works by British choreographers, including the revival of Kenneth MacMillan’s 1972 one-act ballet Ballade, unseen in Europe for over 50 years, and Ashley Page’s Larina Waltz marking the ballet’s 30th anniversary, and Olivier award-winner Arielle Smith premières a new creation Five Dances.

A full company work by Christopher Marney called Eve, closed the performance and was spellbinding. Performed with precision and apparently effortless élan, simple but effective lighting, and a fantastic - but sadly uncredited - soundtrack.

Resurgence continues today (7th September) at 2.30pm and 7.30pm at York Theatre Royal.