Hope Muir, Joan and Jerry Lozinski Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada, and Barry Hughson, Executive Director, today announced that the company will tour to London, England’s Sadler’s Wells October 2 – 6 for the first time in 11 years. The National Ballet will perform a programme of works by acclaimed Canadian choreographers: Crystal Pite, James Kudelka and Emma Portner.
“I am thrilled to be returning to Sadler’s Wells as Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada. Sadler’s Wells was my home theatre for many years when I was a dancer with Rambert Dance Company and I feel a unique connection to this iconic venue, having developed as an artist and performer there,” said Muir. “It will always be a creative home for me, and I could not be more excited and humbled to be returning with our extraordinary company. This compelling programme which highlights not only the breadth of choreographic talent in Canada but is the perfect vehicle to showcase the versatility of our artists for London audiences who haven’t seen the National Ballet perform since 2013.”
Sadler’s Wells is the UK’s leading dance house dedicated to bringing the very best international and UK dance to London audiences and is committed to producing, commissioning and presenting works of the highest standards, crossing the boundaries between different art forms.
“It is an honour to welcome The National Ballet of Canada back to the Sadler’s Wells stage with three outstanding Canadian choreographers, demonstrating the fantastic choreography and dance this company produces,” said Alistair Spalding, Artistic Director and Co-Chief Executive of Sadler’s Wells.
Crystal Pite created Angels’ Atlas for the National Ballet.
Set to original music by Owen Belton and choral pieces by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovskyand Morten Lauridsen, Angels’ Atlas is a profound work from one of the world’s leading contemporary choreographers.
Celebrated Canadian choreographerJames Kudelka explores relationships of love in Passion. Two couples each stylistically unique – one classical, the other contemporary – weave within the Corps de Ballet, evoking complex relationships of passion. A love story whose meticulous structure mirrors the music, Passion is to the first movement of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Concerto for Piano in D, Op. 61a. Passion recently made its company premiere in November 2023 in Toronto.
islands is a sculptural duet for two women in which the dancers are joined, fusing their bodies together as one from genre-breaking choreographer Emma Portner. When islands premiered with Norwegian National Ballet in 2020, it was named a triumph. The work is set to an eclectic compilation of music by contemporary artists as well as original music by Forest Swords, bringing together hip hop, dub, guitar loops and electronic sampling for a rhythmic, avant-garde sound. islands will make its North American premiere in Toronto in March.
The National Ballet last performed at Sadler’s Wells in 2013 with Alexei Ratmanksy’s Romeo and Juliet.