London City Ballet, the new company of celebrated dancers from around the world, return to touring after a break of almost 30 years, with performances at York Theatre Royal on September 6 and 7.
The Resurgence 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.
London City Ballet is a touring company for a new generation bringing their experience and artistry to the stage, presenting engaging stories through dance.
Under the direction of Artistic Director Christopher Marney (former principal dancer at New Adventures and director of the Joffrey Ballet Studio Company of Chicago), the company will present a programme of acclaimed works by British choreographers including the revival of Kenneth MacMillan’s 1972 one-act ballet Ballade, unseen in Europe for over 50 years.
The repertoire also includes Ashley Page’s Larina Waltz marking the ballet’s 30th anniversary, and Olivier award-winner Arielle Smith premieres a new creation Five Dances. A full company work by Christopher Marney called Eve, which premiered at Sadler’s Wells in 2022, will close the evening.
Artistic Director Christopher Marney has spent two years rebuilding London City Ballet with insights from its early pioneers. The works selected for the 2024 international tour pay homage to the company’s roots in the form of rarely seen archival footage. The Resurgence tour is shaped by the repertoire selected and to highlight the re-launch of this famous dance company.
He said: “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 Resurgence tour offers audiences the chance to enjoy some of the most compelling dancers from around the world perform choreography rarely seen, many of whom are former principals from leading dance companies. We’re a progressive and diverse company celebrating exceptional dancers presenting engaging work for a new generation.”
The company comprises 14 dancers, many of whom are former principals from leading dance companies. The dancers originate from countries worldwide including 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 resides in purpose-built dance studios and office space in Angel, Islington, in London and will work to a touring model of six-months per year for an initial three year period. Kate Lyons (New Adventures) is the company’s Rehearsal Director and Sean Flanagan (Balletboyz) is General Manager.
Formerly the resident company of Sadler’s Wells, and internationally recognised as one of the world’s leading dance collectives, the prolific touring company was famously patronised by Diana, Princess of Wales. The original London City Ballet closed its doors in 1996 after 18 years of operations.
In addition to the performances, there will also be a short open class before the Saturday matinee – this will be a wonderful behind the scenes experience and there will be the opportunity to meet two dancers afterwards, and ask a few questions. Tickets cost £7, or are free for YTR members.
