REVIEW: London City Ballet is back with a bang at Bath’s Theatre Royal

London City Ballet is back with a bang after a 30-year break with a UK and international tour that presents rarely-seen archive footage of its early years, including scenes showing its former patron Diana, Princess of Wales.

The Resurgence tour offers the chance to enjoy some of the most compelling dancers from around the world perform choreography rarely seen.

Formerly the resident company of Sadler’s Wells, London City Ballet was a prolific touring company and internationally recognised as one of the world’s leading dance collectives.

Sadly, the original London City Ballet company closed its doors in 1996 after 18 years but is now back with its first tour after a break of almost 30 years.

A new company has been formed for a new generation with 14 celebrated dancers from countries including Brazil, Canada, Romania, South Korea, Spain and the UK.

The Resurgence tour opens with six performances in Bath appearing from Wednesday, July 17 to Saturday, July 20.

The UK tour concludes at Sadler’s Wells in London in September. The company will also perform in Italy, Portugal, China and at the Joyce Theater in New York.

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 is performing a programme of acclaimed works by British choreographers.

Christopher Marney has spent two years rebuilding London City Ballet with insights from its early pioneers, portrayed in the archive footage.

The performance works selected for the 2024 international tour pay homage to the company’s roots to highlight the re-launch of this famous dance company.

Alejandro Virelles, Isadora Bless, Nicholas Mihlar and Miranda Silveira perform Larina Waltz by Ashley Page. (Image: ASH)

The 90-minute production (including an interval) features a 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 is an exquisite embodiment of traditional ballet.

The piece captivated with its adherence to classical form, showcasing the elegance and technical precision that defines the genre.

The choreography gracefully intertwined with the music, creating a seamless narrative that resonates deeply with my love of traditional ballet.

Ballade presents captivating performance in which the choreography masterfully blends the technical precision of classical ballet with the fluid, grounded movements of contemporary dance, creating a unique fusion and thought-provoking piece.

Olivier award-winner Arielle Smith premieres a new creation, Five Dances, a colourful contemporary dance that exudes grace and precision.

It showcases the dancers’ remarkable ability to convey emotion and depth through contemporary dance. However, the abstract nature meant it lacked a clear narrative, making it difficult to fully engage with the performance.

Ellie Young and Álvaro Madrigal perform Eve by choreographer Christopher Marney. (Image: ASH)

A full company work by Christopher Marney called Eve, which premiered at Sadler’s Wells in 2022, completes the performance after the interval.

Eve is a completely barefoot modern dance piece. The exquisite costumes and perfect dancing combine to create an unforgettable experience.

It demonstrates that contemporary dance can be just as engaging and profound as classical ballet if it has a narrative. The choreography was both innovative and captivating, weaving a compelling story that resonated deeply.

The dancers executed each movement with flawless precision and emotional depth, bringing the narrative to life in a way that was both powerful and moving.

London City Ballet presents Resurgence at the Theatre Royal Bath to Saturday, July 20.

To book tickets call the Box Office on 01225 448844 or visit theatreroyal.org.uk.