zxDaveM Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 Foteini Christofilopoulou was at the rehearsal at the Barbican for the latest triple bill from Ballet Black. Featuring works from choreographers Annabelle Lopez Ochoa (Red Riding Hood), Martin Lawrence (Captured) and Michael Corder (House of Dreams). Here are some photos: House of Dreams by Michael Corder: Sayaka Ichikawa, Damien Johnson© Foteini Christofilopoulou. Courtesy of DanceTabs / Flickr Captured by Martin Lawrance: Jose Alves, Isabela Coracy© Foteini Christofilopoulou. Courtesy of DanceTabs / FlickrRed Riding Hood by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa: Cira Robinson, Mthuthuzeli November© Foteini Christofilopoulou. Courtesy of DanceTabs / Flickr See more...Set from DanceTabs: Ballet Black: House of Dreams, Captured, Red Riding Hood Courtesy of DanceTabs / Flickr 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SusanR Posted May 20, 2017 Share Posted May 20, 2017 Last evening I had the pleasure of seeing Ballet Black in Worthing! What a wonderful company. I can't remember when I enjoyed anything so much. The programme consisted of 3 pieces which were originally performed at the Barbican. House of Dreams, Captured & Red Riding Hood. I liked each piece, which is most unusual in a triple bill. The dancers are absolutely stunning. Lovely understated costumes & scenery. Red Riding Hood is so witty & funny. Mthuthuzeli November had great fun dancing the wolf. Cira Robinson was a lovely RRH & I was just so impressed by all the dancers. I do hope they come to Worthing again soon. Fabulous. Susan 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted May 20, 2017 Share Posted May 20, 2017 I'm looking forward to seeing this programme in Birmingham on Friday! Thanks for the report Susan, it has whetted my appetite even more. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SusanR Posted May 20, 2017 Share Posted May 20, 2017 I am sure you will love it Jan! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petperj Posted May 26, 2017 Share Posted May 26, 2017 I went to see this at the Barbican earlier this year. I have only seen a few ballets, so take what I say with a pinch of salt, but I loved it. All three pieces varied tremendously, but were uniformly great. One thing I would mention however, is that the final one (a take on Little Red Riding Hood) is surprisingly dark. On the surface, it's as bright and joyful as the third image above suggests, and at times it's very funny. However, it doesn't shy away from the themes/subtext of the original fairy tale, and the ending -while empowering and modern- is very dark. I'm not sure how much younger viewers would 'get' of some of the ideas being presented but it's certainly a little more adult and serious than it first seems. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted May 28, 2017 Share Posted May 28, 2017 I loved the performance I saw in Birmingham on Friday. All three works were beautifully danced by the Company, which is on stunningly good form. Michael Corder's House of Dreams is a gorgeously fluid piece for 2 couples to piano music by Debussy. There's some lovely intricate footwork for all the dancers. I'm not a huge fan of Corder's story ballets but this is an utter delight. Martin Lawrance's Captured seems to be about two couples who are not particularly well getting on with each other. There are some very fast, almost aggressive moves that are just breath-taking to watch. Annabelle Lopez Ochoa's Red Riding Hood is in turn witty, funny, scary, dark, sexy... Despite my phobia of balloons I just loved it! One of the things I most admire about Ballet Black is the artistic policy of constantly commissioning new works from interesting choreographers. This programme hit the spot on all levels! I hope its not too long before I get another opportunity to see this terrific company. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nottsballetlover Posted June 25, 2017 Share Posted June 25, 2017 I saw the Ballet Black triple last Thursday in Nottingham and really enjoyed it. Every single one of the dancers in this small company contributes and as a whole, they produce superb dancing in fascinating short pieces. I adored the first piece by Michael Corder, set to beautiful piano pieces by Debussy. The movement created on the 2 couples was lyrical, flowing and gorgeous to watch. I was less taken with the second piece, Captured; although the choreography was good, I really struggle to sit through anything involving Shostakovitch!! So for me, Lopez Ochoa's version of Red Riding Hood was a sensational way to end the triple - jazzy and funny in parts, mix of sexy and scary as Janet said. And wow! Clever balloons! I guess they were on some kind of weighted magnets! Glad none of them accidentally burst Janet! Such a great evening, so glad Nottingham is on Black Black's tour schedule, and using our smaller theatre, the Playhouse, which has a very intimate feel, perfect for a small company such as Ballet Black. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tatasmum Posted November 16, 2017 Share Posted November 16, 2017 We took our 11 yr old to watch Ballet Black in Derby last night. They were incredible, hopefully they are coming back next Autumn 😊 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon Posted November 16, 2017 Share Posted November 16, 2017 On 5/20/2017 at 12:15, Jan McNulty said: I'm looking forward to seeing this programme in Birmingham on Friday! Thanks for the report Susan, it has whetted my appetite even more. Wish I was going too Jan, I've never seen this company.... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sim Posted November 16, 2017 Share Posted November 16, 2017 You must try to see them sometime Sharon, they are well worth it! Cassa Pancho has done an amazing job from a standing start, and at such a young age. I interviewed her a few years ago and I am full of admiration for her. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted November 17, 2017 Share Posted November 17, 2017 Sadly for Liverpudlians we have to travel quite a way to see B.B. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon Posted November 17, 2017 Share Posted November 17, 2017 8 hours ago, Sim said: You must try to see them sometime Sharon, they are well worth it! Cassa Pancho has done an amazing job from a standing start, and at such a young age. I interviewed her a few years ago and I am full of admiration for her. Thank you Sim I shall look out for them and go watch the as soon as I am able. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted November 17, 2017 Share Posted November 17, 2017 BB are at the Stanley and Audrey Burton Theatre at Quarry Hill in Leeds tonight and tomorrow. Sadly I can't go this time but fortunately I saw the programme in May. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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