The Royal Ballet is set to ignite the stage with its highly anticipated Next Generation Festival, a vibrant celebration of emerging dance talent from across the globe. Kicking off on June 10th at the Linbury Theatre, this year's festival promises an extraordinary showcase of skill and potential, featuring some of the world's most promising junior companies and dance schools.
The festival underscores The Royal Ballet's long-standing commitment to fostering the international dance community. "This fixture in our summer calendar is a wonderful way to celebrate emerging dancers who are all set to keep our art form flourishing around the world," comments Emma Southworth, Creative Producer of The Royal Ballet. "The range of choreography on offer during the festival will be a feast for our audiences."
The festival opens with the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company on June 10th, presenting a diverse program that blends classical highlights like the Rose Adage from The Sleeping Beauty and the Act III Swan Lake pas de deux with contemporary works by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, and exciting new creations.
Following this, the Youth Company of the Finnish National Ballet takes the stage on June 13th and 14th, offering a mixed program including Julian Nicosia’s Fragments of Time, Reija Wäre’s Clique, and Marco Goecke’s Blushing.
Ballet Central makes its festival debut on June 17th, showcasing a dynamic mix of classical and contemporary ballet. Their program includes Kristen McNally’s vibrant FEAST, a new work by Dickson Mbi, Frederick Ashton’s Foyer de danse, and Thick & Tight’s humorous Keeping Up with the Apocalypse.
Also making their Linbury Theatre debut is the newly formed Paris Opera Junior Ballet, featuring works by George Balanchine, Maurice Béjart, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, and José Martinez.
The festival continues to celebrate diverse talent with The Royal Ballet's Chance to Dance returning on June 21st, presenting a new work by Arielle Smith. Students from the world-renowned Royal Ballet School perform on June 24th and 25th, showcasing new choreographic works by students and established artists.
A powerful collaboration sees English National Ballet School and Rambert School join forces for two performances on June 27th, promising a thrilling program of compelling new and established works.
Closing the festival on June 29th is ZooNation Youth Company with Lights Out, a blend of explosive choreography, suspense, and drama.
Audiences can also gain deeper insights into the festival's creations at Next Generation Taking Shape, an Insight in the Clore Studio on June 6th, featuring interviews with dancers, artistic directors, and choreographers. This year's Next Generation Festival truly promises an exhilarating glimpse into the future of dance.
