**Royal Ballet Encounters: A Mixed Bag**

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Post on Oct 23, 2024

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Royal Ballet Encounters: A Mixed Bag

You know how it is, you go to the Royal Ballet, expecting some top-notch, world-class dance, and sometimes you get it, and sometimes you get a mixed bag. That was definitely the vibe at the recent “Encounters” program.

This program was supposed to be a showcase of new and emerging talent, but honestly, some of it felt a bit rough around the edges. I mean, we're talking about the Royal Ballet, right? You'd expect them to be, like, perfect all the time. But this program proved that even the best dancers can sometimes fall a bit flat.

A Little Rough Around the Edges

The first piece, “The Unfolding,” by rising choreographer, Liam Scarlett, was a real mixed bag. It was ambitious, that's for sure, with some interesting ideas about the human form and its movement. However, the execution felt a bit clunky at times, with some awkward transitions and poses that seemed to lack real meaning.

The music, by Gavin Bryars, was pretty cool, all atmospheric and moody, but it didn’t quite match the choreography. It felt like two different ideas fighting to be heard, and, unfortunately, neither won out completely.

A Ray of Hope

Luckily, things started to improve with the second piece, “The Rite of Spring” by Alexander Ekman. This was a much more powerful and cohesive work, with a clear narrative and a strong visual impact. It’s pretty wild to think that the music for “The Rite of Spring” was originally written in 1913, but somehow it felt incredibly modern and relevant to the current moment.

The dancers, too, were on fire in this piece. Their energy and intensity were contagious, and you could really feel the passion they brought to the stage. There were some truly impressive moments, like the final sequence with the entire company swirling and stomping in unison, that left you breathless.

Overall Thoughts

This program, while not a complete triumph, did offer some interesting insights into the future of dance. It's clear that the Royal Ballet is not afraid to take risks, and that's a good thing. We just have to be patient and see how these new choreographers and dancers develop. But one thing's for sure, the Royal Ballet continues to push boundaries and challenge expectations.

And who knows? Maybe next time, we'll get a program that's truly perfect.