Ballet Nights 008: Pillars & Pioneers

The London sensation, Ballet Nights, returns for another unmissable fixture in the ballet calendar, featuring world-class dancers, emerging artists, modern masterpieces, new creations, legacy works and live music.

The first London programme of 2025 celebrates legends of dance alongside important new voices making work today, continuing the new tradition of uniquely compèred evenings of Classical Ballet, Neo-Classical & Contemporary Dance presented up close and without compromise.

Founder & Artistic Director, Jamiel Devernay-Laurence says: “Pillars & Pioneers is designed to reflect the mix of established, legendary and legacy artists featured on the programme. Richard Alston, Mara Galeazzi and Eric Gauthier join pioneering new voices including the Royal Ballet’s Matthew Ball and modern dance sensation BlacBrik. I’m also delighted that Ballet Nights will be hosting the UK premiere of Philadelphia’s leading contemporary ballet company, BALLETX, in a duet from ‘Big Ones’ by Trey McIntyre who has set his work to three tracks by Amy Winehouse.”

Adds Christine Cox, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of BALLETX: “We are incredibly excited to be performing at Ballet Nights in London during our 20th year. It’s such an honour to be invited to share our work in front of a new audience. London has such a rich dance culture and London audiences are known for their discerning taste and appreciation for innovation in the arts.

“We will be performing three duets choreographed by Trey McIntyre who brings an incredible depth to his work, using iconic music to explore unexpected emotional depths. These duets from Trey’s ‘Big Ones’ are performed to the music of Amy Winehouse; there’s something so vulnerable and edgy about Amy’s voice that speaks directly to the complexity of the characters. The duets focus on solitude and inner emotional conflict, and the music enhances that, pulling out the contrasts between longing, regret, and resilience. Trey has such a gift for interpreting music in unexpected ways, and these songs give him the perfect backdrop to delve into those emotional depths. BalletX explores complex themes with sincerity and rawness and the emotional depths we bring to our pieces is something I think the Cadogan Hall audience will connect with immediately.”

Ballet Nights 007: Pillars & Pioneers will also feature Principals of The Royal Ballet, Matthew Ball & Mayara Magri; Former Principal of Dutch National Ballet and World Star, Victor Caixeta; Legend of The Royal Ballet, Mara Galeazzi; James Wilton Dance; BlacBrik; Rambert School; and more!

Find out more and book your tickets today at www.BALLETNIGHTS.com