The Mariinsky Opera and Ballet toured the world for many years under the name of the Kirov. Now Sadler's Wells is delighted to host this world famous company for the first time in the theatre's history.

Programme 1
Launching Sadler's Wells' Focus on Forsythe 08/09, the ballet company presents a programme of seminal works by William Forsythe. Steptext, set to Bach's Chaconne, is a series of duets performed by one woman and three men. Approximate Sonata combines five pas de deux with a thrilling score by Thom Willems.

The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude is Forsythe's playful twist on the classical style, as the tutu-clad ballerinas move with fearsome velocity. Completing the Forsythe repertoire is the magnificent In the middle, somewhat elevated.

Programme 2
 The second programme features two of George Balanchine's timeless works - Apollo and The Prodigal Son – set to scores by two of the 20th Century's greatest Russian composers, Igor Stravinsky and Sergei Prokofiev.

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Explore our series of clips featuring William Forsythe talking about his work with the Kirov. launch player »












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Part of Focus on Forsythe 08/09

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