Ballet Beats

Lively and light-hearted
The first work in Ballet Beats, George Balanchine's Allegro Brillante, is a Dutch premiere. It is one of the most vibrant, light-footed, but no less challenging works by the most important (neo)classical choreographer of the twentieth century. He himself said that “it contains everything I know about ballet, but summarized in thirteen minutes.”

From breakdancer with Boys Action, Dutchman Joshua Junker developed into a dancer with the British Royal Ballet. It was here that he also created his first choreographies. In 2023, he made his debut with the Junior Company with Remembrance, which was immediately awarded the Dansersfonds '79 Encouragement Prize. As before, Junker will also incorporate influences from hip-hop into his new creation for Ballet Beats.
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Striking new ‘voice’
Originally from the contemporary dance circuit, the Cuban-British Arielle Smith Jones blends dance, theatre, and film in her distinctive creations. That approach has already earned her a prestigious Olivier Award. In Ballet Beats, she makes her Dutch debut with a new work. South African Mthuthuzeli November presents the third world premiere. With a background in both African dance and ballet, he is considered a striking new ‘voice’ in the international ballet world. He also won an Olivier Award for one of his choreographies. Since last year, he has been the Artistic Associate at the National Ballet Academy and previously created a duet for National Ballet soloists Anna Tsygankova and Giorgi Potskhishvili.

“Mthuthuzeli November naturally blends ballet, on pointe, with an earthier African idiom (...) Posture and weight are modified, pointe shoes become percussive instruments” – The Guardian

Dutch premiere Allegro Brillante
choreography George Balanchine
music Pjotr Iljitsj Tsjaikovski

world premiere
choreography Joshua Junker
music Adam Vincent Clarke
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world premiere
choreography Arielle Smith Jones
music Klazz Brothers

world premiere
choreography & music Mthuthuzeli November