The Ballet Fusion Team’s Favourite Ballets
To celebrate World Ballet Day, here are our team’s favourite ballets and why they hold such a special place in our hearts.
Rhea’s Pick: Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker!
"Just wow! I loved this ballet so much the first time I saw it that it made me cry with joy."
Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker is a uniquely playful and reimagined take on the classic ballet. First staged in 1992, Bourne’s version turns the story into a vivid “rags-to-riches” fantasy. Clara’s journey begins in a dreary orphanage, replacing the traditional family home, and spirals into a fantastical winter landscape. Act II takes place in “Sweetieland,” where the traditional dances are reworked as candy-themed characters like the Allsorts Trio and Gobstoppers. Bourne’s humour and imagination bring fresh life to the World-famous Tchaikovsky score, making it a favourite for all ages.
Tara’s Pick: Spartacus
"I love the score and the powerful male lead."
Spartacus is a powerful ballet known for its intense score by Aram Khachaturian and its focus on masculine energy, strength, and drama. First performed by the Bolshoi Ballet in 1968, it tells the story of the heroic gladiator Spartacus, who leads a rebellion against Roman oppression. The choreography and score capture both the brutality of the battles and the tenderness of Spartacus’s love for Phrygia, making it an emotionally rich and visually striking ballet.
Chloe’s Pick: Giselle
"The story is easy to follow, and it's so dramatic—love it!"
Giselle is a quintessentially dramatic and tragic ballet. First performed in 1841, it tells the story of a young peasant girl who dies of a broken heart after discovering her lover, Albrecht, has deceived her. Act II takes place in a ghostly forest where Giselle, now a spirit, protects Albrecht from the vengeance of the Wilis, spirits of jilted women. Known for its beautiful, ethereal choreography and intense emotion, Giselle remains a favorite for its accessibility and powerful storytelling.
Chloe’s Runner-Up: Don Quixote
"With Carlos, of course!"
Don Quixote is a lively, Spanish-inspired ballet that follows the whimsical adventures of Don Quixote and his squire Sancho Panza. The story centers on Kitri and Basilio’s love, filled with humor, romance, and Spanish flair. Carlos Acosta’s performances have made this ballet especially beloved, infusing it with his charismatic style and energy.
Bethany’s Pick: Romeo & Juliet
"To dance Romeo and Juliet is amazing, and it makes for a beautiful watch."
Romeo and Juliet, set to Prokofiev’s stirring score, is a ballet adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragic love story. This ballet has beautiful pas de deux, with intricate choreography that brings the lovers’ chemistry to life. The famous balcony scene is an emotional highlight, and the ballet ends with an unforgettable climax, showcasing both the romance and the heartbreak that makes this story timeless.
Which is your favourite ballet? Leave a comment below :)
Watchlist
Watch Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! on BBC iPlayer