Performed by final-year BA and MA dancers of London Studio Centre, this year’s tour opens with a major act of reconstruction: Peter Darrell’s 1977 staging of Swan Lake Act 2, not seen on stage since 1989. Carefully revived from original notation and presented with permission from The Peter Darrell Trust, the work honours a significant chapter in British ballet history while introducing Darrell’s distinctive dramatic vision to a new generation.
Alongside this landmark revival are two world premieres. Daniel Davidson’s Stay is an abstract contemporary work that subverts traditional notions of femininity, deconstructing societal constraints through physical power and gothic beauty. Set to music by Restive Plaggona and Shakespeares Sister, the ballet sheds artifice to reveal the raw strength and energy of the dancers.
The evening concludes with Victory Parade, choreographed by Jamie Carter. Inspired by popular and military music of the WWII era, this tongue-in-cheek, bravura finale transforms the idea of a ceremonial parade into a celebration of individuality, personality and ensemble spirit – a vibrant showcase for the diversity of the company.
Swan Lake Act 2
Choreography: Peter Darrell (1977)
Music: Tchaikovsky
Founder choreographer and Artistic Director of Scottish Ballet, Peter Darrell was a defining voice in British ballet. His 1977 staging of Swan Lake Act 2, not seen on stage since 1989, is revived from original notation in a rare act of preservation. Presented with permission from The Peter Darrell Trust, this reconstruction offers audiences the opportunity to experience Darrell’s distinctive dramatic vision — honouring ballet’s heritage while entrusted to the next generation of dancers.
Stay – World Premiere
Choreography: Daniel Davidson
Music: Restive Plaggona and Shakespeares Sister
Former First Artist with Scottish Ballet and former dancer with Rambert, Daniel Davidson now works internationally as a choreographer. In Stay, he creates an abstract contemporary ballet that subverts imposed notions of femininity. Through shifting textures and physical intensity, the dancers shed artifice to reveal inner strength and contained power — a gothic, uncompromising statement set to the music of Restive Plaggona and Shakespeares Sister.
Victory Parade – World Premiere
Choreography: Jamie Carter
Music: Popular and military music of the WWII era
Jamie Carter, former Soloist with Sarasota Ballet (USA) and Artistic Director of Images Ballet Company, closes the evening with a bold new creation. Inspired by the spectacle and symbolism of WWII victory parades, Victory Parade is both celebratory and knowingly theatrical — a tongue-in-cheek, bravura showcase that highlights the diversity, versatility and collective spirit of the company.
Pentland Theatre, artsdepot, London
7th May
BOOKING SOON
Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks
18th May
Key Theatre, Peterborough
22nd May
Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadler’s Wells, London
1st – 2nd June
BOOKING SOON