Ashton Classics - A celebration of Ballet and Orchestra
Ashton Classics, performed by the Birmingham Royal Ballet, at the Birmingham Symphony Hall from 15-17 February 2025.
Review by Ellie Blackwell.
A classy and enlightening celebration of dance and orchestra as Sir Frederick Ashton’s treasured favourites harmonize in this dreamy mélange. The best of the Birmingham Royal Ballet, brought to life by ballet star and director Carlos Acosta.
On a grim February evening I took the short walk from the station to the stately Symphony Hall. Not entirely sure what to expect from Ashton Classics, or how this medley of classical pieces would unfold, I settled down in the sold-out theatre.
After a short opening-speech from one of the charismatic composers, Paul Murphy, the soirée started with a sweeping fanfare from the stunning orchestra. Our energetic compère for the night was Professor Kate Williams who gave a comprehensive backstories and analysis behind many pieces. Despite her bubbly persona, both myself and my plus one would have preferred a little less conversation and a little more action… In saying that, at the end of the two hours I did feel like a bona-fide ballet connoisseur.
After the detailed introduction from our compère, the huge stage doors opened and the first dancers of the night leapt onto stage to perform Sir Frederick Ashton’s Birthday Offering. Following on flawlessly was the first of many delightfully classical Pas de Deux (romantic dance duets).
Frivolous fun from La Fille mal gardée had us chuckling at the infamous clog dance. Its sublime and original numbers were a fitting tribute to much-missed CEO of the Birmingham Royal Ballet, Caroline Miller, for whom it was love at first sight after watching this as a child. La Fille mal gardée was also my first ballet, and I too, had been immediately enchanted.
Beautifully feather-light, the ballerinas emanated strength and skill, gliding across the stage executing sensational lifts during the creative choreography. Even without tailored lighting and effects, each piece was more dramatic and thrilling than the next, I was astounded anew at each performance. At the end of Thaïs pas de deux, my friend and I turned to each other wide-eyed to both simply say, ‘wow’.
For me, the first of many standout performances was the searingly exquisite Juliano Nunes’ Interlinked. Both classical yet unconventional, the two male dancers explored, defied and redefined ballet’s rigid gender roles.
Since the Royal Ballet Sinfonia proudly encircled the stage, one passionate audience member felt it was gorgeous to see the fundamental rapport between dancer and musician, something that is not always visible. Adventurous and powerful to playful and whimsical, their mesmerising crescendos swept through the theatre. It was the kind of inspiring music that makes you feel like anything is possible.
More pleasant surprises were in store as acclaimed director and dancer Carlos Acosta was invited up and subject to a mini-interview by our enthusiastic compère. Much to the excitement of the elderly women next to me, Accosta then took a seat in the audience to drink in the on-stage wonders.
Although Ashton Classics ran from 15-17 of February, if this production is anything to go by, the Birmingham Royal Ballet has got to be one of the finest things the city has to offer. This charming montage is an absolute necessity for ballet-fanatics, classical music lovers, or those who want to experience the best slice of everything ballet has to offer… What a wonderful idea.
See more from the Birmingham Royal Ballet: https://www.brb.org.uk/
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