by Sarah Becker
Niche / Worth Seeing
A collective gasp rippled through the audience as the curtain rose on the opening number from the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Dancers dressed in delicate white dresses with bows like Christmas presents, were poised in a delicate tableau against a dark, atmospheric backdrop — a beautifully evocative image.
Under the direction of Carlos Acosta, the company showcases exceptionally talented young dancers aged between 18 and 22, celebrating the revolutionary work of Serge Diaghilev and the creatives who transformed ballet into something daring, expressive, and enduring.
The audience itself was varied, though largely made up of older theatre-goers and couples enjoying an afternoon performance. Attending alongside my mother, this was only my second time seeing a ballet, and I was curious to discover whether such a traditional art form could still hold the power to fascinate, compared to more fashionable times.
The first half centres around Les Sylphides by Mikhail Fokine, a piece rooted in grace and visual softness. The synchronisation of the female ensemble was interesting to watch sparking debate with my mother about whether the dancers’ arms positions were intentionally placed. Watching the performers dance en pointe from a newcomer’s perspective was genuinely fascinating — their precision and balance seemed almost unreal.
The second half introduces four shorter works, each with its own distinct story and atmosphere, bringing fresh energy to the production. The standout piece for me was Les Biches capturing the spirit of the 1920s.
The choreography immediately shifted the atmosphere on stage, introducing a more flirtatious and theatrical energy to the production. The Hostess (Yoli Meruisse) commands attention through intricate, fast-paced footwork and exaggerated, almost mischievous gestures. The character’s interactions with the a young man seemingly dressed for the beach, add a subtle layer of comedy and seduction, making the performance feel surprisingly modern despite its age.
The costume design throughout the performance also deserves praise. From flowing white dresses to shimmering gold gowns and playful striped beachwear, each outfit helped establish the individuality of the different pieces while adding to the production’s dreamlike quality.
Lighting also played a major role in illuminating the performance. Soft, glowing spotlights illuminated the dancers beautifully, highlighting the precision and elegance of their movements. Combined with the intentionally minimalist set design — mostly simple black and gold backdrops — the production wisely allowed the choreography and performers themselves to remain the focus.
The programme runs for approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. Although relatively short, it still feels like a worthwhile experience, whether you already appreciate the performing arts or simply want to experience something outside your usual comfort zone.