ABOUT
The original concept of Ballet Theatre UK was to provide a platform for talented young dancers to perform the highest quality of ballet in provincial theatres throughout the UK. By doing so the Company could provide access to the classical art form to audiences who may not otherwise have been able to witness live ballet.
The Company has grown and now engages more than 20 dancers, hand selected from around the globe, each year. The last decade has seen the Company earn its place in the dance industry by performing new work of the highest calibre, both nationally and internationally.
As the Company has passed its ten year anniversary, the future is clear - to continue to be known as a high-quality bespoke ballet company providing audiences globally with modern productions of the iconic classics. We aim to raise the bar with regards to quality, offering only the very best in British Ballet.
“A ballet company of great achievement”
- The Dancing Times
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
After a very challenging time for the world, especially within the arts, I am pleased to say that not only did we survive the pandemic we came back stronger than ever. After almost two years away from the studios our dancers showed true strength, both physical and mentally, which we could not be prouder of.
The Snow Queen, which celebrated its 10 year anniversary in 2021, was the perfect title to return with. A favourite for our dancers and audiences a like, the ballet showcased our dancers steely technique and expressive artistry to an elevated level, raved by critics and audience members alike. I would like to take this opportunity to thank ever member of the BTUK family for their dedication to ensure that this production was a success. From the ballet faculty, to the dancers, crew to our creative team. Together we brought magic back to stages throughout the UK and we thank our loyal audiences for returning and sharing in this joy.
2021 also saw the launch of our new junior company, BTUK2, a vehicle to provide performance opportunities to dancers from our affiliated school taking their first steps into their classical careers. Conceived in lockdown, this project began as an online event, collating different creative dance pieces filmed around the world. Now, with live performances firmly back in action, I am delighted to present a new exciting tour featuring classical repertoire as well as new work created by guest choreographers commissioned for this project. The production titled EMERGENCE, meaning the process of becoming visible after being concealed, felt like the correct focus for the project, considering many of the dancers involved have not been able to perform live for such a long period of time.
Looking ahead to next season we are excited to announce that we will be touring our critically acclaimed production of Beauty and the Beast, a stunning full length ballet set to the glorious music of Antonín Dvořák. First performed for the companies 10 year anniversary in 2018, I look forward to restaging this title full of magic and emotion.
Lastly, I want to take this time to personally thank those who have supported our fundraising initiative so far. It has been invaluable to the company and its dancers as we returned to the studios. The money raised contributed towards the additional classes needed for our dancers prior to rehearsals to allow them to safely get back into shape ready to entertain audiences throughout the UK. However, the impact of the pandemic is still something the company is facing so if you wish to support our fundraising you still can do so by visiting our GoFundMe Page. Funds raised will help the company continue creating new work, touring classical ballet to theatres around the UK who otherwise would not have access to the artform live.
We look forward to a prosperous season, post pandemic, and I hope you thoroughly enjoy your next visit to see Ballet Theatre UK.
Kind regards
Christopher Moore
