Venue Cymru to stage Rambert Dance Company ballet

Feb 5 2009 by David Simister, North Wales Weekly News

GET SET for an elegant evening when a British ballet institution comes to Venue Cymru next week for the Welsh premiere of its latest performance.

London-based Rambert Dance Company, which can trace its roots back as far as the 1920s, will take to the stage at the Llandudno theatre next Friday and Saturday (February 13 and 14), to showcase three of its latest works to Welsh audiences for the first time.

“We haven’t done a lot in North Wales before, but we’re hoping people will be able to come along and really enjoy themselves, as there’s something for everybody,” said musical director, Paul Hoskins.

“It’s not about people wearing pointy shoes and tutus, it’s about real people connecting with art and it’s very moving and beautiful to watch.”

Rambert, originally founded by Dame Marie Rambert in 1920, has a long tradition of powerful ballet performances, notably from the 1960s when the group started to incorporate elements of modern dance into their work.

The show and tour for 2009 has been called Eternal Light, but the title piece is just one of three which will entertain visitors to Venue Cymru, being accompanied by Carnival of the Animals and Infinity, part of a series of performances which the company will display throughout its 2009 tour.

The collective is also keen to highlight how the Eternal Light tour focuses on collaboration with other artforms, with the dancers joining forces with their longstanding partners the London Music orchestra to create what artistic director Mark Baldwin calls “Rambert’s creative triangle” across dance, music and design.

Each of the company’s 2009 shows will also feature a collaboration with a locally-based group, and for the Llandudno nights Rambert has teamed up with Llandudno-based singers Choir of Amici del Canto.

“There’s a huge excitement about working with a local choir, it always brings a buzz to the performance,” added Mr Hoskins.

“They have been so enthusiastic and supportive of the project, and it’s a great opportunity for them to perform in their home town with an internationally known dance company.”

Rambert Dance Company will be performing at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on February 13 and 14. Tickets for the performances, which begin at 7.30pm, cost between £12 and £22. For more information contact the box office on 01492 872000, or visit www.venuecymru.co.uk