We are thrilled to make our first visit to the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival. The Royal Ballet's inaugural performances here constitute a landmark occasion for our respective organisations steeped in dance over so many years. We are connected by a love of movement and a rich history and together occupy a special place in the history of our art form. The Royal Ballet's founder, Dame Ninette de Valois, brought the company to life in 1931, the very same year that modern dance pioneer Ted Shawn acquired this beautiful farmland that become the distinctive home of the Pillow's tribute to dance. During the ensuing decades, we have both become hubs for outstanding creativity with the artistry of such choreographers and dance luminaries as Alicia Markova, Bronislava Nijinsky, Margot Fonteyn, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Pam Tanowitz lighting up our stages.
Among the many works drawn from across the centuries of ballet, we are proud to present a world premiere from our Resident Choreographer, Wayne McGregor. Embracing contrasting classical and contemporary styles, our programme demonstrates the diversity of The Royal Ballet's repertory and stellar talents of our dancers.
We hope you enjoy watching our performances in this stunning location as much as our dancers are delighted to be performing here. We extend grateful thanks to everybody at Jacob's Pillow for making us so welcome and to all the individuals who, with their generous philanthropic support, have made this magical opportunity possible.
Kevin O'Hare
Director The Royal Ballet
Program
Secret things (2023) – Excerpt
Choreography Pam Tanowitz
Diamonds (1967) – Pas de deux from «Jewels»
Choreography George Balanchine
Giselle – Act II Pas de deux
Choreography Marius Petipa after Jean Corelli and Jules Perrot
Diana and Actaeon – Pas de deux
Choreography Agrippina Vaganova after Marius Petipa
Five Brahms waltzes in the manner of Isadora Duncan (1976)
Choreography Frederick Ashton
For four (2006)
Choreography Christopher Wheeldon
Manon (1974) – Act I Pas de deux
Choreography Kenneth MacMillan
Carousel (1992) – ‘If I loved you' Pas de deux
Choreography Kenneth MacMillan
Figures in a landscape (2024)
Choreography Wayne McGregor