Royal and Derngate Theatre Northampton – 23rd May 2026
Review by Amanda Allen
4.5****
The Birmingham Royal Ballet, returned to Northampton with BRB2: Diaghilev and the Birth of Modern Ballet. This is Carlos Acosta’s Ballet Celebration, now in its 4th year, it is designed to spotlight rising stars and delivered a double bill that pays homage to ballet’s transformative past while celebrating its dynamic present. The production is a tightly curated journey through the revolutionary works of the Ballets Russes, the early 20th-century company that redefined the art form. Visually rich and stylistically diverse, the program includes faithful renditions of iconic pieces like Les Sylphides and Le Spectre de la Rose. These works not only demonstrate the dancers’ versatility but also contextualize Diaghilev’s influence as a curator of innovation.
The programme opened with a rendition of Les Sylphides, giving us a Classic, fluid and emotive start. The Dancer’s glide across the stage with serpentine grace, their bodies echoing the sensibility that Acosta has championed in recent years. The choreography is sculptural and organic, pushing the dancers beyond classical confines while highlighting their adaptability. Performed in a beautifully classic style this was an excellent introduction to an afternoon of sublime movement.
The second half opens with “Sheherazade”, a bravura pas de deux that demands both explosive power and classical precision. Here, the lead pair deliver a very satisfactory performance, with secure pirouettes, clean lines, and solid, confident, stage presence. It’s hard to believe these dancers are still at the start of their professional careers. The rest of the Second half showcased a vibrant selection of short works that highlight the versatility and commitment of the young dancers. From the very first piece, the ensemble demonstrates maturity beyond their years, with technically secure performances underscored by emotional depth. There’s an infectious passion on stage — a clear sign that Acosta’s nurturing influence and global vision have left an indelible mark on this next generation. The young BRB2 dancers rose to every challenge, embodying the character of the differing dances with astonishing control and nuance. Their energy was infectious, bringing fresh perspective to century-old choreography.
The entire programme was beautifully fluid, offering many a shift in tone and style. Acosta’s curation shows excellent classic choreography with a young ensemble at its best, reinforcing the importance of heritage in ballet, while also making a bold statement about its future. I particularly appreciated the calibre of dancing and the palpable sense of purpose the performance had from this young company, BRB2 is not merely a showcase; it is a statement — an investment in the future of British ballet. The dancers’ commitment and potential shine through in every phrase, and the audience is left with the sense that they are witnessing the emergence of new Ballet stars in the making.
The staging and set designs are simple but elegant with lighting and costume choices that allow the dancers and choreography to remain the central focus. The programme moves at a brisk and satisfying pace, never lingering too long on any one mood or style making for a performance that ended far too soon for me. My only disappointment is that there is not a training orchestra to go with the training ballet company, Live music would have been wonderful and would add an extra layer to the performance. This is a great way to introduce a new audience to the classical style of ballet with a contemporary twist, and I would encourage anyone to go along and see it if you can because by the time the curtain fell, it was clear that BRB2 is more than just a training ground — it’s a launchpad. Carlos Acosta’s vision is as inclusive as it is inspired, and this Ballet Celebration proves that the future of ballet is not only secure but scintillatingly bright.