Visit to BalletBoyz studios

LBC members were invited for the first time to the BalletBoyz studios in Kingston. They are celebrating 25 years as a company.

The building itself is special (Grade II) being a World War 1 aircraft factory and where the Hawker Hurricane was designed and built in the 1930s. While it saw other uses later, its metal truss roof creates an ideal space for dance as there are no supporting columns.

The visit started with a warm up which was contemporary with phrases like “momentum, contraction and suspension” and a huge change from a typical ballet class. However, from day to day warm up also includes ballet and yoga classes.

After a short coffee break, Michael and William explained how they got the building which is their permanent home and a base from which they can invite choreographers to work and experiment. They concluded with a brief introduction to the rehearsal.

Six Lethargies is being choreographed by Ivan Perez and Seirian Griffiths to music composed in 2019 by Keaton Henson who has been an established collaborator with the BalletBoyz. It was still being worked on and it was interesting to see the interaction between 2 choreographers and 8 dancers. There will be over 40 dancers on stage (including those drawn mainly from the Rambert School not far away). If that were not enough there will also be 37 musicians on stage - some way to celebrate 25 years!

Members were warmly appreciative of the privileged opportunity to see such a different side of the dance spectrum at close quarters.

Unfortunately Six Lethargies won’t be going on UK tour because of its scale but can be seen at Sadler’s Wells 18 - 21 November (2 shows on Saturday).

Keith White  ©LBC