Ballet Central Opening Night at Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadler’s Wells

14 May 2024

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Last Friday, 10 May, Ballet Central performed their opening night of the 2024 tour at Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadler’s Wells. Ballet Central will now visit nine more theatres across the country, finishing with their final performance back in London at the Britten Theatre.

Lilian Baylis Studio, located in Angel, is a 178-capacity theatre and a much-loved venue on the tour. The students took their company class in the mornings at The Countess of Wessex Studios before heading over to the theatre. Once there, the company had to tech and space the pieces, receive feedback notes and rehearse for their upcoming performance. The company members are responsible for more than excellent performances, they also are key in the behind-the-scenes operations; from unloading the van, setting up the stage and clearing the venue at the end of the performance.

After completing three intensive days of rehearsals at Sadler’s Wells, the company performed to a sold-out auditorium on Friday evening. The audience included some very important guests that Central School of Ballet was delighted to welcome. Ballet Central’s first performance received a wonderful review from Dance Tabs, praising the “mix of tradition and the bang-up-to-date”. You can read the full review here.

It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and supporters of Central School of Ballet. The mixed bill programme is perfect for longtime dance lovers as well as first time viewers. Audiences can read more about the programme on the Ballet Central website, but they can certainly expect a delightful range of music, costumes and lighting alongside the fresh work of this year’s choreographers.