Ballerina who inspired new works from Kenneth MacMillan and Frederick Ashton and loved to dance with Rudolf Nureyev
Woolf Works review – Alessandra Ferri goes deeper in Wayne McGregor’s modern masterpiece
The Italian star graces a flawless revival of McGregor’s dreamlike 2015 ballet inspired by the writings of Virginia Woolf
Woolf Works review – the wondrous Alessandra Ferri flies again
Returning to the role created for her by Wayne McGregor, the dancer portrays the great modernist with emotional power
February 2023
Secret Things/Everyone Keeps Me review – Pam Tanowitz’s steps cast a spell
The American choreographer showcases three works with the Royal Ballet, the newest of which examines the idealism and corporeality of womanhood
January 2023
The Sleeping Beauty review – a vintage production rises and shines
It’s unapologetically retro, and there’s no story, but the Royal Ballet’s latest revival of Petipa’s intricate masterpiece casts its spell
December 2022
Readers’ favourite stage shows of 2022
Observer critics' review of 2022
Dance: Sarah Crompton’s five best shows of 2022
Dame Beryl Grey obituary
Beryl Grey: a bright star of British ballet with spark, poise and passion
Beryl Grey – a life in pictures
Dame Beryl Grey, British ballerina with ‘all the gifts’, dies aged 95
The Nutcracker review – the Royal Ballet’s winter warmer
November 2022
The Royal Ballet: A Diamond Celebration review – looking forward with friends
World premieres, old favourites and a ballet legend in the house make for a memorable gala evening
Patricia Ruanne obituary
Ballerina who played a Juliet of ‘genuine power’ opposite Nureyev’s Romeo in his 1977 production for London Festival Ballet
The Royal Ballet: A Diamond Celebration review – pick ’n’ mix gala with some sparkles
British-born ballet star unites Russian exiles in a dance of defiance
The best theatre to stream this month
The best theatre to stream this month: The Book of Dust, Four Quartets and the start of panto season
October 2022
Light of Passage review – Crystal Pite’s magnificent dance of life
The Canadian choreographer has turned 2017’s acclaimed Flight Pattern into a full-length work that brims with massed energy and profound humanity
Light of Passage review – mesmerising moves from Crystal Pite
With shimmering music and a signature use of massed bodies, Pite transforms her acclaimed Flight Pattern into a full-length work
Sex, drugs and pas de deux: how Mayerling’s flame keeps burning
As Kenneth MacMillan’s classic returns, his widow Deborah and Edward Watson – celebrated for dancing the lead role – reflect on preserving the spirit of this seamy beast of a ballet
