Star dancers of the future pay tribute to ballet pioneers in Northampton

The performance is created by the celebrated choreographer Carlos Acosta and presented by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s company for young dancers, BRB2.

Titled Carlos Acosta’s Ballet Celebration: Diaghilev and the Birth of Modern Ballet, the show features highlights from the repertory of Sergei Diaghilev's troupe of rebel dancers, musicians and designers who fled Russia in the early 20th century to set a new standard in creativity that inspires and resonates across the world of dance to this day.

The first half of the programme features Les Sylphides and the second half includes Scheherazade pas de deux; a solo and pas de deux from Les Biches, Le Spectre de la rose and Firebird pas de deux.

The programme pays tribute to Mikhail Fokine and the seminal works he created at the beginning of the last century. The choreography, sets and costumes remain faithful to Fokine’s original vision. Les Sylphides will be danced to live piano, and the remainder of the programme to a recording made by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia exclusively for this tour.

BRB2 puts the spotlight on some of the best ballet dancers from across the globe aged 18 to 22. The majority of the first two cohorts subsequently joined the main company.

The newest BRB2 dancers, John Fontanini (Florida, USA, Princess Grace Academy), Yasemin Kayabay (Istanbul, Turkey, Royal Ballet School) and Yoli Meurisse (UK, English National Ballet School), join Charlotte Cohen (Australia, Royal Ballet School), Andrea Riolo (Malta, Royal Ballet School), Ellyne Knol (Netherlands, Royal Conservatoire in The Hague) and Ixan Llorca Ferrer (Cuba, Escuela Nacional de Ballet Fernando Alonso).

The experience of dancing with BRB2 has proven invaluable to many of its previous members.

Frieda Kaden, who was part of its original cohort, said: “Even when you don’t feel fully ready, you learn to make it work, and that process – pushing through uncertainty, trusting yourself, and feeling the trust from the staff – is what makes it so transformative.

“There were moments where it felt overwhelming, but that challenge builds resilience, adaptability, and a kind of 'survival mode' that ultimately strengthens you as a dancer. Touring to smaller theatres and performing in different conditions also adds to that experience, and it’s all part of growing.”

Alexandra Manuel, who was part of its second cohort, said: “BRB2 was an amazing experience, especially having the opportunity to perform principal roles at such an early stage in my career – it gives you real exposure and a sense of the level of responsibility and commitment needed to progress within the main company.”

The young company take to the Derngate stage on Saturday May 23 with performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets cost from £15. Call 01604 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk to book.