Rambert's 100th birthday is being celebrated in style at Sadler's Wells, with a trailblazing triple bill that's as bold as it is breathtaking. 'This is Rambert' may be a centenary tour, but don't expect a nostalgic trip down memory lane – this is a company on the move, pushing boundaries and taking risks in its ongoing quest for artistic excellence.
Under the visionary leadership of artistic director Benoit Swan Pouffer, Rambert has never been one to rest on its laurels. And with 'This is Rambert', it's clear that this commitment to innovation shows no signs of abating. The programme may not be a look back at the company's rich history – which includes pioneering work in early British ballet and modern dance in the 1960s – but instead, a defiant statement of intent for the future.
The pièce de résistance is 'Hop(e)storm', an electrifying reimagining of social dance by French collective (La)Horde. This is no nostalgia-tinged revival, but a full-throttle reinvention that seamlessly blends 1930s lindy hop with modern rave culture. It's a bold, brain-busting fusion that will leave you breathless and begging for more.
Another standout work is 'In Crimson' from Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber – a stunning showcase for Rambert's talented dancers, including electrifying performances from Dipesh Verma and Naya Lovell. The choreography careens between fluid, almost liquid movements and expansive, expressive gestures, all set against the backdrop of a deep, rich red velvet curtain that creates an intimate, almost chamber-like atmosphere.
Rounding out the bill is Emma Evelein's 'Gallery of Consequence', a poignant exploration of human interactions in the transient world of airport travel. This is no dry, observational piece – instead, it's a series of vivid vignettes that will leave you pondering long after the curtain falls.