Springboard 2015 Linbury Studio Theatre

The Royal Ballet’s Springboard series is a nifty notion. Firstly, it provides a platform to give fledgling dancers sought-after experience as they embark upon their professional careers. Secondly, by doing so, it brings these bright young things to the attention of audiences who are in search of something new.

This summer, Springboard is building on the success of past years with the return of four of the UK and Europe’s top graduate companies – Ballet Central, Verve, the Rambert School and Dutch National Ballet’s Junior Company.
Each troupe provides its own programme of revivals and new work from contemporary choreographers. This guarantees an assortment of captivating performances!

The curtain opens on Monday 1 June with Ballet Central, Central School of Ballet’s touring company.
This company comprises final year students from the BA (Hons) degree course. Fittingly, Ballet Central has been a springboard for hundreds of dancers for over 30 years.
Ballet Central is planning an exciting arrangement of ballet, contemporary and jazz dance for Springboard 2015.

The Northern School of Contemporary Dance presents its post-graduate company, Verve, on Tuesday 2 June.
Verve’s eclectic offering is the result of a year-long collaborative process with choreographers. This method supports the School’s mission to inspire aspiring dance artists and dance makers.
Twelve dancers have created an enthralling mixed bill of four pieces. These are sure to both reflect where contemporary dance is and afford an insight into the direction it is heading in.

The Rambert School’s return on Wednesday 3 June features excerpts from ballets La Bayadère and Swan Lake.
Both dance genres, classical and contemporary, are equally valued at the School so Robert Cohan’s masterpiece Stabat Mater, set to Antonio Vivaldi’s stunning score, fulfils the contemporary portion of its Springboard selection.
There will also be a sharing of a new work by Christopher Bruce and segments of student choreography.
Dutch National Ballet’s Junior Company will close Springboard 2015 with performances on both Friday 5 and Saturday 6 June.
Formed in 2013, this inaugural company boasts twelve promising dancers recruited from around the world. Their vibrant Springboard programme promises to take audiences on an absorbing journey through dance history.

Springboard most certainly benefits the dancers who are launched into the limelight. What is perhaps even more thrilling is that it also gives audiences a glimpse into the future of dance!