Astana Ballet, Linbury Theatre

The Central Asian Republic of Kazakhstan was once part of the Soviet Union; and to this day its ballet companies show a pronounced influence of Russian classical ballet, with its showy technique and bravura displays. Kazakhstan's National Ballet School follows the exacting Russian training methods, and many of its graduates have gone on to join Astana Ballet.

Founded only six years ago, Astana Ballet has already made its mark both in Kazakhstan and abroad, having toured extensively and called on the talents of a variety of dancers, choreographers and musicians.

The programme Astana Ballet has picked for its UK debut at the ROH's Linbury Theatre is made up of four diverse works that attest to the breadth of its cultural influences.

Love Fear Loss is inspired by the life and loves of the great French singer, Edith Piaf.

Astana Ballet, in Love Fear Loss, dancers Ainur Abilgazina and Ilya Manayenkov
The work consists of a series of pas de deux, each with the accent on one aspect of a relationship. Love Fear Loss is danced to Piaf’s immortal chansons, each and every song bearing witness to her deepest feelings. It carries the signature of the Brazilian choreographer Ricardo Amarante, who’s worked with a number of European companies before becoming artistic associate and guest choreographer with Astana Ballet.

Amarante is also the choreographer of A Fuego Lento (slow burn), a one act ballet that focuses on the first stages of a relationship.

A Fuego Lento uses a score that combines works by the greats of Argentinian tango, such as Astor Piazzolla and Carlos Gardel, with music by the New York based Japanese composer Sago Kosugi; and the dancers blend tango moves with contemporary dance technique.

Salome is based on Oscar Wilde’s play of the same name, retelling the biblical story of the daughter of King Herodes, who demanded – and got! – the head of John the Baptist as a reward for her dance of the seven veils.

This ballet, by the Kazakh choreographer Murakam Avakhri on a score by the Turkish pianist and composer Fazil Say, is a powerful piece that combines a variety of techniques, including pointe work and barefoot.

The programme ends with The Heritage of the Great Steppe (pictured up top), Astana Ballet’s signature work, that stems from Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage. It features a cast of female dancers in gorgeous traditional costume, performing a classic Kazakh folk dance.