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Celebrating a Century of British Ballet
A two-day event at the V&A with presentations celebrating the creations of Frederick Ashton and the dance scene in Britain over the past century
This two-day symposium celebrates the vibrant dance scene in Britain over the past century. Frederick Ashton’s ballet A Tragedy of Fashion, created in 1926, has been regarded as the stating point for ‘English Ballet’: the point at which Britain began fully developing its own productions, leading to the foundation of national companies including Rambert and The Royal Ballet, and to the development of dance creations from an impressive range of choreographers now in demand world-wide.
Friday 29 May focuses on the work of Frederick Ashton, the founding choreographer, with a look at how his legacy survives, while Saturday 30 May takes a broader view highlighting dance, design, drama and the challenges the companies have overcome in the last 100 years. The focus on Ashton links to the Ashton Worldwide 2024-2028 celebrations which seeks to foster a worldwide interest in his creations.
Linked to this event are special visits to V&A East Storehouse to see material from the V&A's dance collections relating to the history of British ballet. Information on how to register for these is available when booking.
Friday 29 May focuses on the work of Frederick Ashton, the founding choreographer, with a look at how his legacy survives, while Saturday 30 May takes a broader view highlighting dance, design, drama and the challenges the companies have overcome in the last 100 years. The focus on Ashton links to the Ashton Worldwide 2024-2028 celebrations which seeks to foster a worldwide interest in his creations.
Linked to this event are special visits to V&A East Storehouse to see material from the V&A's dance collections relating to the history of British ballet. Information on how to register for these is available when booking.
