Disruptors: Tanowitz, Junker, Khan, McGregor

We are set to experience four distinct choreographic voices in this evening of contemporary movement. The programme features world premiere works by Pam Tanowitz, Joseph Toonga, Gemma Bond, and Wayne McGregor, each approaching the language of ballet from a different perspective. You will see how these creators challenge the physical expectations of the art form, moving from the precise, architectural shapes often associated with Tanowitz to the high-energy, technically complex patterns characteristic of McGregor. The evening is structured to highlight contrast, allowing you to witness how different textures and speeds can exist within the same Company. Listen for the way each choreographer responds to their chosen score, as the relationship between sound and step is a central element of these new commissions. Because these are fresh works, the flow of the evening will be one of discovery, shifting between the experimental and the highly athletic as the dancers navigate the unique vocabularies of four very different artistic leaders.

The Royal Ballet and Opera performs these works at their home ground in Covent Garden. Known globally for their technical rigour and ability to pivot between nineteenth-century classics and modern experiments, the dancers here demonstrate their versatility. The ensemble is celebrated for its deep pool of talent, drawing from a resident company that regularly collaborates with the world’s most influential creators. By staging these four commissions, the dancers continue their reputation for being at the forefront of stylistic development, maintaining a standard of execution that makes them a cornerstone of the British dance scene.

This performance takes place at the Royal Opera House in London on 22 May 2027. As a triple bill of new works, the evening is well-suited if you enjoy seeing multiple short pieces rather than a single full-length story. There is no specific dress code for this venue, though many visitors choose smart-casual attire. Total running times and interval lengths have not yet been confirmed for these premieres. Given the modern nature of the choreography, it provides a contemporary introduction to the venue for those who may be visiting for the first time.