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The 2004 winner is the Royal Ballet
The nominations:
Northern Ballet Theatre,
Royal Ballet,
Scottish Ballet
More information about each company is given below:
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Northern Ballet Theatre
Leeds-based Northern Ballet Theatre (then known as Northern Dance Theatre) was founded in 1969, the first British ballet company to be based outside London. A classical company noted for narrative, full evening works, the 37 dancers of NBT tour the UK for up to 26 weeks a year, as well as making overseas appearances. Artistic Director David Nixon has assembled a repertory of popular works such as Madame Butterfly, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, I’ve Got Rhythm, Peter Pan, and his revisionist Swan Lake, all accessible to the new audiences the company attracts.
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Royal Ballet
Under the enlightened and enlightening Artistic Directorship of Monica Mason, the Royal Ballet has enhanced its historically well-affirmed international high profile by consolidating a distinctive artistic identity through a series of successful and well-aimed artistic choices. The careful rediscovery of the national repertoire is thus integrated by the inclusion of non-British works, whether they be classical, neo-classical or modern, which suit the varied skills and abilities of the dancers. The company boasts some of the finest artists of today’s dance scene, and is constantly proposing programmes that respond to the different demands of today’s ballet audiences.
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Scottish Ballet
Since Ashley Page, former Principal Dancer and choreographer with the Royal Ballet, joined Scottish Ballet as Artistic Director in 2002, the company has been undergoing a number of vibrant changes. In line with Page’s vision and artistic policies, the 40 dancers are constantly challenged by a varied and choreographic repertoire that encompasses classical and neo-classical works, as well as creations signed by today’s leading dance makers. Such a dynamic artistic eclecticism is achieved also through the company’s collaboration with teachers and choreographers such as Richard Alston, Siobhan Davies, Antonia Franceschi, Matthew Hawkins, Cathy James and Irek Mukhamedov.
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Picture credits
English National Ballet © Robbie Jack,
Northern Ballet Theatre © Brian Slater,
Royal Ballet © Dee Conway,
Scottish Ballet © Catherine Ashmore.
All text is © copyright of the Critics' Circle / National Dance Awards. |
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