Japanese National Ballet to first perform in the United Kingdom
The National Ballet of Japan Makes Its Debut at the Royal Opera House
The National Ballet of Japan is set to make history as they perform at the prestigious Royal Opera House in London, marking their first overseas performance in 16 years. This momentous occasion comes after the cancellation of the internationally renowned Moscow-based company's tour, with the Opera House proposing instead to open its stage to the Japanese dancers.
Kevin O'Hare, director of the Royal Ballet, approached Miyako Yoshida, the artistic director of the National Ballet of Japan, with the idea of bringing her company to London as a replacement. Yoshida, a former principal dancer of the Royal Ballet, saw this as an opportunity to increase international recognition for her company and enable its 75 dancers to evolve alongside European and other global companies.
Performing at the Royal Opera House is a dream come true for Yoshida, but also a source of pressure. The production of Giselle, a classic romantic ballet which first premiered in 1841, aims to showcase the National Ballet of Japan's unique style and artistry. Yoshida plans to modernize the production to make it more accessible to young audiences.
Choreographer Alistair Marriott supports Yoshida in her efforts to distinguish the production with its pared-back simplicity. This will be the first time the Japanese ballet company performs a classic Western ballet in Europe.
Despite the wide repertoire of the Japanese ballet company, they admit they might not be fully prepared to replace one of the oldest and most prestigious ballet companies in the world. However, Yoshida is determined to make the company known worldwide.
The performances at the Royal Opera House are intended to promote the National Ballet of Japan and facilitate its growth in the European and global ballet scene. Eleven Japanese dancers, including three principal dancers, are currently performing at the Royal Opera House and make up around 10 percent of the company.
The Japan's resident ballet company, founded in 1997, will perform in London for the first time from Thursday to Sunday in 2022. This debut in the United Kingdom is a significant milestone for the National Ballet of Japan, and audiences are eagerly awaiting their performance of Giselle.
The National Ballet of Japan's debut at the Royal Opera House signifies an opportunity to delve into a new phase of their lifestyle, transcending borders as they mingle with the fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden elements of London's rich culture. Showcasing their unique artistry in the production of Giselle, the ballet company hopes to make a lasting impact, modernizing the classic romantic ballet to captivate younger audiences.
