Visit to rehearsal by New English Ballet Theatre

Acts of Exaltation Photo (c) Andre Uspenski

Visit to rehearsal by New English Ballet Theatre

24th February 2025

On a cold and wintery evening in London, members of the London Ballet Circle were welcomed by the New English Ballet Theatre (NEBT) to watch a rehearsal of Acts of Exaltation, choreographed by Royal Ballet Principal, Matthew Ball. High above Covent Garden, on the 6th floor of the Royal Opera House in the Fonteyn Studio, Karen Pilkington-Miksa, Founder and Artistic Director of the NEBT, introduced the rehearsal. Members were to see Ball himself lead the rehearsal, as the company get ready to bring the work back to the stage in April, following its premiere in 2024. Over to Ball who prepared the audience for what was to come; this was a “working rehearsal”, not just the “best bits”.

Acts of Exaltation, an ensemble piece for seven dancers, drawers from a broad theme of ‘religiosity’, consisting of complex patterns set to sacred and secular music by Claudio Monteverdi. As the rehearsal progressed, Ball provided dancers with a great deal of detail, giving notes on the symbolic shaping, journey of movement, and expression. As Ball focussed his attention on spatial positioning during a sequence of evolving prayer and blessing gestures, he shared his inspiration with the dancers – art works by Italian painter, Caravaggio. Ball highlighted the interconnected and overlapping positioning of the figures that he wanted to capture. The rehearsal was not just about the details of the choreography, Ball wanted to try new things. “I want to push it more”, he explains, as he asks a trio to try a different and challenging lift. The audience were left eagerly anticipating what will make the performances in April. The rehearsal closed to rapturous applause from the LBC members, a token of their appreciation for the opportunity to watch this insightful rehearsal.

For more information and to book tickets for the NEBT’s Spring programme, visit their website.

Written by Alexandra Cross and approved by Matthew Ball