David Jays

Sir Wayne McGregor.
Dance

Wayne McGregor: 'Dance is like music, it opens channels of perception'

Choreographer, artist and expert on ‘physical intelligence’ Wayne McGregor talks about Alchemies at Royal Ballet and Opera and his inspirational new book

17 Apr 2026
Dance

Carlos Acosta’s Carmen at Sadler's Wells: fails to take flight

This flawed take on the French ballet lacks any tension, and Carmen’s fate feels dully inevitable from the start

3 Jul 2024
Dance

Swan Lake at the Albert Hall: tutu-tacular scales up the spectacle

This 60-strong show is an impressive feat – even if it does lack a frisson

13 Jun 2024
Dance

Ballet Black: Heroes review: less heroic, more socially anxious

These performances aren’t Ballet Black’s most audacious, but they are unceasingly eye-catching

16 May 2024
Dance

Carmen at Sadler’s Wells: is this take on the story just too cool?

This English National Ballet show brings bitingly defined performances from a tight ensemble

28 Mar 2024
Dance

Assembly Hall at Sadler’s Wells: beguiling, inventive and strange

The latest work by the world’s most in demand choreographer is about the annual general meeting of a failing society of amateur medieval re-enactors

21 Mar 2024
Dance

INK at Sadler's Wells review: surely the splashiest show in London

This sold out show from Dimitris Papaioannou, an artist who works in surreal scenes touched by nightmare, is both arresting and queasy

29 Feb 2024
Dance

La Strada at Sadler’s Wells: Cojocaru is remarkable, unlike the ballet

The Romanian ballerina gives it her all, but the drama dribbles away

26 Jan 2024
Dance

Manon at Royal Opera House: the tragedy has never cut deeper

The unconventional but enduring ballet bites again

18 Jan 2024
Dance

Giselle at the Coliseum: tweaks the heart, but doesn't break it

The dancing is elegant throughout this ENB show, which features an exceptional central performance from Katja Khaniukova

12 Jan 2024
Dance

Edward Scissorhands at Sadler's Wells: a sumptuous gothic revival

The New Adventures company add spark to this festive, cautionary tale

14 Dec 2023
Dance

The Dante Project at Royal Opera House: sin-tilating

With an astonishing score and gleaming dancers, McGregor's latest marshals spectacular forces

20 Nov 2023
Dance

BalletBoyz England on Fire at Sadler’s Wells: flair without flames

This England frets and fidgets, and stops short of setting ablaze

9 Nov 2023
Dance

Nutcracker at the Tuff Nut Jazz Club: naughty but nice

The first Nutcracker of the year, in the director-choreographer's hands, becomes sultry, clever and a real Christmas treat

6 Nov 2023
Dance

Message in a Bottle: Sting ‘dancicle’ is unlikely but impactful

Yes, the story of immigration is a bit on the nose – but there’s no resisting the dancers’ skill and energy

6 Oct 2023
Black Sabbath – The Ballet,
Dance

Black Sabbath at Birmingham Royal Ballet: high jumps and head banging

Londoners will have a chance to experience this culture clash of Carlos Acosta and Ozzy Osborne when the ballet arrives in the capital next month

28 Sept 2023
Dance

ENB/Our Voices at Sadler’s Wells: sorbet-fresh with magnificent music

The company’s new artistic director makes his first mark with this mixed bill set to a sumptuous score

22 Sept 2023
Are You in Your Feelings?
Choreographer: Kyle Abraham
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Credit Photo: ©Paul Kolnik
paul@paulkolnik.com
NYC 917-673-3003
Dance

Alvin Ailey at Sadler’s Wells: dynamic dancers and scores that slap

The revered New York dance troupe blazed on the stage

6 Sept 2023
ROMEO AND JULIET
Theatre

Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet at Sadler’s Wells: goosebumps

This thrilling revival boasts a terrific, detailed ensemble and some gorgeous choreography

7 Aug 2023
A scene from Carlos At 50 at the Royal Opera House
Music

Carlos at 50 at the Royal Opera House review: charisma doesn’t rust

The Cuban ballet star is an undeniable force for good, and no one should begrudge him a sold-out birthday bash

27 Jul 2023
Dance

ENB Cinderella at the Royal Albert Hall: refuses to be earthbound

This whirling ballet in the round touches on the darkness of the Grimm story, but ultimately sparkles

16 Jun 2023