Sneak Peek Video: Hofesh Shechter's New Work at The Royal

February 17, 2015

The Royal Ballet is always willing to shake things up in the studio. That’s just what they’re doing with Hofesh Shechter, the wonderfully chaotic choreographer, who is currently creating his first work for The Royal, to premiere March 27. From the video here, it’s evident that this won’t be a polished tutus-and-pointe-shoes ballet. But that’s clearly not what we’d expect from Shechter.

 

In fact, Shechter seems to be breaking all the rules—in a very good way. According to a press release from the company, a specific rehearsal studio has been reserved solely for Shechter’s new work since the floor has become too slippery for pointe work (the dancers rehearse in socks). In an even rarer move, Shechter chose not to cast the company’s principals and instead recruited 20 of The Royal’s younger corps members, coryphées and soloists for his piece.

 

Check out the video here for Shechter’s insight into the creative process and riveting rehearsal footage. It’s The Royal Ballet like you’ve never seen them.