English National Ballet’s Rhythm Riot Deliver Grit and Showmanship at Sadler’s Wells

A compelling fusion of mid-20th century American dance influences took center stage at Sadler’s Wells, as the English National Ballet presented its latest triple bill, Rhythm Riot. The production combines elements inspired by Igor Stravinsky, tap, and the poetry of William Blake, resulting in a performance defined by sharp showmanship and dynamic energy.

The program evokes the vibrant dance scenes of New York during that era, highlighting the parallel developments between George Balanchine’s sleek, angular style and the swinging floors of Harlem’s Cotton Club and Savoy. Balanchine, an admirer of the legendary Nicholas Brothers, helped forge a distinct American ballet language that the current production channels with a focus on driving rhythm.

Central to the evening is Balanchine’s Symphony in Three Movements, choreographed in 1972 as a tribute to Stravinsky, though the score itself dates back to 1945. The collaboration between the choreographer and composer remains renowned, and here their partnership is evident in the stark clarity of the movement juxtaposed against the complex textures of the music.

Performances across the bill were marked by significant power and precision. The English National Ballet Philharmonic delivered an engaging interpretation of the score under the direction of Maria Seletskaja, adding to the palpable intensity emanating from the pit.