BRITISH LIAISONS

British Liaisons is a celebration of the British influences on the Australian Ballet Company. This diverse triple bill includes performances from English choreographers spanning almost 70 years of British creativity. The opening performance is Concerto by Sir Kenneth McMillan. It follows the structure and mood of Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No.2. Strong, beautiful music is matched with bright costumes of yellows and reds. After The Rain by Christopher Wheeldon is about the tenderness of a relationship. The dancing is fluid and emotive and the music is dark and chaotic. The highlight is the finale Checkmate, an onstage chess battle with dancers performing the pieces. Checkmate was created in 1937 by Dame Ninette de Valois with principal dancer, Robert Helpmann playing the Red King. It feels reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland and The Nutcracker. The costumes are fantastic and rather than the usual black and white found on a chessboard, the dancers wear a striking red and black. British Liaisons is a fun night out that both ballet virgins and ballet fans will enjoy. So blokes make yourselves looks sharp, and girls go get your bling on. It’s time to get your culture fix.

Until Mar 21st, Sydney Opera House, Macquarie St, Sydney, $30-148, 9250 7777, sydneyoperahouse.com