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Joy Sable

Joy Sable

Joy Sable is a freelance journalist. She has written for the JC for over 40 years (including eight years as the editor of Junior Chronicle – the children’s page). She trained in classical ballet and, as the JC’s dance critic, is happily combining her two passions: ballet and writing.

Latest from Joy Sable

The Sleeping Beauty review: Lovely dancing, shame about the staging ★★★

Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s interpretation of the famous fairy tale does not wholly convince me

2 min read

Narrative cuts: James Streeter as Carabosse (Photo: Amber Hunt)

Classical Symphony - Tulsa Ballet. Photo: Kate Luber Photography

Tulsa ballet review: Effervescent, energetic and American-made ★★★★

1 min read

Untitled, 2023. (Photo: Andrej Uspenski)

Alchemies review: High calibre dancers impress in triple ballet bill that lacks variety ★★★

1 min read

Circa's 'Wolf'. (Andy Phillipson).

A nice Jewish boy in the circus

4 min read

Mayerling review: This doomed love affair produces some of the most erotically-charged dances seen on stage ★★★★★

Kenneth MacMillan’s 1978 ballet about a prince and his young baroness mistress is back in London with exquisite performances that build to a tragic end

1 min read

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March 31, 2026 13:27

A scene from Mayerling by The Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House. Choreography by Kenneth MacMillan. (Photo: Tristram Kenton)

Giselle review: Marianela wins hearts with her meltingly beautiful movement ★★★★

This traditional production of the great romantic ballet offers a pleasing, if unsurprising, performance, with several standout debuts

2 min read

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February 20, 2026 17:23

Giselle. Royal Opera House, Royal Ballet.

Giselle review: a brilliant, shocking interpretation’ ★★★★★

Themes of betrayal and enduring love in this bold reimagining of a classic ballet

1 min read

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January 29, 2026 15:39

Devastating power: Emily Suzuki and cast

The Red Shoes review: Trademark Bourne wit in an ultimately tragic tale ★★★★★

Matthew Bourne’s ballet about a woman who must choose between love and dance is full of passion and self-awareness

1 min read

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December 24, 2025 12:17

Credit: Johan Persson

The Nutcracker, Royal Opera House review: This sparkling show is the ideal Chanukah treat ★★★★★

The Royal Ballet’s version, staged by Sir Peter Wright, is still the charming production that premiered back in 1984

1 min read

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December 9, 2025 11:36

The Nutcracker, Royal Opera House review: This sparkling show is the ideal Chanukah treat ★★★★★

La Fille Mal Gardée review: A perfect antidote to the winter blues ★★★★

This sunny ballet by Frederick Ashton, brought to life at the Royal Opera House, is a skilfully choreographed delight

1 min read

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October 27, 2025 16:45

Photo: Andrej Uspenski

World Mental Health Day: how I overcame the antisemitic bullying of my youth

A therapist explains how dance and drama provided solace from the antisemitism she suffered at school

4 min read

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October 10, 2025 11:00

World Mental Health Day: how I overcame the antisemitic bullying of my youth

Ballet – Black Sabbath review: Ozzy Osbourne’s music brings new fans to ballet

This offering is about as far away from Swan Lake and the melodies of Tchaikovsky as you could hope to get

2 min read

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September 22, 2025 12:16

Riffs and pirouettes: musician Marc Hayward is held aloft by members of the Birmingham Royal Ballet Company (Photo: Johan Persson)

London City Ballet: Momentum review – ‘visually intoxicating’ ★★★★

Alina Cojocaru is sublime, Constance Devernay-Laurence is compelling and Kadinsky’s most familiar work is a colourful backdrop

1 min read

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September 16, 2025 15:25

London City Ballet, Pictures at an Exhibition, Momentum dress rehearsal, Peacock Theatre (Credit: ASH)

Dance review: National Ballet of Japan’s Giselle **** ‘The dancers in the corps are simply outstanding’

A production which puts the focus on the dancing

1 min read

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July 28, 2025 12:18

Dance review: National Ballet of Japan’s Giselle **** ‘The dancers in the corps are simply outstanding’

Ballet to Broadway: Wheeldon Works: ‘wizardry showcased with aplomb’

2 min read

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May 22, 2025 17:24

High energy: An American in Paris at the Royal Opera House (Credit: Johan Persson)

Dance review: International Draft Works and The Forsythe Programme

New works from the Royal Ballet and English National Ballet

1 min read

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April 21, 2025 10:23

English National Ballet, The Forsythe Programme, Sadlers Wells, Dress Rehersal

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