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

London City Ballet (LBC), the small company relaunched last year nearly three decades after its initial closure, has enjoyed a successful first season. At the heart of this small touring company’s ethos is a commitment to present new works alongside many smaller pieces rarely seen by today’s audiences.

Momentum at Sadler’s Wells in London is the latest programme given by LCB: four short ballets which allow the dancers to display both their technical skills and emotional intensity.

The programme begins with Balanchine’s Haieff Divertimento, a short work created in 1947 and once believed lost. It bears all the hallmarks of a typical Balanchine ballet: sharp angles, snappy legs and speedy variations (with especially demanding ones for the men). The dancers acquitted themselves well, though they currently lack the attack of New York City Ballet performers – understandable, perhaps.

London City Ballet, Pictures at an Exhibition, Momentum dress rehearsal, Peacock Theatre,[Missing Credit]

London City Ballet, Pictures at an Exhibition, Momentum dress rehearsal, Peacock Theatre,[Missing Credit]

The second piece was Liam Scarlett’s Consolations & Liebestraum, set to music by Liszt. A moving work, it was beautifully performed by six dancers, including the sublime Alina Cojocaru, who is a regular guest artist with the company.