81 Art creates space for reflection. On ourselves and on the world around us. Comprising three existing works and a new creation, the touring programme Reflections reveals how personal ballet can be, and how powerful and richly varied it becomes as a result. New to the repertoire is Solitude, a deeply moving work in which Associate Artist Alexei Ratmansky turns his gaze to the suffering caused by war. He was inspired by a newspaper photograph of a Ukrainian father holding the hand of his son for hours after the boy was killed in a Russian attack. Set to two compositions by Mahler, Ratmansky uses abstract, compelling dance to make universal human grief profoundly tangible. Gender equality In a new creation, the young Canadian choreographer Kirsten Wicklund explores the theme of gender equality. The impetus being the celebration of 25 years of same-sex marriage, in 2026. She draws on the musical tribute – including vocal parts –that composer Willem Jeths dedicated to same-sex marriage in 2011. The vocal lines will be performed by young singers from Dutch National Opera Studio. Duets where sparks fly In Simple Things, as in all his ballets, Hans van Manen focuses on human relationships. This time, however, he does so in a light-hearted, playful way. In the vibrant opening and closing sections, two men spur each other on in duets where sparks fly. In between, they are momentarily distracted by two women who tempt them into a fleeting romance. Champagne In many ways, George Balanchine spent his entire life reflecting on the pure classical Franco-Russian ballet tradition in which he was raised. In Symphony in C, he honours its splendour and brilliance, while injecting the choreography with clarity, speed and daring. The result is a finale that sparkles with energy and effervescence, bubbling over like a glass of champagne. Touring programme Solitude Choreography Alexei Ratmansky Music Gustav Mahler Set and costume design Moritz Junge Lighting design Mark Stanley New production Choreography Kirsten Wicklund Music Willem Jeths Costume design Tatyana van Walsum Lighting design Wijnand van der Horst Simple Things Choreography Hans van Manen Music Guy Klucevsek and Alan Bern, Joseph Haydn, Pēteris Vasks Set and costume design Keso Dekker Lighting design Joop Caboort Symphony in C Choreography George Balanchine Music Georges Bizet Costume design Netty de Swardt Lighting design Jan Hofstra Musical accompaniment Dutch Ballet Orchestra Dutch National Opera Studio (new work by Kirsten Wicklund) Premiere 11/11/2026 Location: Stadsschouwburg Utrecht | Curtain-up: 20:00 | Subsequent performances Dutch tour: 12, 14, 18, 21 November 2026, 8, 12, 15, 17, 18 May 2027 (see page 123) Dancer: Anna Tsygankova | Photo: Petrovsky & Ramone Reflections Alexei Ratmansky / Hans van Manen / George Balanchine / Kirsten Wicklund Partners Dutch National Opera Studio
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