Westminster Central Hall, London.
26 June 2025.
Westminster Central Hall looks vast and impressive from the outside, giving only a hint to the luxuriously ornate interior and theatre that awaits inside.
Tonight, as part of international festival Gala de Danza, dancers in white romantic tutus holding fans are positioned strategically on the curved staircase. An atmospheric extra touch, with blooms of white lilies and an air of anticipation as the audience mingled for pre-drinks – a wide range of dress from glitteringly formal to casual. Beautiful keepsake programmes awaited on each auditorium seat; the thoughtfulness of this production with seamless joins between acts did not go unnoticed.
Opening the gala programme with a splendid recital of Vivaldi’s “Winter” on clarinet – on a very warm summer’s evening! – was Megan Glover. The audience began and remained enthusiastic throughout the evening, though the performance in total came in at two hours and 20 minutes without interval. A long time, but a huge array of varied artistic talent was on display.
Gala de Danza, founded by Christina Lyon, is intended as a celebration of creativity, talent and vision, and a gathering of kindred spirits. An extraordinary cast of world-class artists unite to deliver ballet, contemporary dance, opera, music and Latin ballroom to London audiences.
The unique and distinguished performance setting allowed for different interpretations and presentations than would have been possible on a traditional theatrical stage. For example, the ‘stage’ backdrop of the grand organ, built in 1912, reconstructed 1970 and rebuilt 2011, was played by organist Gerard Brooks, whilst Vsevelod Maievskyi descended the red carpeted staircase – of which there are two, either side of the organ – to dance on the performance space below.
A very talented young ballet dancer, Spencer Collins, already so accomplished at the age of 12, winning the 2025 Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Hope Award, thrilled the audience as he appeared from a side door and flew across the stage with such attack and assuredness in his leaps and pirouettes, in Franz’s variation from Coppélia. A glimpse at a future star, along with a group performance of Swan Lake from dancers selected from YAGP finals. Dancers had attended a week-long choreography and masterclass experience in London, culminating in their premier performance tonight, pushing the boundaries of classical and contemporary ballet under the guidance of choreographer Juliano Nunes. They were seated in the front rows of side balcony stalls in white tops and black leggings. They stood, clapping a steady beat and walked down the stairs on either side to perform. Very effective.
Countertenor Jakub Jόzef Orliński was an audience favourite with his rich deliverance of “Ave Maria”. He also gave viewers a delightful surprise by breakdancing in the finale! Guitarist Marcin’s hands flew across both the strings and the body of the guitar, using it inventively and additionally as a percussion instrument, accompanying passionate UK champion ballroom dancers Anton Sboev and Patrizia Ranis.
An intriguing mystery sat centrally, leaving the audience guessing until musician William Close entered to play his composition on the Earth Harp, which this evening was lit up majestically – the strings extended out over the audience. The large screens either side of the performance area magnified each artist and was much appreciated here to see Close playing the harp strings with his gloved hands.
A wonderful part of a Gala evening is the opportunity to glimpse into productions, such as The Royal Ballet’s Onegin. Principal dancers Francesca Hayward and Cesar Corrales danced the final pas de deux from Onegin which played at The Royal Ballet and Opera House earlier this month, described as a ‘bittersweet ballet of first love and regret.’ A passionate extract with hugely impressive and innovative lifts and throws. Incredibly popular with tonight’s theatre audience, and the joy at having such positive feedback was clear on all dancer’s faces this evening.
Royal Ballet Principal Melissa Hamilton and Vsevelod Maievskyi of the English National Ballet, performed a mesmerising duet, ‘Caravaggio.’ To a gorgeous yearning string piece, they danced, entwined with and around one another, casting a spellbound atmosphere.
Not forgetting Romeo and Juliet, a contemporary ballet creation devised by Juliano Nunes, and danced by Braylon Browner and Kayla Mak, both working as dancers while still in training and tonight delivering every ounce of Romeo and Juliet’s passion and playfulness. Juliet ran on first, her love and angst immediately clear through her movement. When Romeo entered and tapped her lightly on the shoulder, their delight in one another was incredibly engaging to watch. A very effective ending with the dancers lying on their backs, their hands forming a heart shape together.
Art is for All was the final act before the grand finale. Dedicated to London’s Youth; ‘To the bold dreamers, the quiet creators, the voices still finding their rhythm – this is for you.’ Seated dancers in three rows, used visual arm and hand isolations, eventually spelling out ‘Art is for All.’
Beautiful Artistry in an Extraordinary Place. Gala de Danza will surely be back to great acclaim!
By Louise Ryrie of Dance Informa.
