Scenes De Ballet, Voluntaries.The Rite of Spr

Elegant, moving and thrilling: the last programme of the 2010/11 Season has contrasts to show the wonderful range of The Royal Ballet.

Frederick Ashton's Scenes de ballet is one of the choreographer's - and the company's -defining works. Sophisticated and stylish, it became one of Ashton�s own favourites of his ballets, and has given every generation of Royal Ballet dancers the opportunity to show the distinctive qualities of this world-class company.

More reflective in mood is Glen Tetley's Voluntaries. Challenging in technique and profound in feeling, it is a great way to discover Tetley's combination of the classical and contemporary.

Kenneth MacMillan's visceral and energetic The Rite of Spring is one of the finest dance interpretations of Stravinsky�s 20th-century musical masterpiece -conducted here, as is the whole programme, by Barry Wordsworth, Music Director of The Royal Ballet. This revival is especially distinctive in using MacMillan's own seldom-seen alternative of a male sacrifice. it provides a fabulous chance for the company's male Principals to show the role�s athleticism, attack and dramatic significance in a less familiar light.