Not only the young, sparkling dance talents have made the Junior Company of the National Ballet such a success. The young choreographers it attracts also create an exciting buzz. With three world premieres, Ballet Beats showcases the beating heart of the ballet of the future, complemented by a lively, brilliant classic.  

Cheerful and light-footed 

The first work in Ballet Beats, George Balanchine's Allegro Brillante, is a Dutch premiere. It is one of the most vibrant, light-footed, yet equally challenging works of the most important (neo)classic choreographer of the twentieth century. He himself said, "it contains everything I know about ballet, but condensed into thirteen minutes."  

Diversity and Innovation 

From breakdancer at Boys Action, the Dutchman Joshua Junker (1998) developed into a dancer at the British Royal Ballet, where he also created his first choreographies. In 2023, he debuted with the Junior Company with Remembrance, which was immediately awarded the Encouragement Prize from Dansersfonds '79. Just like then, Junker will incorporate influences from hip-hop in his new creation for Ballet Beats.  

The Cuban Arielle Smith (1996) already has a prestigious Olivier Award to her name. Originally from the modern dance circuit, she often mixes dance, theater, and film in her quirky creations. In Ballet Beats, she will make her Dutch debut with a new work.  

The South African Mthuthuzeli November (1993) is responsible for the third world premiere. With a background in both African dance and ballet, he is considered a striking new 'voice' within the international ballet world. He too has won an Olivier Award for one of his choreographies. Since last year, he has been an Artistic Associate at the National Ballet Academy, and he previously created a duet for National Ballet soloists Anna Tsygankova and Giorgi Potskhishvili.