Irek Mukhamedov joins the line-up of Men in Motion when Ivan Putrov’s celebration of the male dancer returns to the London Coliseum for two performances on 22 and 23 November 2017.
Mukhamedov, whose return to the London stage in English National Ballet’s Broken Wings last year won him a nomination for Outstanding Male Performance (Classical) in the National Dance Awards, will perform a new work created for him by Arthur Pita.
He said, “being in the studio, passing on what I know to other dancers and, of course, performing, are what make life worthwhile.
"I am really looking forward to working with Arthur Pita—the challenge of creating something new is always exciting for a dancer, young or old. I love being on stage and am thrilled that Men in Motion will allow me to take on a new journey of artistic discovery.”
Since the first London run in 2012, dancer and producer Ivan Putrov has continued to develop Men in Motion, his exploration of the role of the male dancer over the past century.
He said, "my interest in the changing role of the man in ballet has taken me on a fascinating journey, re-discovering some ground-breaking pieces of the 20th century, bringing outstanding contemporary works to new audiences and commissioning new ballets from some of today’s finest choreographers.
"The latest version of Men in Motion will feature familiar pieces and some new additions. I look forward to working with the outstanding artists who will be joining me and am absolutely delighted to welcome Irek Mukhamedov who continues to be an inspiration both as performer and teacher to generations of dancers.”
Putrov will dance the role made famous by Nijinsky in Fokine’s Le Spectre de la rose. Daniel Proietto will perform Russell Maliphant’s Afterlight, inspired by Nijinsky. Royal Ballet principal Edward Watson reprises Arthur Pita’s Volver, Volver. Fellow Royal Ballet dancer Matthew Ball makes his London Coliseum Men in Motion debut.
The performance is accompanied by a live orchestra under the direction of Richard Bernas.