Dance “superstar” Sylvie Guillem is to return to Birmingham Hippodrome in September to give her final UK performances.
She will take part in Life in Progress which features existing and new works by choreographers who have influenced her career. She will perform two new works, including a solo by choreographer and Sadler’s Wells associate artist Akram Khan and a pas de deux with Italian dancer Emanuela Montanari from La Scala.
The new duet will be choreographed by Russell Maliphant with lighting by Michael Hulls, both of whom collaborated with her on the award-winning PUSH which she performed at the Hippodrome as part of International Dance Festival Birmingham 2012.
Life in Progress also includes Mats Ek’s solo Bye which was made especially for her and was performed as part of the 6000 Miles Away programme at the International Dance Festival Birmingham 2014.
Sylvie Guillem will also be the recipient of a special accolade at this year’s Olivier Awards, celebrating her achievements over the course of her career.
Stuart Griffiths, Birmingham Hippodrome’s chief executive, said, “Sylvie Guillem’s performances have been major highlights of both the 2012 and 2014 International Dance Festivals so I’m honoured that she’s chosen Birmingham Hippodrome as the venue for her last performances in the UK.
“I’m also delighted that dance lovers across the West Midlands and beyond have the unique chance of seeing these final performances here in Birmingham. We’re expecting a huge demand for tickets.”
Life in Progress will be performed at Birmingham Hippodrome on Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 and 9 September.