William Forsythe . Koninklijk Ballet van Vlaanderen

This 1988 ballet in five parts is known as one of Forsythe's 'oeuvres-phare', in which he uses dance to comment on the medium itself. It incorporates an abundance and diversity of genres and styles ranging from ballet on points to breakdance, from amazing technical dance highlights to hilarious written passages. It is a wild parody on classical ballet as performed at the Czar's court. In three acts Forsythe reveals the conventions of the great classics ('Potemkins Unterschrift'), the heart of virtuoso ballet dancing ('In the middle, somewhat elevated') and the fall of our cultural heritage ('La Maison de Mezzo-Prezzo'). This is followed by a tribal dance with a thumping rhythm ('Bongo Bongo Nageela'). The woolly 'maître de plaisir', Mr. Pnut, brings the work to the finale ('Mr. Pnut goes to the top'). The first performance of this sparkling dance spectacle performed by the Royal Ballet of Flanders was at deSingel three years ago. The company's new artistic director, Kathryn Bennetts, was a close associate of the choreographer for many years. Having completed several successful international tours the work will now be returning to deSingel. A real treat!