Birmingham Royal Ballet looks forward to the next 20 years
As Birmingham Royal Ballet hits 20, director David Bintley is looking to the future, writes Diane Parkes.
It was 1990 when the then Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet made the move to Birmingham’s Hippodrome Theatre, changing its name and in many ways its identity in one step.
That decision has helped put BRB firmly on the map, says David Bintley who became artistic director in 1995 and gained a CBE in 2001.
“It gave us the opportunity to reinvent ourselves.
‘‘We had our own city and our own identity, rather than being just another company from London.
“It gave us a resident stage which really was physically big enough and grand enough for the kinds of productions we wanted to do.
“And we benefited from the support that was provided in Birmingham – support that the city has continued to give us during the past 20 years.
“It made us an important part of the cultural life of this city not only in terms of performances but also in terms of our involvement in community projects, education work and audience development. We take that name of Birmingham Royal Ballet very seriously and we are very aware of our role in the life of the city.”
As an ambassador for the city, BRB has taken the name of Birmingham not only across the UK with tours in a number of cities from Plymouth to York but also abroad with tours in Hong Kong, China, Japan, South Africa and the United States of America.
And the company will be waving the Birmingham flag when they perform Swan Lake at the Virginia Arts Festival this May.
The move from London to Birmingham could also be said to have kick-started a dance revolution in the city, with the Hippodrome now recognised as a national centre for dance.
‘‘Last month the city hosted the prestigious British Dance Edition conference and this spring sees the second International Dance Festival Birmingham with nearly 20 countries represented and productions staged across the city.
“I am not sure that was part of the city’s plan when we moved to Birmingham but it has certainly been part of the process,” admits David.
“Over the last 20 years we have seen Birmingham really develop as a dance centre and I think it would be fair to say that we now have the biggest UK dance scene outside of London.”
Which is why BRB is also closely involved in the city’s bid for the first UK City of Culture 2013.
‘‘With Birmingham in the final four along with Sheffield, Norwich and Derry, the announcement is due to be made this summer.
“It is all part and parcel of the push for Birmingham,” says David.
“While we are aware of the level of culture in the city it is important for it to be recognised elsewhere in the country. It is part of helping to raise the profile of the city and giving it maximum exposure.
“We have a history of being disappointed in these bids even when Birmingham has clearly been a forerunner, so we are hoping this time to be successful.”
