Rambert's Centennial Celebration: A Bold Leap Forward for Britain's Oldest Dance Company

A Century of Movement, Forward Focus

Britain's oldest dance company, Rambert, marks its 100th anniversary not with nostalgic retrospectives but with a bold statement about the present and future of dance. The tour, aptly titled "This is Rambert," serves as both a celebration and a manifesto, positioning the century-old institution as anything but geriatric. Under current artistic director Benoit Swan Pouffer, the company has deliberately shifted away from its historical roots in early British ballet and 1960s modern dance, instead embracing a dynamic, contemporary identity that keeps the art form in constant motion.

The Artistic Director's Vision

Benoit Swan Pouffer's leadership represents a deliberate departure from Rambert's previous pattern of "reputable, reliable, something-for-everyone shows." His mission is to shake up perceptions of the company and prove that a centenarian can remain vibrant and relevant. This approach is evident in the triple bill of recent creations that form the centenary celebration, each piece reflecting different aspects of contemporary dance while showcasing the exceptional talent of Rambert's dancers. Pouffer's vision emphasizes constant evolution, ensuring that Rambert's second century will be as innovative as its first.

Choreographic Innovations in the Triple Bill

The centenary program features three distinct works that showcase the diversity of contemporary dance. The standout piece is Hop(e)storm by the French collective (La)Horde, which deconstructs and reimagines social and digital dances for the stage. This piece transforms a 1930s lindy hop through a rave filter, setting it to a hardcore beat—a formally and intellectually interesting work that also engages the senses and creates a dopamine rush. Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber's In Crimson demonstrates the dancers' exceptional technical abilities, with movement that morphs between rubber-bodied shape-shifting and expansive expression. Dutch choreographer Emma Evelein's Gallery of Consequence, set in an airport, presents a series of fleeting snapshots of human interaction, capturing the transient nature of modern travel and connection.

Dancers as the Heart of Innovation

Throughout the performance, Rambert's dancers emerge as the true carriers of the company's innovative spirit. Artists like Dipesh Verma, with his "extra notch of amplitude to his moves," and Naya Lovell, who not only dances but also sings and plays piano, exemplify the multidisciplinary approach that characterizes contemporary dance. The company's commitment to nurturing versatile performers allows these choreographers to push boundaries, creating works that challenge traditional dance conventions while maintaining technical excellence. This synergy between dancer and choreographer represents Rambert's greatest strength as it enters its second century.

Impact on the Contemporary Dance Landscape

Rambert's centenary celebration arrives at a significant moment for dance, as the art form increasingly intersects with digital culture and social commentary. By commissioning new works from diverse choreographers like (La)Horde and Emma Evelein, Rambert positions itself as a leader in contemporary dance innovation. The company's willingness to experiment with movement vocabulary, performance spaces, and interdisciplinary approaches reflects broader trends in the arts world, where institutions must balance tradition with innovation to remain relevant. Rambert's centenary tour demonstrates that even the most established organizations can embrace radical change while maintaining their artistic integrity.

The Path Forward for Rambert

As Rambert looks toward its next century, the company's current direction suggests a commitment to both artistic excellence and forward-thinking programming. The centenary tour establishes a blueprint for the company's future: continuing to commission new choreography, maintaining a roster of exceptional dancers, and taking calculated risks with innovative works. While acknowledging that "only some of it really thrills"—a necessary reality of new work—the reviewer expresses optimism that Rambert's dedication to evolution will ensure its longevity. The question that remains is how the company will continue to balance its historical legacy with the cutting-edge innovation that defines its current identity, ensuring that it remains not just Britain's oldest dance company, but also its most exciting.