English National Ballet lead principal Sangeun Lee will be featuring in the world premiere of Jae Man Joo’s Auguries of Innocence, in a compelling triple bill entitled Rhythm Riot that launches the company’s Autumn season:
One stage, three moods. Explosive energy. Deep resonance. Unstoppable drive. Feel the pulse of ballet now. Experience all the music played live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic – adding extra richness and atmosphere.
Symphony in Three Movements
A rhythm that ignites the night.
In this 21-minute corker, no tutus – only leotards; no tiaras – only ponytails; and no story – only the bold propulsion of Stravinsky’s percussive music driving 32 dancers to an explosive conclusion.
George Balanchine revolutionised ballet in the 20th century, combining speed and precision to create the neo-classical style. It’s fast, sharp, dynamic – and breathtaking to watch.
George Balanchine – Choreography (© The George Balanchine Trust)
Igor Stravinsky – Music, by arrangement with CHESTER MUSIC LTD
Auguries of Innocence (World Premiere)
A rhythm that spins poetry into motion.
Step inside a poetic meditation on our connection to the natural and spiritual worlds. For this new work, Jae Man Joo draws inspiration from the poetry of William Blake and the music of Peteris Vasks – both rich with anguish, yearning and lyricism.
Hailing from Korea, Jae Man Joo has choreographed for Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and more. His recent work Divine, for Gwangju City Ballet, received the 2024 Korea Dance Artwork of the Year prize.
Jae Man Joo – Choreography
Addison Ector – Assistant to Choreographer
Pēteris Vasks – Music, performed by arrangement with Schott Music Ltd
Thomas Mika – Set and Costume Design
Mark Henderson – Lighting Design
Bow Out (world premiere)
A rhythm that won’t let you sit still.
The legendary Nicholas Brothers and Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson wowed the world in the 1930s with their impeccable style and seemingly impossible tap routines.
Choreographer Micaela Taylor draws from their infectious energy to explore the idea of vitality and freedom of expression. Bow Out showcases her distinctive storytelling and versatile movement styles, inviting audiences to experience something fresh and memorable.
LA-based, Taylor has worked around the world with Paris Opera Ballet, Acosta Danza, NDT2, Ballet BC and many more.
Micaela Taylor – Choreography
Music by Tru
Candice Mac – Set and Costume Design
Jessica HHY – Lighting Design
The English National Ballet blog describes Jae Man Joo’s new work as follows:
Auguries of Innocence: the universal rhythm deep within
The beat of Auguries of Innocence, by Jae Man Joo, is introspective. It makes us tune in to something that vibrates deep within us.
For this new ballet, Joo, a Korean choreographer based in the USA, will “employ a series of powerful images to show the world with compassionate eyes, recognising both humanity and the spiritual realm”, he says.
He is inspired by William Blake’s poem of the same name, Auguries of Innocence, which begins with these famous lines:
To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour
The score will be two pieces of music by Peteris Vasks, Musica Dolorosa and Musica Serena. The Latvian composer is known for writing orchestra music that is contemplative. Long string notes, seemingly filled with mourning and hope, build up to create a sense of reaching up towards light. “It’s incredible expressive”, says Watkin. “It often sits between stillness and quite intense emotional surges”.
“When I listen to his music”, says Joo, “I hear nature crying out, mourning what humanity has lost. This is why his music is so important for this work.”
Listen to Musica Serena here:
Performances:
Thu 24 Sep 2026, 7:30pm
Fri 25 Sep 2026, 7:30pm (with post-show talk)
Sat 26 Sep 2026, 2:30pm, 7:30pm (with post-show talk)
Wed 30 Sep 2026, 7:30pm
Thu 1 Oct 2026, 7:30pm
Fri 2 Oct 2026, 7:30pm
Sat 3 Oct 2026, 2:30pm, 7:30pm
Image credits: Isabella Turolla / English National Ballet