Your Ultimate Guide to British Icons

Two of the UK’s Most Beloved Works on Full Display

What will I see? The evening consists of two ballets by Britain’s greatest dancemakers, Sir Kenneth MacMillan and Sir Frederick Ashton. Leading choreographers of their generation, both were fundamental in the expansion of ballet in the UK and across the global stage.

The first half of the evening will open with Song of the Earth by Sir Kenneth MacMillan who described this work in quite simple terms as “a man, a woman, and death.” Throughout the ballet, you’ll watch the lead woman through the cycle of her life, each song representing a different stage including solitude, youth, beauty, fun, and ultimately death.

After intermission, Sir Frederick Ashton’s Marguerite and Armand will sweep you off your feet and into the complicated and passionate relationship between courtesan Marguerite and her soulmate Armand. When we meet Marguerite on her deathbed, we are quickly whisked into feverish flashbacks recalling her tragic love affair with Armand.

Who’s it for? Anglophiles, Downton Abbey fans, and period drama aficionados who know a romantic tragedy when they see one waltz onstage in all its passionate and complicated relationship glory.

What should I look for? Each piece is distinct in its movement quality, musical phrasing, and structure.

In Song of the Earth, you’ll immediately note that the singers are onstage with the dancers. Track how they bring the elements of the story through Mahler’s score. Additionally, keep an eye out for the various multicultural aspects of the piece. Sir Kenneth MacMillan took inspiration from across the globe and wove each piece into this work. The music is German, the musical text is based on Chinese poems, there are influences pulled from Japanese Kabuki and Noh Theatre, and the choreography is decidedly British.

In Ashton’s Marguerite and Armand, their love affair is on full display. Watch for the nuance; the character development of these two leads can often hinge on a raised eyebrow or a pointed gesture. Each and every subtlety is written into the choreography and plays into the drama. Tamara Rojo notes, “What is most fundamental to Ashton is his musicality. He had an incredible understanding of the music, and he was also able to tell a clear narrative while using the music. Marguerite and Armand is a piece that in just over 40 minutes tells the whole story. It feels perfect despite the music not being composed for it.” Check out the lush costume designs by Cecil Barton which tell a tale of their own, imbuing the piece in an unforgettable period drama.

This is an especially notable program as it is a rare treat to see both these choreographers’ work on the same evening.

British Icons is onstage February 9–15.

Yuan Yuan Tan’s farewell performance will be as Marguerite in Marguerite and Armand on February 14^th at 7:30 pm.

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© San Francisco Ballet, photo by Lindsey Rallo