News: Natalia Osipova to star in a contemporary programme at Sadler's Wells

One of the highlights of Sadler’s Wells Spring/Summer season will be a programme of new work specially commissioned for Natalia Osipova. Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Arthur Pita (who she has worked with before) – and Russell Maliphant will create new pieces for the 29 year old Russian ballet star.

At a press conference today Osipova was joined by Ukrainian ballet star Sergei Polunin as her interpreter. He will also be dancing with her in Arthur Pita’s commission – which will be based on Tennesee Williams A Streetcar Named Desire.

Not yet 30, Natalia Osipova is currently a Principal with The Royal Ballet. She joined the company in 2013 after her guest appearance in Swan Lake and has performed lead roles in Giselle, Don Quixote, The Nutcracker and La Fille mal gardée and DGV: Danse à grande vitesse. She has created roles in Wayne McGregor’s Tetractys and Woolf Works, and Alastair Marriott’s Connectome. Recently she has been unable to perform with the company due to injuries.

Speaking via Polunin (who it emerged is also her off stage partner) she said in working with contemporary choreographers she is keen to try something different now while she is at the ‘peak of her career’. She wants to ‘move dance forward’– and is grateful to Sadler’s Wells and The Royal Ballet for the opportunities and support they have given her.

The programme is a co-production between Sadler’s Wells and Moscow’s Muz Art Management Company

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui / Russell Maliphant / Arthur Pita
Natalia Osipova
Tuesday 29 June – Saturday 2 July
Tickets: £12 – £60

The Spring/ Summer 2016 Season is on sale from 10am on Monday 9 November
www.sadlerswells.com

Photo: Natalia Osipova in Arthur Pita’s Facada, London Coliseum, 2014, by Ambra Vernuccio