Christopher Saunders
Biography: Christopher Saunders is a British dancer. He trained at The Royal Ballet School. He entered the The Royal Ballet in 1983. He was promoted to Soloist in 1991 and to Principal Character Artist in 1997. He appointed Ballet Master in 2001 and Rehearsal Director in 2017.
Place of Birth: Not available
Birthday: Not available
Deathday: N/A
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Known For
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet
2015-09-22
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet
Overview: Kenneth MacMillan’s passionate choreography for Romeo and Juliet shows The Royal Ballet at its dramatic finest. Sergey Prokofiev’s famously evocative score is the driver for some of the most ardent pas de deux and powerful set pieces in ballet history. The vibrant crowd scenes with magnificent designs by Nicholas Georgiadis vividly recreate the color and bustle of 16th-century Verona in this Royal Ballet classic. “Yasmine Naghdi and Matthew Ball will hug their first Romeo and Juliet their whole lives. What a dream debut for these two youngsters…” (The Spectator) “Kenneth MacMillan was a consummate storyteller, and in Romeo and Juliet he came as close to perfection as it’s possible to get.” (Culture Whisper) “From the quarrelling townsfolk to the stately ball guests, this is a Romeo packed with life, the whole company caught up in the ballet’s unfolding tragedy.” (The Independent)
Genres: Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2015-09-22
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The Royal Ballet: Mayerling
2022-10-05
The Royal Ballet: Mayerling
Overview: Inspired by dark and gripping real life events, this Royal Ballet classic depicts the sexual and morbid obsessions of Crown Prince Rudolf leading to the murder-suicide scandal with his mistress Mary Vetsera. The oppressive glamour of the Austro-Hungarian court in the 1880s sets the scene for a suspenseful drama of psychological and political intrigue as Rudolf fixates on his mortality. Kenneth MacMillan's 1978 ballet remains a masterpiece of storytelling and this revival marks 30 years since the choreographer’s death. Expect to see the Company at its dramatic finestacross potent ensemble scenes and some of the most daring and emotionally demanding pas de deux in the ballet repertory.
Genres: Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2022-10-05
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The Nutcracker - The Royal Ballet
2021-12-13
The Nutcracker - The Royal Ballet
Overview: The Royal Ballet brings their annual presentation of The Nutcracker to life, streamed in cinemas throughout the world.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2021-12-13
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ROH Live: The Nutcracker
2021-12-09
ROH Live: The Nutcracker
Overview: Tchaikovsky’s much-loved music is matched to a story of magic on Christmas Eve, and the journey of Clara and her Nutcracker to the Land of Sweets brings with it some of the most familiar of all ballet moments. Peter Wright’s gorgeous production for The Royal Ballet keeps true to the spirit of this Russian ballet classic, and the many solo roles and ensembles show the world-class skills of the Company at its best.
Genres: Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2021-12-09
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A Month in the Country
2022-04-29
A Month in the Country
Overview: Ashton gracefully reimagines Turgenev's play A Month in the country as a one-act ballet where all the drama unfolds in the family's living room upon the arrival of dashing young tutor. Characters come in and out, their feelings for one another displayed through solos and pas de deux, highlighting Ashton's talent for playing out complex drama through detailed and intricate choreography.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2022-04-29
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Coppélia (Royal Opera House)
2017-04-29
Coppélia (Royal Opera House)
Overview: A classic returns to the Royal Ballet repertory with Ninette de Valois’ charming and funny Coppélia– a story of love, mischief and mechanical dolls. The intricate choreography is set to Delibes’ delightful score and shows off the technical precision and comedic timing of the whole Company. Osbert Lancaster’s designs bring a colourful storybook world to life in this Christmas treat for the whole family.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: es
Release Date: 2017-04-29
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Don Quixote (The Royal Ballet)
2014-03-31
Don Quixote (The Royal Ballet)
Overview: Carlos Acosta's first venture directing one of ballet's 19th century classics was eagerly anticipated, as was his own starring role in the production (as Basilio), opposite the Argentinian Royal Ballet principal Marianella Nuñez (Kitri). Still built on Petipa's original choreography, Acosta's clear dramatic structure and vivid stage action gave the ‘boy gets girl despite her father’ story a more convincing air than usual, with Don Quixote's parallel obsession with Dulcinea-Kitri coherently woven into the plot.
Genres: Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2014-03-31
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La Bayadère
2011-01-04
La Bayadère
Overview: Marius Petipa’s exotic ballet set in legendary India is a story of love, death and vengeful judgement. Natalia Makarova’s sumptuous recreation of Petipa’s choreography, with atmospheric sets by Pier Luigi Samaritini and beautiful costumes by Yolanda Sonnabend, stars Tamara Rojo as the Bayadère (temple dancer) Nikiya, Carlos Acosta as Solor, and Marianela Nuñez as Gamzatti, whose alluring presence challenges Solor’s love for Nikiya. Live performance recorded in 2009.
Genres: Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2011-01-04
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Swan Lake
2009-09-21
Swan Lake
Overview: Yolanda Sonnabend's Faberge'-inspired designs evoke a world of Imperial Russia in Anthony Dowell's acclaimed production for The Royal Ballet of 'Swan Lake', one of the world's best-loved ballets. Marianela Nunez as Odette/Odile and Thiago Soares as Prince Siegfried bring new vitality to a compelling story of tragic romance. Valeriy Ovsyanikov conducts the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House in Tchaikovsky's glorious romantic score.
Genres: Music
Original Language: de
Release Date: 2009-09-21
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Coppélia (The Royal Ballet)
2000-02-19
Coppélia (The Royal Ballet)
Overview: Coppélia, a mechanical doll made by the toy-maker Dr. Coppelius, is so life-like that some believe she is his daughter. The mistake leads to intrigue and jealousy in love. Directed by Ross MacGibbon, with Leanne Benjamin and Carlos Acosta.
Genres: Fantasy Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2000-02-19
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Giselle
2014-01-27
Giselle
Overview: The peasant girl Giselle discovers the true identity of her lover Albrecht – and that he is promised to another. This is one of The Royal Ballet’s most loved and admired productions, faithful to the spirit of the 1841 original yet always fresh at each revival. This performance features former Bolshoi star and now Royal Ballet Principal Natalia Osipova in a breath-taking interpretation of the title role.
Genres: Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2014-01-27
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Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (The Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House)
2011-04-23
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (The Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House)
Overview: A full-length ballet created by choreographer Christopher Wheeldon for the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. The ballet is based on Lewis Carroll's famous story of Alice, an ordinary girl who one summer afternoon falls down a rabbit hole and finds herself on an extraordinary adventure. The music is by Joby Talbot, with designs by the internationally acclaimed Bob Crowley. Alice is danced by the Royal Ballet's Lauren Cuthbertson, and actor Simon Russell-Beale plays the cameo role of the Duchess.
Genres: Fantasy Family
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2011-04-23
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The Nutcracker
2016-12-08
The Nutcracker
Overview: The young Clara creeps downstairs on Christmas Eve to play with her favourite present – a Nutcracker. But the mysterious magician Drosselmeyer is waiting to sweep her off on a magical adventure. After defeating the Mouse King, the Nutcracker and Clara travel through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy treats them to a wonderful display of dances. Back home, Clara thinks she must have been dreaming – but doesn’t she recognize Drosselmeyer’s nephew?
Genres: Music Fantasy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2016-12-08
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The ROH Live: The Dream / Symphonic Variations / Marguerite and Armand
2017-06-07
The ROH Live: The Dream / Symphonic Variations / Marguerite and Armand
Overview: The Dream: Frederick Ashton’s delightful interpretation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a classic of The Royal Ballet’s repertory. Symphonic Variations: Ashton was inspired to create a ballet on the four seasons – but as he began to choreograph he refined and purified until the ballet shook off its original meaning, emerging as an abstract celebration of movement and physicality. Marguerite and Armand: Marguerite, a Parisian courtesan, lies on her deathbed. She recalls her tragic love affair with Armand in a series of feverish flashbacks.
Genres: Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2017-06-07
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Romeo and Juliet (Royal Ballet)
2013-02-25
Romeo and Juliet (Royal Ballet)
Overview: Given its premiere by The Royal Ballet in 1965 with Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn dancing the title roles, Kenneth MacMillan's first full-evening ballet has become a signature work for the Company, enjoying great popularity around the world. From the outset, the production teems with life and colour as the townspeople, market traders and servants of the rival Montagues and Capulets go about their daily business in vibrant crowd scenes. But Romeo and Juliet take centre stage for those great pas de deux: the meeting in the ballroom, the balcony scene, the morning after the wedding and the final devastating tomb scene. Although The Royal Ballet has performed Romeo and Juliet over 400 times, each performance and pairing is subtly different and Lauren Cuthbertson and Federico Bonelli are utterly captivating in the title roles.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2013-02-25
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Anastasia
2017-09-01
Anastasia
Overview: Royal Ballet Principal Natalia Osipova dances the title role in Kenneth MacMillan’s haunting ballet, to atmospheric music by Tchaikovsky and Martinů. Anastasia tells the story of Anna Anderson who, following the Russian Revolution and the murder of the royal family, claimed she was the surviving Grand Duchess Anastasia. Many believed her to be an imposter; others hoped she was Anastasia, a remnant of a lost world. A powerful, psychological challenge for the lead dancer, Anastasia explores one of the great historical mysteries of the 20th century, only recently solved, and the distorting mirror of memory, time and place.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2017-09-01
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The Sleeping Beauty
2017-02-28
The Sleeping Beauty
Overview: The Sleeping Beauty holds a special place in The Royal Ballet’s repertory. It was the ballet with which the Company reopened the Royal Opera House in 1946 after World War II, its first production at its new home in Covent Garden. Margot Fonteyn danced the role of the beautiful Princess Aurora in the first performance, with Robert Helpmann as Prince Florimund. Sixty years later, in 2006, the original 1946 staging was revived by then Director of The Royal Ballet Monica Mason and Christopher Newton, returning Oliver Messel’s wonderful designs and glittering costumes to the stage.
Genres: Music Fantasy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2017-02-28
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Don Quixote (Royal Opera House)
2019-02-19
Don Quixote (Royal Opera House)
Overview: Don Quixote and his servant Sancho Panza set out to have a chivalrous adventure. They meet Kitri and Basilio, a young couple who cannot marry because Kitri's father is determined to marry her off to the wealthy Gamache. Don Quixote decides to intervene. It was on stage 15 February—4 April 2019 as part of the Winter 2018/19 season.
Genres: Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2019-02-19
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The Sleeping Beauty (Royal Ballet)
2020-01-16
The Sleeping Beauty (Royal Ballet)
Overview: The wicked fairy Carabosse is furious she wasn’t invited to Princess Aurora’s christening. She gives the baby a spindle, saying that one day the Princess will prick her finger on it and die. The Lilac Fairy makes her own christening gift a softening of Carabosse’s curse: Aurora will not die, but will fall into a deep sleep, which only a prince’s kiss will break. The masterful 19th-century choreography of Marius Petipa is combined with sections created for The Royal Ballet by Frederick Ashton, Anthony Dowell and Christopher Wheeldon. Recorded live as part of the Royal Opera House Live Cinema Season 2019/20 with encore screenings broadcast online during the #OurHousetoYourHouse programme.
Genres: Music Fantasy Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2020-01-16
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Concerto / Enigma Variations / Raymonda Act III (Royal Ballet)
2019-11-05
Concerto / Enigma Variations / Raymonda Act III (Royal Ballet)
Overview: From The Royal Ballet’s classical origins in the works of Petipa, to the home-grown choreographers who put British ballet on the world stage, this mixed programme highlights the versatility of the Company. Petipa’s Raymonda Act III is Russian classical ballet summarized in one act, full of sparkle and precise technique, while Ashton’s Enigma Variations is quintessentially British in every way – from its score by Elgar and period designs by Julia Trevelyan Oman, to Ashton’s signature style, the essence of British ballet. Concerto, MacMillan’s fusion of classical technique with a contemporary mind, completes a programme that shows the breadth of the Company’s heritage.
Genres: Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2019-11-05
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The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker
2018-12-04
The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker
Overview: Clara is given an enchanted Nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. As midnight strikes, she creeps downstairs to find a magical adventure awaiting her and her Nutcracker. Recorded on stage 3 December 2018—15 January 2019 as part of the Autumn 2018/19 season.
Genres: Music Fantasy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2018-12-04
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Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
2014-12-16
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Overview: At a garden party on a sunny afternoon, Alice is surprised to see her parents’ friend Lewis Carroll transform into a white rabbit. When she follows him down a rabbit hole events become curiouser and curiouser.
Genres: Comedy Fantasy Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2014-12-16
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La Fille Mal Gardée (The Royal Ballet)
2015-05-05
La Fille Mal Gardée (The Royal Ballet)
Overview: Frederick Ashton's La Fille mal gardée (The Wayward Daughter) is one of the choreographer's most joyous and colourful creations. Inspired by his love for the Suffolk countryside, the ballet is set on a farm and tells a story of love between Lise, the daughter of Widow Simone, and Colas, a young farmer. It contains some of Ashton's most stunning choreography, most strikingly in the series of energetic pas de deux that express the youthful passion of the young lovers, performed here by Natalia Osipova and Steven McRae. The ballet is laced with exuberant good humour, and elements of national folk dance, from dancing chickens and a maypole dance to a Lancashire clog dance for Widow Simone, performed by Philip Mosley.
Genres: Music Romance Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2015-05-05
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The Sleeping Beauty
2006-10-21
The Sleeping Beauty
Overview: Tchaikovsky's The Sleeping Beauty is one of the best loved of classical ballets, combining in a single work all the enchantment and virtuosity that ballet has to offer. The royal court, the panoramic journey of the Prince to the overgrown castle, and the great celebratory dances of the happy ending (in which other famous fairy-tale figures appear) are all brought to life by the luscious designs of this celebrated production, created in 1946 for The Royal Ballet. The inspired performances of its revival for the 75th anniversary of the Company in 2006, together with a magnificent High Definition recording, make this a superb tribute to The Royal Ballet's unique style and visual splendour.
Genres: Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2006-10-21
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Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker
2024-12-17
Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker
Overview: Join Clara at a delightful Christmas Eve party that becomes a magical adventure once everyone else is tucked up in bed. Marvel at the brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s score, as Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker fight the Mouse King and visit the Sugar Plum Fairy in the glittering Kingdom of Sweets. Peter Wright’s much-loved production for The Royal Ballet, with gorgeous period designs by Julia Trevelyan Oman, keeps true to the spirit of this festive ballet classic, combining the thrill of the fairy tale with spectacular dancing.
Genres: Family
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2024-12-17
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The Blu-ray Experience II: Opera, Ballet & theatre
2010-10-26
The Blu-ray Experience II: Opera, Ballet & theatre
Overview:
Genres: Documentary Music
Original Language: de
Release Date: 2010-10-26
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