BRB2 2024 UK Tour Announced By Birmingham Royal Ballet

BRB2 2024 UK Tour Announced by Birmingham Royal Ballet

The announcement of the BRB2 2024 UK tour comes after the successful inauguration of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s initiative to form a second company.

Joining the five founding members of BRB2 – Oscar Kempsey-Fagg, Mason King, Frieda Kaden, Mailene Katoch, and Jack Easton – are the following seven dancers hand-picked by Carlos Acosta, Artistic Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, and Assistant Director Dominic Antonucci:

Nasrullah Abdur-Rahman (USA / Boston Ballet School)
Ariana Allen (UK / Royal Ballet School)
Alisa Garkavenko (Ukraine / Princess Grace Academy)
Thomas Hazelby (UK / Royal Ballet School)
Rosa Lidia-Nuesi (Dominican Republic / Acosta Danza)
Alexandra Manuel (USA / Royal Ballet School)
Alfie Shacklock (UK/Australia / Royal Ballet School)

"Everyone was so delighted with how the inaugural year of BRB2 went. It’s hard to believe we’re in the starting blocks again with seven new Artists joining the company. The invaluable experience that the first cohort had is something that they can now share with the 'next in line', and they will also continue to grow and develop the second time around. I am so happy to be visiting some new venues this time as in Cheltenham, Poole and Canterbury where I hope audiences will be as enthusiastic as they were in Northampton and Peterborough, where we are excited to be returning. It’s not only an entertaining evening, it’s a great introduction to ballet for anyone in the 'it’s not for me' camp. And for anyone who saw BRB2 last year I think everyone would agree that seeing such amazing young talent at the start of their careers in the spotlight, is a thrill and a privilege."

Carlos Acosta

Artistic Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet

As endeavored, the first BRB2 season proved successful in helping to attract even more global talent resulting this year in a company completely made up of young ballet dancers aged 18-22. (Last season, main company dancers were engaged to perform with the original BRB2 dancers.)

Kit Holder, a First Soloist with Birmingham Royal Ballet and BrB2’s Artistic Coordinator shares:

“Last year’s inaugural BRB2 tour was a huge success and set the bar very high both technically and artistically. It’s been wonderful to support the development of these young dancers who are already becoming seasoned professionals and I’m really excited by the seven new dancers who will join us this season to begin their professional careers.
I look forward to showcasing the talents of all of these young artists with audiences across the country in the spring.”