Rambert Notes

Rambert:

• Originally founded as an occasional classical company, performing new works and reconstructed Ballet Russes choreography, under leadership of Marie Rambert.
• Throughout the 1930/40s the company expanded and formalised, touring as part of the war effort- toured and entertained troops.
• In the 1950/60s the focus of Ballet Rambert began to change due to the influx of modern dance in America- brought about by Morrice.
• In the 1970/80s Rambert’s focus was to expand audiences further and develop more new works with in house choreographers.

Who are Rambert:

• School- Marie Rambert initially taught ballet after escaping to Britain during WW1- previously performed with Ballet Russes, and had a knowledge of ballet, repertoire and eurhythmics.
• Occasional performance group- 1926 saw a performance of ‘A tragedy of Fashion’ by Rambert. Frederick Ashton choreographed the ballet as a new work for Rambert.
• Ballet club- In 1930 they formalised the name, became a resident at the Mercury theatre with seasonal performances at Sadlers Wells
• Ballet Rambert- Having built a reputation for performing British ballet, the name was changed to Ballet Rambert just prior to WW2- different to Ballet Club years when they were renowned for their development for new works.

1950-60s:

• Post war- toured extensively
• Became too costly to present full scale works- company lost its uniqueness
• With this is in mind, the company suggested Morrice go to America in 1962 to see developments I modern dance
• NAME CHANGE-“new” Ballet Rambert- after USA, Morrice was enthused with the new style of contemporary dance- especially the works and techniques of Martha Graham
• In 1966 Rambert was reimagined as a small scale ensemble that created new works modernly
• Morrice was appointed associate artistic director and took the lead in developing the new look Ballet Rambert. It was also Morrice who began to bring in overseas choreographers e.g. Glen Tetley, to aid the companies move to a more modern movement style

1970s:

• Americans- many American choreographers were invited to choreograph for the company- Glen Tetley and Anna Sokolow
• Making a name (1972)- Rambert Dance Unit travelled around the country and performed in smaller spaces- however only financially viable for 1 year
• 1973- built up dance status enough to present a season of performances at Sadlers Wells where they continue to perform today
• “CHESWORTH YEARS” (1974-80)- Chesworth started his choreographic career within Rambert’s choreographic performances- instigated by Morrice and encouraged students to create works in a contemporary style
• Chesworth was keen to develop Rambert’s educational activities and succeeded. In the process of building a new audience, a programme of educational activities began which became increasingly popular and effective in engaging audiences with the new style and educating younger audiences about contemporary dance

1980s:

• “NORTH YEARS” (1981-86)- drop in audience members
• Norths aim as artistic director was to bring back audiences that had left by creating new and accessible works for the company
• North used mainly himself, Bruce and Alston as choreographers. Invitations to overseas choreographers were given to the likes of Merce Cunningham- less frequent as company was developing…