Birmingham Royal Ballet presents a tantalising triple bill, including two recently premiered works and the World premiere of a new pas de deux created especially for Carlos Acosta and Alessandra Ferri.

City of a Thousand Trades is a love letter to Birmingham, commissioned by Acosta to celebrate the city’s richly diverse heritage and melting pot of cultures. The ballet is brought to stage by Havana-born choreographer Miguel Altunaga, and dramaturg and co-Director Madeleine Kludje from Birmingham Repertory Theatre, with music by Mathias Coppens, inspired by the city’s soundscape.

Brazilian / British choreographer Daniela Cardim’s Imminent has been created with a team of international talent, including renowned composer Paul Englishby. Imminent explores the sensation of knowing that something isn’t right, even though the world around us seems to be flowing harmoniously. We need to resist the status quo and find the strength to see opportunities in paths unknown, embracing both the fear and the hope.

Chacona is a powerful ensemble piece for 16 dancers set to music by J.S. Bach, played on stage by violin, guitar and piano. Created by Spanish choreographer Goyo Montero (Nuremberg Ballet / Acosta Danza) Sadler’s Wells presents a brand new production featuring an exclusive pas de deux performed by Carlos Acosta and guest artist Alessandra Ferri.

Live music performed by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s acclaimed orchestra, the Royal Ballet Sinfonia.

Image description: Two dancers stand balanced in a moment of intimacy. Alessandra Ferri balances on point, her other leg folded up towards her chest, toe pointed inwards. She cradles the head of Carlos Acosta with one hand, the other wrapped around his shoulder. He stands with feet wide, supporting Ferri at her waist and around her lifted knee. Both wear black unitards and the background is a mottled red.

City of a Thousand Trades and Imminent are Ballet Now commissions, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s programme which seeks to find exciting, diverse, international creative talent.