The Year in Dance: Five Performances That Defined 2025
Dance in 2025 offered a remarkable spectrum of experiences, from deeply moving explorations of the natural world to delightfully eccentric displays of theatricality. Selecting just a few standout performances is a challenge, but these five productions resonated with critics and audiences alike, pushing boundaries and captivating hearts. HereS a look at the shows that truly defined the year in dance.
5. Dolan: A haunting Exploration of Memory and Loss
This powerful work, part of the larger ”Marking Time” project, delivered a visceral and unforgettable experience. It explored themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time through intensely physical and emotionally raw choreography. You were left contemplating the fragility of existence long after the curtain fell.
4. Royal ballet: A Showcase of Diverse Talent
The Royal Ballet‘s “Perspectives” triple bill demonstrated the company’s commitment to both classical excellence and contemporary innovation. Cathy Marston’s premiere, “Against the Tide,” featured stunning partnering between William Bracewell and Matthew Ball, inspired by Britten’s Violin Concerto. Justin Peck’s contribution injected a vibrant energy and precision into the program, marking a successful foray into American choreography for the company.
3. Figures in Extinction: Dance as a Call to Action
Crystal Pite’s collaboration with Complicité’s Simon mcburney and Nederlands Dans Theater was more than just a dance performance-it was a poignant statement. The production tackled the urgent issue of environmental decline and humanity’s place within it. despite the weighty subject matter, Pite’s choreography offered a surprising sense of hope, reminding you of the power of art to inspire change.
2. A Burst of Joy: Thick & Tight’s “Natural behaviour”
Daniel Hay-Gordon and El Perry, the duo behind Thick & Tight, consistently deliver performances that are utterly unique. “Natural Behaviour” was no exception, blending satire, silliness, and surprisingly thoughtful commentary. The show’s format, resembling a series of sketches, included lip-syncing, portraits of cultural icons, and a vibrant sense of community. It culminated in a truly unforgettable image: Perry and Hay-Gordon as an orange pantomime horse with Donald Trump’s face emerging from its rear.
1. The Unforgettable Eccentricity of thick & Tight
Ultimately, Thick & Tight’s “Natural Behaviour” claimed the top spot for its sheer originality and infectious joy. The duo’s ability to be both completely left-field and remarkably accessible is a rare gift. You experienced a performance that was simultaneously hilarious, insightful, and deeply moving-a testament to the power of dance to surprise and delight.
These five performances represent just a fraction of the unbelievable dance that unfolded in 2025. They demonstrate the art form’s enduring ability to challenge,inspire,and connect us all.
