Project Polunin

Internationally acclaimed dancer Sergei Polunin returns to the Sadler’s Wells stage with Project Polunin, from 14-18 March. Bringing together world-class artists for this new production, Project Polunin aims to challenge perceptions of dance through live performance, and act as a catalyst for a new generation of dancers to explore what the future of the art form may hold. Many regard Polunin as one of the most naturally gifted male ballet dancers of his generation; as a Ukrainian ballet prodigy, Polunin trained at the Kiev Choreographic State School and The Royal Ballet School before joining The Royal Ballet, where he rapidly rose through the ranks. He then became the youngest principal in its history. Drawing on his experiences as a dancer, Project Polunin is a triple bill of classical and modern pieces, appealing to many a dance audience. The programme will include the UK premiere of Vladimir Vasiliev’s Icarus and Tea or Coffee, a company piece choreographed by Andrey Kaydanovskiy. The programme will also feature the world premiere of Echo and Narcissus, a piece co-created by Polunin in collaboration with composer Ilan Eshkeri, and photographer and artist David LaChapelle. Eshkeri wrote the music for Polunin’s biographical film Dancer, which takes an unprecedented look into the life of a complex young man who, for some, has made ballet go viral. Founded by Polunin in 2015, Project Polunin aims to create new dance and ballet works through the collaboration of dancers with contemporary artists, musicians and choreographers, for both stage and film. Based in London, the ongoing project will foster the creation of new works in conjunction with other artists from film, music, and other arts, and provide continuous support for dancers and choreographers. His new film Dancer will be released in UK and Ireland cinemas on 10 March 2017. Directed by Academy Award® nominated Steve Cantor, it offers a uniquely personal portrait of a man and dancer. It tells the story of how Polunin took the dance world by storm and, at the peak of his success aged just 21, he walked away, driven to the brink of self-destruction by stardom.