Jessica Lang's New Ballet Inspired by Ninette de Valois Poems

Julia Wagner · 2026-03-18

Hey there, dance community. Let's talk about something exciting happening in the ballet world. Choreographer Jessica Lang is back, and she's bringing a brand new work to the stage for the 2026 Summer Performances. This isn't just any piece, though. It's got a deeply personal and historical inspiration that's got everyone talking. Lang is drawing from the poems of Dame Ninette de Valois, the legendary founder of The Royal Ballet and The Royal Ballet School. Think about that for a second. We're not just seeing steps set to music; we're witnessing a direct artistic conversation across generations. It's like watching history dance. ### The Creative Spark: Poetry in Motion So, what does it mean to build a ballet from poems? For Lang, it's about finding the movement hidden in the words. De Valois wasn't just an administrator; she was a creative force whose writings captured the spirit, discipline, and passion of ballet. Lang is essentially translating that spirit from the page to the stage. This process is incredibly intimate. It requires a choreographer to sit with the text, to feel its rhythm, and to imagine the physical form of its emotions. For the dancers, it becomes about embodying a legacy. They're not just performing steps; they're giving body to the foundational ideas of their own art form.  ### Why This Matters for Studios and Choreographers You might be running a local studio or crafting pieces for a small company. This news is relevant. It's a masterclass in sourcing material. Inspiration doesn't only come from music or current events. It can come from literature, from history, from the pioneers who paved the way. Consider this approach for your own work. What local history or artistic figure in your community could inspire a new piece? It creates a powerful connection with your audience and adds layers of meaning to your choreography. Here are a few takeaways for any dance professional: - **Look beyond the studio:** Inspiration is everywhere—in books, archives, and local stories. - **Honor your roots:** Connecting your work to the history of dance adds depth and respect. - **Collaborate across time:** Treat the work of past masters as a creative partner. As one seasoned choreographer once told me, "The best new work often has old bones." Lang's project is a perfect example of that truth. ### Preparing for the 2026 Summer Performances The anticipation is already building for these 2026 shows. For students at the school, being part of a premiere like this is a career-defining opportunity. They're learning that dance is a living, breathing art that constantly dialogues with its past. For us watching, it's a reminder of ballet's rich tapestry. A new ballet by a celebrated choreographer, inspired by the words of the woman who helped build the entire institution? That's not just a performance; it's an event. It shows how ballet continues to evolve while proudly carrying its heritage forward. So, mark your calendars for summer 2026. Whether you're a studio owner, a fellow choreographer, or just a lover of dance, keep an eye on this development. It's a beautiful case study in how our art form grows—by reaching back to move forward, one poetic step at a time.