Royal Ballet School student to choreograph new ballet for major UK dance event

Graduate year student Sebastian Goffin has been commissioned by Monica Mason, Director of The Royal Ballet, to create a pas de deux as part of a gala celebrating Bob Lockyer’s 70th birthday. The performance takes place on 12 and 13 April at The Place: Robin Howard Dance Theatre in London.

Bob Lockyer has been described as ‘one of the great heroes of British dance’ whose 40-year career as a director and producer of dance programmes for BBC Television has played a huge part in developing the art form’s popularity. The gala - A celebration of Bob Lockyer - features an array of distinguished artists and figures from the UK dance world: Richard Alston, Mark Baldwin, Siobhan Davies, Wayne McGregor and Monica Mason have been invited by Bob to curate a programme of original choreography.

His first-ever professional commission, Sebastian has created a pas de deux entitled Papillon, to music by Dvořák, which will be danced by fellow students Mayara Magri and Skyler Martin.

Sebastian comments: ‘It is a huge honour to have been invited by Dame Monica Mason to choreograph a piece and to represent The Royal Ballet School at such an important event. Sharing the stage with so many distinguished artists and key people from the dance world is an incredible opportunity that I know I will relish for many years to come’

Sebastian’s choreographic talents have been developed during his time at the School, having entered the annual Ursula Moreton Choreographic Award three times. He gained two awards including first prize in 2011 with his powerful piece about the Holocaust entitled Ana B140601,2,3.

More information about A Celebration of Bob Lockyer and tickets (for the performance on Friday 13 April £20) from

http://www.theplace.org.uk

Or by phone 020 7121 1100


Pictured: Sebastian Goffin in rehearsal with Mayara Magri and Skyler Martin
Photo: Marius Arnold Clarke