In the competitive melee of world-class dance, the Royal Ballet keeps on its toes. Since 2011, when Christopher Wheeldon's groundbreaking "Alice in Wonderland" became its first new, full-length work in 16 years, the company based at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London, has been continually pushing new boundaries of innovation.
But that, according to its director, Kevin O'Hare, is all part of maintaining their "tradition of excellence."
"We are very lucky we have such a broad repertoire, with the classics from the 19th century and the heritage of (former Artistic Director and Principal Choreographer) Kenneth MacMillan and (Founding Choreographer and Director) Frederick Ashton in the 20th," O'Hare said in a recent phone interview.