ANNA TERESA DE KEERSMAEKER was only 23 when she established her company Rosas in 1983 and she has since gone on to choreograph numerous experimental works.

An earnest rebellion against traditional ballet’s conventions unites her varied output and this British premiere of Mitten wir im Leben sind — “in the midst of life” — is no exception.

The music itself is her subject. In a rare collaboration with famous cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras, who plays all six suites of Bach’s cello concerto, De Keersmaeker choreographs from the music in a quest to create an affinity with it, as opposed to music being an accompaniment to the dance.
 
The production asserts a democratic defiance. All seats are priced equally and no orchestra pit or curtain distances performers from audience. Wearing simple, everyday clothes, dancers and cellist stroll onto the bare stage with the house lights still on.