Darcey Bussell: Farewell by George Piper Dances at Sadler's Wells
We were very proud to have produced a week of performances at Sadler's Wells to celebrate Darcey Bussell's retirement a couple of weeks ago, and for her to have danced in those shows. From having worked with her so closely on that production - dancing with, filming and editing her - it is clear that she is dancing brilliantly.
But who is to say that this is the peak? Might she not have been even better next season, or might she not have found, like many dancers before her, that it is possible to excel in and enjoy the smaller roles that are character driven?
None of this counts as she is determined that this is how the story of Darcey Bussell goes. She has single-mindedly fulfilled her desire to be the greatest ballerina she could be, and it might be selfish of us to demand more from her. We will have to be happy with what she has given the dance world and respect her decision - even though it seems pretty selfish.
If there has ever been an other dancer to retire at this kind of peak, I have never known one.
George Piper Dances: Ballet for the People is at the Royal Festival Hall July 14th and 15th
