To mark the centenary of Frederick Ashton, Mason commissioned Christopher Newton to produce a new version of Ashton’s pastoral ballet – not seen at Covent Garden in 40 years. Darcey Bussell takes the lead role made famous by Margot Fonteyn Photograph: Tristram Kenton
Wayne McGregor’s first major commission for Royal Ballet (Infra, with designs by Julian Opie, follows in 2008). A starkly contemporary piece in which five couples danced to composer Joby Talbot’s White Stripes-sampling score. The critics adored it and the show was credited with drawing in a younger audience Photograph: Alastair Muir/Rex Features
To mark the Royal’s 75th anniversary, a sumptuous new production of Ninette de Valois’ 1946 version of this most English of classical ballets. Alina Cojocaru and Johan Kobborg shone as the opening night leads Photograph: Tristram Kenton
The first Royal Ballet production of George Balanchine’s 1967 work for New York City Ballet – a three act plotless homage to emeralds, rubies and diamonds set to music by Fauré, Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky respectively. Glamorous, sophisticated – and a neat move by Mason Photograph: Tristram Kenton
Part of a triple bill, this abstract piece – a riveting exposition of love in various forms set to Poulenc’s Double Piano Concerto – was the main stage debut for the Royal’s 24-year-old choreographer Liam Scarlett. A new star was born Photograph: Tristram Kenton
Choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon with lavish sets by Bob Crowley, the Royal Ballet’s first original full-length commission in 16 years, and an expensive undertaking for Mason, proved a family-friendly crowd pleaser. English principal Lauren Cuthbertson impressed as Alice Photograph: Tristram Kenton
