1974 – Premiere of Kenneth MacMillan’s Elite Syncopations by The Royal Ballet

Kenneth Macmillan’s hugely popular Elite Syncopations emerged out of a newfound enthusiasm for ragtime music in the 1970s. Danced to music by Scott Joplin and others, MacMillan’s subversive side found expression in giving his dancers, best known to the audiences from The Sleeping Beauty and the classical repertoire, zany movements in a work of unashamed fun. The ballet has since been performed around the world and makes for a toe-tapping end to an evening of dance. Ian Spurling’s madly decorated body tights and bizarre hats are integral to the effect. The original cast included Merle Park, Donald MacLeary, Monica Mason, Jennifer Penney, David Wall, Vergie Derman, Wayne Sleep and Michael Coleman.