1991 – The Royal Ballet performs William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated for the first time

First performed by the Paris Opera Ballet in 1987, William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated entered the repertory of The Royal Ballet for the first time in 1991. With crashing music by Thom Willems, Forsythe’s high-octane work, in essence an extension of classical movement, was a shock to many Royal Ballet audience members. However, the work injected some much-needed life into the company at the time and provided exciting opportunities for its dancers. Sylvie Guillem’s extraordinary physical ability for extreme movement prompted a wholesale change in the company’s look and style as dancers sought to emulate her ‘six o’clock legs’ and more angular movement qualities. The cast also included Laurent Hilaire, Darcey Bussell and Deborah Bull.