For all dance lovers, this mixed bill from Bavarian State Ballet II will hit the spot. Richard Siegal’s witty, jazz-imbued The New 45 explodes with joy; its witty blend of social dance and ballet never fails to charm. In contrast, Nacho Duato’s Jardí Tancat brings a uniquely Mediterranean way of seeing life and movement. To the sound of passionate and melancholic folksong, Catalan country people work the barren land, praying for rain that never comes. Of Allegro Brillante, his incomparable modern ballet classic set to Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No 3, Balanchine said “it contains everything I know about classical ballet in 13 minutes”. Finally, Bauhaus pioneer Oskar Schlemmer’s 1922 The Triadic Ballet receives its Hong Kong premiere. Gerhard Bohner’s 1977 hit production breathed new life into this historically important work, with its geometric movement, music and costumes. Under the leadership of ex Artistic Director Ivan Liška, the past two decades has seen Bavarian State Ballet win international fame with new productions of great classics, and superb contemporary works commissioned from today’s leading choreographers. The company’s huge popularity at home makes foreign visits few and far between; this rare guest appearance should not be missed. The Bavarian State Ballet’s motto is “moved by passion”. You will be!