Retiring dance star Sylvie Guillem, who received the Special Award at this year’s Olivier Awards with MasterCard, has been named Associate Artist Emeritus by Sadler’s Wells.
The performer, who has been an Associate Artist of the famous dance venue since 2006, is currently performing for the final time on its stage as she debuts her last production Life In Progress until 31 May.
The mixed bill, which will tour nationally and internationally throughout 2015, features work both new and old by choreographers closely linked to Guillem’s career, including Akram Khan, Russell Maliphant, Mats Ek and William Forsythe.
Speaking about the honour, Sadler’s Wells’ Artistic Director Alistair Spalding said: “Sylvie Guillem has had an extraordinary career encompassing both classical ballet and contemporary dance. This week marks a poignant moment in Sadler’s Wells’ recent history, as she makes her final dance performances on our stage after 11 hugely rich years of working together. Next month marks the anniversary of her appointment as an Associate Artist here, and her first commissioned work for us, PUSH was our very first in-house production – a thrilling debut which has been followed by some of the greatest evenings we have experienced at Sadler’s Wells. The title of Associate Artist Emeritus is therefore a celebration of the wonderful contribution she has made to the world of dance, and an expression of our appreciation for her incredible artistry.”
Following its run at Sadler’s Wells, Life In Progress will journey to Greece, Russia, France, Italy, Spain, Taipei, Austria and Japan, as well as returning to the UK to play in Edinburgh, Birmingham and at the London Coliseum.