On August 11, the Queen Mary 2, flagship of the luxury cruise line Cunard Line, will depart from Southampton (UK) for New York on an eight-day transatlantic voyage with some very special guests on board: the English National Ballet. Personalities such as the company's principal dancer, Erina Takahashi, principal soloist James Streeter, renowned dance artist Merritt Moore, and Spanish soloist Aitor Arrieta will star in spectacular performances on the ship's stage, the Royal Court Theatre, during the 'Dance the Atlantic' cruise. Passengers will also be able to attend classes and rehearsals, as well as workshops, talks, and themed dance screenings to learn about and understand this wonderful art form where the body takes center stage.
“Dance is the hidden language of the soul,” Martha Graham, considered the mother of modern dance, used to say. The American dancer and choreographer knew better than anyone that dance is an art, a language where the body is the protagonist and that, through its movement, it expresses emotions and feelings.
Under this premise, the Queen Mary 2, flagship of Cunard Line, the leading luxury cruise line, will embark this summer on a unique voyage with some very special passengers: the members of the English National Ballet on the 'Dance the Atlantic' cruise. On its most legendary transatlantic crossing, from Southampton (United Kingdom) to New York, the queen of the seas will offer an up-close and personal perspective of the magical elegance that the prestigious British company is able to create on stage.
On August 11, tights, pointe shoes, and tutus will be ready to embark on an eight-day journey with exceptional guests. Among them are Erina Takahashi, principal dancer of the Ballet, and its first soloist James Streeter; the celebrated dance artist and physicist Merritt Moore, recognized by Forbes magazine and included in its '30 Under 30' list; and the Basque soloist Aitor Arrieta, winner of the 2015 Revelation Award from the Gipuzkoa Association of Dance Professionals.
From the timeless classic 'Swan Lake' to the poignant performance 'Dust' and the visually stunning 'Le Corsaire', passengers will be treated to excerpts from the company's vast repertoire. In addition to these spectacular performances, which will take place in the ship's majestic Royal Court Theatre, guests can also attend the English National Ballet's morning classes and afternoon rehearsals. Another way to engage with the wonderful world of dance during this cruise is through the various workshops offered throughout the week, as well as in-depth talks and screenings of documentaries and films focused on dance. It's an extraordinary opportunity to learn about and understand the process of effort, dedication, and exhilaration that define a dancer's life.
