Marianela: Timeless review – perfect ballerina shows off a leg-whipping, frictionless mastery
Marianela Nuñez, one of the most celebrated ballerinas of our time, has made her mark with her first solo show, 'Timeless', at the Royal Opera House in London. At 44, she continues to impress with her flawless technique, performing a series of challenging fouettés with remarkable ease. The show is a tribute to the Royal Ballet, where she began her journey at the age of 16, featuring a carefully curated repertoire from renowned choreographers like Frederick Ashton and Kenneth MacMillan.
Nuñez not only shines as the star of the show but also highlights the incredible talents of her fellow dancers. A standout moment includes Matthew Ball and Mayara Magri in the balcony scene from 'Romeo and Juliet', where their chemistry captivates the audience. Other notable performances include a tender duet from Akane Takada and Calvin Richardson in McGregor’s 'Infra', and a serene piece by Fumi Kaneko and Lukas B Braendsrød in Wheeldon’s 'After the Rain'. While Nuñez's performances are marked by technical perfection, the evening also invites reflection on the balance between beauty and emotional depth in dance.
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Summarized by Ballet Trader from The Guardian — Dance.
Read the full article: https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2026/jul/30/marianela-timeless-review-royal-opera-house-london
Nuñez not only shines as the star of the show but also highlights the incredible talents of her fellow dancers. A standout moment includes Matthew Ball and Mayara Magri in the balcony scene from 'Romeo and Juliet', where their chemistry captivates the audience. Other notable performances include a tender duet from Akane Takada and Calvin Richardson in McGregor’s 'Infra', and a serene piece by Fumi Kaneko and Lukas B Braendsrød in Wheeldon’s 'After the Rain'. While Nuñez's performances are marked by technical perfection, the evening also invites reflection on the balance between beauty and emotional depth in dance.
—
Summarized by Ballet Trader from The Guardian — Dance.
Read the full article: https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2026/jul/30/marianela-timeless-review-royal-opera-house-london