"The standout treat of the new works was an extraordinary ballet by Jessica Lang, The First Voice, linked to three insightful poems by Dame Ninette de Valois, read by Royal Ballet luminaries Kevin O’Hare, Monica Mason and Darcey Bussell. In earthy autumnal colours, it seemed to be of a certain period but also timeless in unusual movements and a quiet dramatic intensity. It was a joy to watch and left memories lingering long after curtain down."
- Maggie Foyer, Bachtrack, June 17, 2026
"Jessica Lang’s exquisite The First Voice, to Beethoven & Ninette de Valois’ poems, which were read by school alumni Kevin O’Hare, Monica Mason & Darcey Bussell and performed by Upper School 2nd years was incredible. The powder-soft dancing, curved like a dropped ribbon, belied the punchy overtones of the narrative. Chef’s kiss."
- Balletnews.com, July 18, 2026
"Jessica Lang’s new creation, The First Voice, to poems written by de Valois and voiced by Darcey Bussell, Monica Mason and Kevin O’Hare, was a very touching experience."
-Deborah Weiss, Bachtrack, July 19, 2026
"I was equally impressed by The First Voice by Jessica Lang. This was the contemporary component of the programme and the 2nd year Upper School students did it justice. Lang flitted between literal movement to words and something more opaque, but the dialogue between athleticism and poetic movement works well."
-Matthew Paluch, Broadway World, July 20, 2026
"She may have been the only overseas choreographer on the programme but Jessica Lang has long had an association with The Royal Ballet School. She was also the only guest choreographer that David Bintley invited back to create a second piece during his tenure at Birmingham Royal Ballet. Her The First Voice, danced to poems by de Valois, read by Darcey Bussell, Monica Mason and Kevin O’Hare, then music by Ludwig van Beethoven, brought a contemporary element to the afternoon. The lighting may be largely monochrome but there is a lot of colour and depth in the work as it shifts between a literal interpretation of the text and poetic movement."
-David Mead, SeeingDance, July 20, 2026
