Wayne McGregor

Abstract In 2006, contemporary choreographer Wayne McGregor made Chroma for The Royal Ballet and was subsequently invited to become resident choreographer of the Royal Opera House in London. His work was described variously as hyperactive, hyperextended, minimalist, and highly inventive. This chapter traces the choices of intent, methods, and processes of creation of three works for The Royal Ballet, through McGregor’s own observations and perceptions, and by interrogating those of his artistic collaborators and critics, whose critical responses signal a wide range of perceptions initiated by his aesthetic. How can his works be seen to dismantle traditional balletic constructs, avoiding the linear perspective, making the art form relevant to contemporary society? Frameworks for investigation are provided through in-depth interviews with Wayne McGregor, referencing the writings of Roslyn Sulcas, Erika Fischer-Lichte, and Freya Vass-Rhee.