Back to NewsSupport sustainable innovation in opera and dance
Outdated browser
ARTISTS SERIES_GENTLEMAN JACK V1.mp4 - Artists Series_Gentleman Jac_ - [next.frame.io] i
News
Artist Series - “Gentleman Jack”, Winner of the FEDORA - VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Dance Prize 2025
FEDORA Artists Series
This World Dance Day, we are celebrating the groundbreaking production Gentleman Jack, winner of the FEDORA - VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Dance Prize 2025.
The FEDORA - VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Dance Prize is supported by Van Cleef & Arpels, in collaboration with Opera Europa. The FEDORA Prizes competition is co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Commission.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Choreographer of Gentleman Jack, and Federico Bonelli, Artistic Director of Northern Ballet, following the world premiere of Gentleman Jack in Leeds on 7 March. Our conversation explored how this production demonstrates a significant interest within the ballet world for narratives that have historically been underrepresented.
Based on the 5-million-word diaries of Anne Lister, a 19th-century entrepreneur and "the first modern lesbian", this production is a testament to the power of representation.
Redefining the Repertoire
For Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, the project was an opportunity to challenge traditional ballet narratives and offer a stage to a historical icon.
"In the ballet repertoire, we never have the main character being a lesbian. And so for me, it was nice to present a different narrative to the audiences and also to show that there are many ways of being a woman."
To translate Anne Lister’s extensive diaries for the stage, Annabelle employed an ensemble of dancers to personify the intricate codes of her writing, while incorporating mechanical elements, such as a treadmill, to illustrate her constant forward momentum.
The Evolution of Partnering
The production’s success relied on more than just historical research; it required a fundamental shift in balletic movement and physical trust. To prepare the company for a story centered on female relationships, the dancers engaged in dedicated workshops a year prior to focus on same-gender partnering. This technique requires different leverage and balance than traditional pas de deux, allowing the performers to approach the choreography with a sense of mission and technical confidence.
"And I think to gain trust from another woman that she's going to be there to support you, to manipulate you. That was also a process, but I think we managed it," Annabelle explained. "I think that the dancers were really excited... They really wanted to tell the story. You could feel that they were proud and feeling their duty to bring that story to the audience as honestly as possible."
This represents a significant evolution for the art form, as it moves away from centuries of strictly gendered partnering roles to establish a new, versatile physical language on the classical stage.
The Power of Innovation
For Federico Bonelli, the support of FEDORA was vital in bringing this ambitious vision to life.
"FEDORA being one of those [organizations that supported us], I think this is an incredible organization that empowers innovation and risk-taking. There is, of course, the financial support that the FEDORA - VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Dance Prize 2025 gives, and that is really important. Equally important was the fact to have the encouragement from a group of our peers."
As the production prepares to travel from Yorkshire to its London debut, the mission remains clear: to venture into new territory. As Annabelle noted:
"The ballet world should venture more into risky new stories. I think the audience is really ready for it."
See "Gentleman Jack" in London
Gentleman Jack makes its highly anticipated London debut on 19 May, performances lasting until 23 May. Witness the production that is redefining modern ballet.
Prizes & Grants
Cultural Network
Support
More Infos
©2026 - Fedora
