In 2025, Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels presents Neither Drums nor Trumpets by Pam Tanowitz in collaboration with the Royal Ballet and Opera as part of the Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels festival in London. 

Set in the historic space of the Royal Opera House, Neither Drums nor Trumpets explores performing rituals and codified techniques in an unusually layered contemporary collage. Imbued with rich, mysterious undertones, the piece plays with narrative and abstraction, formality and immediacy, creating a progression of images that dissolve and reappear throughout the work’s path.

Neither Drums nor Trumpets uses the Paul Hamlyn Hall’s rich history, namely its application as a flower market, dance hall, storage for theater scenery, and now as a gathering and hospitality space, weaving it through the work. Qualities associated with the ballet and their relevance for dance today will be viewed from a reflective distance, releasing them from the comfort of convention and habit and forcing them into new spaces. This work is dedicated to one of Tanowitz’s mentors, the late and prolific postmodern choreographer David Gordon. 

Mar 25th - 26th, 2025

Venue Paul Hamlyn Hall

Partners Royal Ballet and Opera,Festival in London

Choreographer Pam Tanowitz

Producer Jason Collins

Costume Designer and Rehearsal Director Maile Okamura

Composer Caroline Shaw 

Dancers Marc Crousillat, Christine Flores, Lindsey Jones, Victor Lozano, Maile Okamura, Caitlin Scranton, Anson Zwingelberg

Duration 30 min

Presented by Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels and the Royal Ballet and Opera as part of the Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels Festival in London.