International recognition for Burden by Lars de Vos
On 9 and 10 April, Burden by choreographer and dancer Lars de Vos was presented during International Draft Works at the Linbury Theatre of the Royal Opera House in London. This annual platform brings together emerging choreographers from ballet companies around the world to explore how the art form of ballet continues to grow and evolve.
Burden was originally created for NextSteps, a collaboration between Dutch National Ballet and ISH Dance Collective. The choreography, performed by Herrold Anakotta and Soshi Suzuki, was enthusiastically received by the British press.
High praise for choreography and dancers
The online dance platform Seeingdance described Burden as “an exciting new work (…) a well-structured work using the formidable talents of the two, very different, dancers to build a dialogue of harmony with flashes of virtuosity”, concluding: “I hope we see more from him.”
The cultural platform Gramilano was equally impressed: “Herrold Anakotta and Soshi Suzuki set a high standard for the works to follow with impressive acrobatic power moves and locking, suggesting imagery of timelapse photography and rewinding.”
The international review site Bachtrack wrote: “The evening got off to a good start with Burden by Lars de Vos (…) very well danced by Herrold Anakotta and Soshi Suzuki.”
The online theatre magazine British Theatre Guide summed it up aptly: “Herrold Anakotta and Soshi Suzuki are brilliant.”
NextSteps as a platform for emerging creators
NextSteps is an annual programme in which emerging artists create new work at the intersection of ballet and hip-hop. The initiative offers space for exchange, experimentation and dialogue between dance styles and artistic perspectives. The most recent edition took place on 26 and 27 March 2025; the next is scheduled for 26 and 27 June 2026.
