The Prince Of The Pagodas DVD – Darcey Bussell, Jonathan Cope 

Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s glorious version of The Prince of The Pagodas provides a fascinating and magnificent spectacle of classical dance on the grandest scale. Benjamin Britain’s exotic score inspired by the sounds of the gamelan is the only one that he created for ballet. The oriental theme is followed through with Nicholas Georgiadis’ enchanting designs enhancing the fairytale atmosphere. This production by the Royal Ballet filmed at Covent Garden in 1990 stars Darcey Bussell in dazzling form as Princess Rose and Jonathan Cope as the Prince. This is the role that launched Bussell’s career. MacMillan had noted her exceptional talent while she was still a student and he chose her to create the role of Princess Rose for him.