20th-Century Masterpieces is a marvellous programme of three short ballets, so different in nature but united in the way in which they capture the imagination and showcase the skills and versatility of the dancers of Birmingham Royal Ballet.

Against a magical sky-blue background, the rich costumes and beautiful symmetry of the opening moments of Frederick Ashton’s Birthday Offering are a feast for the eyes. Created to mark the 25th birthday of Sadler’s Wells Ballet, and first performed in 1956, Birthday Offering presents a series of individual dances which Ashton choreographed to highlight the accomplishments of the greatest ballerinas of the time. Dynamic male group pieces contrast with the delicate femininity of the ballerinas’ solos, all skilfully woven into a piece which is greater than the sum of its parts. It is a truly mesmerising, memorable spectacle.

The Green Table: A Dance Of Death In Eight Scenes is equally memorable, but for very different reasons. A compelling, stark depiction of the monstrosity of war, we see hideous, masked bureaucrats as they gather to orchestrate a war in which they will never take part. The focus then shifts to the innocent victims of a conflict they did not start, while the looming presence of Death is always in evidence. The strong, dynamic movements of the soldiers, set to powerful, crashing piano chords, grab the attention and create a sense of foreboding. The delicate pastel colours of the women’s dresses emphasise their vulnerability. This is an extremely intelligent piece, choreographed by a pacifist, Kurt Jooss, who aimed to draw attention to the horror of conflict. The ballet had its world première in 1932, but its message is as relevant today as it ever was.

George Balanchine’s Theme And Variations, set to music by Tchaikovsky, ends the evening, and the mood changes once more. Against a backdrop of sumptuous drapes, this is a glittery, sparkling celebration of all that is enchanting about classical ballet. Fast-paced yet beautifully controlled, the precision of the steps is an absolute joy, while the spectacle of a stage full of performers, working individually but in perfect unison, is a wonder to behold.

Theme And Variations is the perfect ending to a programme which leads the audience on a journey through three gems from the last hundred years. At times thought-provoking, at times sheer beauty, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s 20th-Century Masterpieces is pure perfection.

Five stars

Reviewed by Rachel Smith on Friday 19 June at Birmingham Hippodrome