Tamara Rojo and Carlos Acosta in Manon, 2004 (The Royal Ballet)

Tamara Rojo as Manon and Carlos Acosta as Des Grieux in Act I of Kenneth MacMillan’s ballet Manon. Find out more at Kenneth MacMillan began work on Manon shortly after the birth of his only daughter. His source was the 18th-century French novel by Abbé Prévost, already adapted twice for opera by Massenet and Puccini. Renowned dance musician Leighton Lucas and his assistant Hilda Gaunt provided a score made from a patchwork of works by Massenet, including his famous yearning Elégie as the theme for the lovers. The premiere was given on 7 March 1974, the lead roles of Manon and Des Grieux danced by Antoinette Sibley and Anthony Dowell. The ballet quickly became a staple of The Royal Ballet’s repertory.