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 18thcentury 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.