Nominees of Benois de la Danse 2015

CHOREOGRAPHERS:

ALEXANDER EKMAN – A Swan Lake, Mikael Karlsson. The Norwegian National Ballet.

JEAN-CHRISTOPHE MAILLOT – The Taming of the Shrew, Dmitry Shostakovich. Bolshoi Ballet.

DWIGHT RHODEN – Verse Us, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Nils Frahm, Claude Debussy, Philip Glass, Sven Helbig, Kristian Jarvi. Ballet Nice Mediterrannee.

MARTIN SCHLÄPFER – Deep Field, Adriana Holzsky. Ballet am Rhein.

CHRISTOPHER WHEELDON – The Winter's Tale, Joby Talbot. The Royal Ballet London.

FEMALE DANCERS:

MISTY COPELAND – Ave Maria, Vyatcheslav Kagen-Paley / Dwight Rhoden. Complexions Contemporary Ballet.

JOLANDA CORREA – Tatiana in Onegin, Piotr Tchaikovsky / John Cranko. The Norwegian National Ballet.

NICOLETTA MANNI – Death in Le Jeune homme et la mort, J S Bach / Roland Petit. La Scala Ballet.

MARIANELA NUÑEZ – The leading part in Symphonic Variations, César Franck / Frederick Ashton. The Royal Ballet.

SVETLANA ZAKHAROVA – Marguerite Gautier in Lady of the Camellias, Frédéric Chopin / John Neumeier. Mekhmene-Banu in Legend of Love, Alexander Melikov / Yuri Grigorovich. Bolshoi Ballet.

MALE DANCERS:

AKRAM KHAN – The leading part in Dust, Jocelyn Pook / Akram Khan. English National Ballet.

XANDER PARISH – Aminta in Sylvia, Léo Delibes / Frederick Ashton. Mariinsky Ballet.

DENIS RODKIN – Ferkhad in Legend of Love, Alexander Melikov / Yuri Grigorovich. Bolshoi Ballet.

MARIAN WALTER – Morel in Proust ou Les Intermittences du Coeur, Gabriel Fauré / Roland Petit. Staatsballett Berlin.

CLIFFORD WILLIAMS – The Guide in Ave Maria, Vyatcheslav Kagen-Paley / Dwight Rhoden. Complexions Contemporary Ballet.

EDWARD WATSON – Leontes in The Winter's Tale, Joby Talbot / Chrisopher Wheeldon. The Royal Ballet London.

COMPOSERS:

KONSTANTIN MELADZE – Great Gatsby, choreography by Dwight Rhoden.

JOBY TALBOT – The Winter's Tale, choreography by Christopher Wheeldon. The Royal Ballet London.

DESIGNER:

JOHN MACFARLANE – Hummingbird, Philip Glass / Liam Scarlett. San Francisco Ballet.

LIBRETTO:

MARIT MOUM AUNE – Ibsen's Ghosts, Nils Petter Molvoer / Marit Moum Aune, Cina Espejord. The Norwegian National Ballet.

DWIGHT RHODEN – Great Gatsby, Konstantin Meladze / Dwight Rhoden.

Nominees Benois de la Danse 2015 – press release 21-04-2015
[spot the translation howlers!]:

Choreography:

Jean-Christophe Maillot – “The Taming of the Shrew”, Dmitri Shostakovich. Bolshoi Theatre.

He was born in Tours, France, and studied music and dance in the department of the National Conservatory and the School of R. Hightower in Cannes; in 1977 won the Lausanne Prize and was invited John Neumeier in Hamburg Ballet, where he was prime minister five years until an injury ended his dancing career. From 1983 to 1993, he – the director of Ballet Tour since 1993 head of Ballets de Monte-Carlo, and since 2011 – head of the organization that brings together a troupe Dance Forum Monaco and Princess Grace Academy.

Dwight Rhoden – “against us”, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Nils Frem, Claude Debussy, Philip Glass, Sven Helbig, Kristjan Järvi. Mediterranean ballet Nice.

Born in Ohio, USA, at age 17 began performing with a local troupe of modern dance, then with the Montreal jazz ballet and as Prime Minister with the Alvin Ailey company. Participated in numerous television productions, documentaries, commercials, both in the US and Canada, and in Europe, and was a leading performer in many performances in the series “Great performances” on TV. In 2014 received the title of Honorary Doctor of the Boston Conservatory, and was inducted into the Hall of Honor of the New York Foundation for the Arts for outstanding choreography.

Martin Schläpfer – “Deep Field”, Adriana Holshki. Ballet on the Rhine.

He studied at a private school in Switzerland and the Royal Ballet School in London, in 1977 won the Lausanne Prize and was invited Hans Shperli in Basel Ballet. In 1990 founded the School of the Basel Ballet. In 1994 he was appointed director of the Ballet Bern, where he founded the Foundation “A look at the future of ballet”, from 1999 to 2009 was head of the newly established Ballet Mainz, and since the 2009-2010 season – the director and chief choreographer of Ballet am Rhein in Düsseldorf / Duisburg.

Christopher Wheeldon – “Winter's Tale”, Joby Talbot. The Royal Ballet of Great Britain.

He was born in Yeovil, England, and studied at the Royal Ballet School, and in 1991 won the Lausanne Prize, performing with his own solo delivered.He worked in the Royal Ballet troupe from 1991-1993, then in the New York City Ballet in 1993, the first ballet staged in 1997, became a soloist in 1998 and the first Resident Choreographer in 2001. In 2007 founded Morphosis, which soon fell apart, and in 2012 participated in the formulation of the Closing Ceremony of the London Olympic Games.

Alexander Ekman – “Swan Lake”, Mikael Carlson. Norwegian National Ballet.
Danced at the Swedish Royal Ballet, Cullberg Ballet and the Nederlands Dans Theater 2, then decided to devote himself to choreography. In 2005 won a prize at the International Competition of Choreographers in Hanover.Since 2009, engaged in the production of films, such as “40 meters under” Cullberg Ballet. In 2011 he taught at the Juilliard School in NY. In 2013 released the first promotional video, which won the award for design in Milan.

Female Dancer:

Misty Copeland – “Ave Maria», W. Kagen-Pali / A. Roden. Modern ballet “Complexions”.

Born in Kansas City, in the US, has grown and studied in California, joined the troupe of ABT in 2001, transferred to the soloist in 2007. President Obama has included it in the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. She – author of the memoir “Life in Motion” and the children's book “The Firebird.”

Yolanda Correa – Tatiana, “Onegin”, P. Tchaikovsky / J. Cranko. Norwegian National Ballet.

She was born in Cuba and studied at the Cuban National Ballet School in Havana. Danced in the Cuban National Ballet, where she received the title of prima ballerina. In the 2010/2011 season transferred to the Norwegian National Ballet. In 2012 received the prestigious prize “Positano them.Leonide Massine “as the best dancer, appeared on the international ballet scene.

Nicoletta Manni – Death, “Young man and Death”, I. – Bach / P. Petit. La Scala Theatre Ballet.
She was born in 1991 in Italy, 13 years old enrolled in the fourth grade at the Ballet School of the Academy of La Scala. After the release, in 2009, was invited to the Berlin State Ballet; in the spring of 2013 returned to Milan, La Scala Ballet troupe. In 2014 received the “Prize Danza & Danza” as the best dancer.

Marianela Núñez – Home Party “Symphonic Variations”, J. Frank / F.Ashton. The Royal Ballet of Great Britain.

Born in Buenos Aires, at the age of 6 years, entered the ballet school at the Teatro Colon, and 14 went to the troupe. In 1997 came a year in the Royal Ballet School, after she joined, eighteen months later she became a soloist, and in 2000, at age 20 – a ballerina.

Svetlana Zakharova – Marguerite Gautier, “The Lady of the Camellias” Chopin / J. Neumeier; Mekhmene Banu, “Legend of Love”, Melikov / U.Grigorovich. Bolshoi Theatre.

She was born in Lutsk, in 1989 entered the Kiev Ballet School, won a prize at the competition for young dancers Vaganova-Prix and the proposal to continue training in the Academy. Vaganova. In 1996 she graduated from the Academy in the class E. Evteyeva, she joined the Mariinsky Theatre and the following season became a soloist. In the season 2003/2004 went to the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia. In 2006-2011 – member of the Council for Culture under the President of Russia. From 2012 – once again a member of the Council. In 2008-2011 – member of the State Duma of the Russian Federation.

Male Dancer:

Marian Walter – Morel, “Proust or Beware of Pity”, G. Fauré / P. Petit.Berlin State Ballet.

Born in Sula, in Germany, from 1992 to 2000 he studied at the Berlin State Ballet School from 2000 to 2002 danced in the Bavarian State Ballet in season 2002/2003 joined the Berlin State Ballet.

Xander Parish – Aminta, “Sylvia” by L. Delibes / F. Ashton. Mariinsky Theatre.

Born in East Yorkshire, England, from 1998 to 2005 he studied at the Royal Ballet School in London and at the end was accepted into the company. In 2009 he was invited to the Mariinsky Ballet and in January 2010 moved to St. Petersburg. In 2014 received the prestigious prize “Positano them.Leonide Massine “as the best dancer, appeared on the international ballet scene.

Denis Rodkin – Farhad, “Legend of Love”, Melikov / Y. Grigorovich.Bolshoi Theatre.

Born in Moscow. In 2009 he graduated from the Ballet School of the Moscow State Academic Theatre of Dance “Gzhel” and was admitted to the Bolshoi Ballet. In 2013 he graduated from the Pedagogical Faculty of the Moscow State Academy of Choreography.

Rehearsed under Nikolai Tsiskaridze. At present, the teacher-coach Yuri Vladimirov artist is.

Clifford Williams – Master in “Ave Maria”, W. Kagen-Pali, D. Roden. Modern ballet “Complexions”.

Began studying ballet at the School of Art and Performing Arts. La Guardia, then studied at the School of Ailey School and ABT. In 1998 he entered the Juilliard School. In 2001-2003 he worked in Harlem Dance Theatre; in 2004 moved to a modern ballet “Complexions” and became assistant Dwight Rodin in many projects. Went for one season in the National Dance Company at the direction of Nacho Duato, then returned to “Complexions” in 2012 and became a regular guest artist.

Edward Watson – Leontes, “Winter's Tale”, J. Talbot / K. Wheeldon. The Royal Ballet of Great Britain.

Born in Bromley, South London, he studied at the Royal Ballet School and at the end was accepted into the company in 1994. After completion of all steps, received the title of prime minister in 2005. In 2012 Olivier Award received for her performance as Gregor Samsa in “The Metamorphosis” by Franz novel Kafka.

Akram Khan – The leading party, “Dust”, J. Pook / A. Khan. English National Ballet.

Born in Wimbledon, London, the son of immigrants from Bangldesha studied South Asian classical dance, stage career began at age 13 when he was invited to participate in the play Shakespeare Company Peter Brook. In the 1990s, began to create their own solo performances; in 2000 founded his own company; in 2005 received the title of Member of the British Empire; in 2012 he and his troupe took part in the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in London.

Composer:

Konstantin Meladze – “The Great Gatsby”, choreographer Dwight Rhoden.

Born in Batumi, works as a composer and producer with his brother Valeri, who performs his songs along with many other singers. In 2000 founded the group “VIA Gra”, wrote the music for several musicals. Was the producer of “American Idol” on Russian TV (2007) and the Ukrainian version of this program (2009). Among many other TV projects in 2015 led a new musical project “Main Stage”, aimed at promoting the neo-classical.
Joby Talbot – “Winter's Tale”, choreographer Christopher Wheeldon.

Born in Wimbledon in 1971, studied composition at the Royal Holloway and Badford New College, before you get the title of Master of Music in composition at the School of Music and Drama Guildholl. Among the works: Trumpet Concerto with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (2006), “Chrome” for Wayne McGregor (2006), “Alice in Wonderland” and “Winter's Tale” by Christopher Wheeldon for the Royal Ballet and the National Ballet of Canada (2011 and 2014 ).

Designer:

John McFarlane – “Hummingbird”, F. Glass / L. Scarlet. San Francisco Ballet.

Born in Scotland in 1948, he studied at the Glasgow School of Art; 2 years he worked as a designer at the Youth Theatre Vic in London. The first years of career he worked mainly in the field of dance performance with Jiri Kylian, the Royal Danish Ballet, the Vienna State Opera, staged “Swan Lake” in Munich, “Giselle” at the Royal ballet, “The Nutcracker” at the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Later began working primarily in opera productions at the most prestigious stages in the world.

Librettist:

Marit Moum Aune – “Ghosts Ibsen” Molvoer NP / M. Moum Aune, S. Espeyord. Norwegian National Ballet.

Born in Norway, 20 years headed the local theater Awan Garden.Directorial debut, aged 25, was held at the production of “Tales of a Soldier” by Igor Stravinsky. Since then, she has put a lot of plays from Shakespeare to Brecht and Ibsen, inviting the main roles of dancers, along with the actors almost all of their production.
Dwight Rhoden – “The Great Gatsby”, K. Meladze / A. Roden. Modern ballet “Complexions”.

Gramilano( Editor )

Graham Spicer is a writer, director and photographer in Milan, blogging (under the name ‘Gramilano') about dance, opera, music and photography for people “who are a bit like me and like some of the things I like”. He was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy.

His scribblings have appeared in various publications from Woman's Weekly to Gay Times, and he wrote the ‘Danza in Italia' column for Dancing Times magazine.