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- dance, opera, photography...

Gramilano

Graham Spicer, aka 'Gramilano', is a writer, director and photographer based in Milan. He was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy. His articles have appeared in various publications from Woman's Weekly to Gay Times, and he wrote the Danza in Italia column for Dancing Times magazine. Graham was the historical advisor on Codice Carla, the 2023 documentary on Carla Fracci.

Graham also works as a dance photographer, and his photos have appeared in many books, theatre programmes, and magazines, including Dancing Times, Dance Spirit and Ballet2000, as well as all the major Italian newspapers.

He is a member of the Dance Section of The Critics’ Circle.

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About Gramilano

Graham Spicer, aka 'Gramilano', is a writer, director and photographer based in Milan. He was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy. His articles have appeared in various publications from Woman's Weekly to Gay Times, and he wrote the Danza in Italia column for Dancing Times magazine. Graham was the historical advisor on Codice Carla, the 2023 documentary on Carla Fracci.

Graham also works as a dance photographer, and his photos have appeared in many books, theatre programmes, and magazines, including Dancing Times, Dance Spirit and Ballet2000, as well as all the major Italian newspapers.

He is a member of the Dance Section of The Critics’ Circle.

The Royal Opera’s Jette Parker Artists Programme – celebrating 25 years of discovering opera’s brightest new stars

18 April 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Jette Parker Artists 2026

The Royal Opera’s Jette Parker Artists Programme celebrates its 25th anniversary in the 2026-2027 season, marking a quarter of a century of discovering, nurturing and training the next generation of … [Read more...] about The Royal Opera’s Jette Parker Artists Programme – celebrating 25 years of discovering opera’s brightest new stars

The Royal Opera – complete 2026-2027 Season

15 April 2026 by Gramilano 1 Comment

The Magic Flute, Tuuli Takala as Queen of the Night (C) ROH 2019. Photographed by Tristram Kenton

The Royal Opera presents the 2026-2027 Season of new productions and acclaimed revivals. In her Main Stage debut, Royal Opera Associate Director Netia Jones –renowned for her inventive use of digital … [Read more...] about The Royal Opera – complete 2026-2027 Season

The Royal Ballet – complete 2026-2027 Season

14 April 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Royal Ballet School

The Royal Ballet has unveiled a programme that aims to honour its extraordinary lineage and embrace the future of the art form during the 2026-2027 Season. In celebration of his 20th anniversary as … [Read more...] about The Royal Ballet – complete 2026-2027 Season

Birmingham Royal Ballet celebrates Sir Peter Wright’s Centenary with Gala Performance

11 April 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Miki Mizutani with Sir Peter Wright

Sir Peter Wright Centenary on 18 June will feature highlights from some of the director and choreographer’s most beloved works, including Giselle, Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty and Coppélia.  For … [Read more...] about Birmingham Royal Ballet celebrates Sir Peter Wright’s Centenary with Gala Performance

Les Étoiles 2026 in Milan 11-12 April with 2 new guests: Natalia Osipova and Aurélie Dupont

10 April 2026 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Davide Dato in Uwe Scholz’s The Rite of Spring, Nervi Festival 2021, photo by Graham Spicer

Les Étoiles, the well-known gala format seen across Italy, returns to the Teatro degli Arcimboldi in Milan this weekend – on 11 April at 9 pm and on 12 April at 5 pm. Unfortunately, Marianela … [Read more...] about Les Étoiles 2026 in Milan 11-12 April with 2 new guests: Natalia Osipova and Aurélie Dupont

The Critics’ Circle announces the nominations for the 26th National Dance Awards

10 April 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

National Dance Awards logo

The Dance Section of the Critics’ Circle has announced the short-listed nominations for the National Dance Awards (#NDA26).  The qualifying period for performances was between 1 January and 31 … [Read more...] about The Critics’ Circle announces the nominations for the 26th National Dance Awards

New York City Ballet announces 2026-27 Season with 5 world premieres

9 April 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

New York City Ballet in Justin Peck’s Copland Dance Episodes. Photo credit Erin Baiano

21 Weeks of Performances Will Feature 48 Ballets Including 24 Works by NYCB Co-Founder GEORGE BALANCHINE and 5 Works by Co-Founding Choreographer JEROME ROBBINS Five World Premieres by JENNIFER … [Read more...] about New York City Ballet announces 2026-27 Season with 5 world premieres

Royal Ballet’s Melissa Hamilton presents A Night of Ballet

28 March 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Melissa Hamilton, photo by Darian Volkova

Melissa Hamilton will curate a Night of Ballet this summer at Grange Park Opera. The Royal Ballet Principal will produce the first performance in England by Hamilton Christou … [Read more...] about Royal Ballet’s Melissa Hamilton presents A Night of Ballet

Youth America Grand Prix’s 2026 Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow Gala

19 March 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

YAGP 2026

Ballet stars will join Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) – the world’s largest ballet scholarship organisation – to celebrate this year’s Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow Gala on Thursday 16 … [Read more...] about Youth America Grand Prix’s 2026 Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow Gala

Les Étoiles gala in Rome 2026: A Bridge for Peace… but without Zakharova

16 March 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

LES ETOILES 2022 Vadim Muntagirov with Fumi Kaneko as the white swan, photo by Graham Spicer

Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone, Sala Santa Cecilia, Rome – 20 and 21 March These are times of conflict, and Les Étoiles – the international dance gala curated by Daniele Cipriani – … [Read more...] about Les Étoiles gala in Rome 2026: A Bridge for Peace… but without Zakharova

Interview: Ivan Putrov on the Dance for Ukraine gala at the Royal Academy of Dance

8 March 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Dance for Ukraine 2026 banner

On Saturday 21 March at 2pm, the Royal Academy of Dance will host a Dance for Ukraine event. Darcey Bussell, President of the Royal Academy of Dance, and Ivan Putrov will present a special ballet … [Read more...] about Interview: Ivan Putrov on the Dance for Ukraine gala at the Royal Academy of Dance

The Joffrey Ballet Announces 2026–2027 Season at Lyric Opera House  

3 March 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Gayeon Jung The Sleeping Beauty Photo by Carolyn McCabe

The Joffrey Ballet’s 2026-2027 season includes the premiere of Christopher Wheeldon’s The Sleeping Beauty, and the Chicago premiere of John Neumeier’s ballet Liliom.   Ashley Wheater, Artistic … [Read more...] about The Joffrey Ballet Announces 2026–2027 Season at Lyric Opera House  

Ryan Tomash Promoted to Principal Dancer at New York City Ballet

2 March 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Ryan Tomash of New York City Ballet in August Bournonville’s Flower Festival in Genzano Pas de Deux

New York City Ballet announced today that Ryan Tomash has been promoted from Soloist to Principal Dancer. The promotion was made by NYCB Artistic Director Jonathan Stafford and Associate Artistic … [Read more...] about Ryan Tomash Promoted to Principal Dancer at New York City Ballet

Review: Nureyev’s The Sleeping Beauty at La Scala – thrilling in its eccentricity

23 February 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Martina Arduino in Sleeping Beauty, photo Brescia e Amisano (c) Teatro alla Scala (1)

Graham Spicer sees Rudolf Nureyev's The Sleeping Beauty at La Scala with an electrifying Martina Arduino as Aurora. TitleThe Sleeping BeautyCompanyBallet of La ScalaVenueTeatro alla Scala, MilanDate9 … [Read more...] about Review: Nureyev’s The Sleeping Beauty at La Scala – thrilling in its eccentricity

The Porselli ballet boutique next to La Scala closes after 55 years

22 February 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Porselli ballet shoes 1

The historic Porselli shop on Via Filodrammatici, opposite La Scala’s artists’ entrance, has closed after 55 years – yet another piece of Milan’s cultural fabric has quietly disappeared. The … [Read more...] about The Porselli ballet boutique next to La Scala closes after 55 years

Hofesh Shechter is awarded Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture

21 February 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Hofesh Shechter is awarded Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from Her Excellency Hélène Tréheux-Duchêne - 1

The Hofesh Shechter Company has announced that choreographer and composer Hofesh Shechter OBE has been appointed to the rank of Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. This prestigious … [Read more...] about Hofesh Shechter is awarded Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture

Cory Stearns to retire from American Ballet Theatre

19 February 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Onegin - B-

Cory Stearns, a Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre since 2011, will retire from the Company following performances of Onegin during the 2026 Summer season. He will perform the title role … [Read more...] about Cory Stearns to retire from American Ballet Theatre

Anna Razzi, former étoile of La Scala Ballet, has died at 85

18 February 2026 by Gramilano 1 Comment

1984 Romeo and Juliet - Anna Razzi ph Lelli e Masotti (c) Teatro alla Scala (1)

The dancer and ballet director Anna Razzi has died at the age of 85. She was honorary president and director of the ballet company at Teatro San Carlo in Naples from 2006 to 2009, and was well … [Read more...] about Anna Razzi, former étoile of La Scala Ballet, has died at 85

English National Ballet announces its 2026-2027 season – A Season to ‘Feel More’

18 February 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

English National Ballet dancers in Rudolf Nureyev’s Romeo & Juliet (c) Laurent Liotardo

English National Ballet’s 2026-2027 season “opens up the possibilities of ballet, offering more ways to discover, feel and engage with ballet, on stage and beyond”. English National Ballet’s … [Read more...] about English National Ballet announces its 2026-2027 season – A Season to ‘Feel More’

Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities Opens Its Doors To The Public

9 February 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

External view of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, University of Oxford. Photograph (c) David Levene

New 500-seat concert hall opens with concert by the Scottish Ensemble New 250-seat theatre opens with dance by ZooNation Unveil of new digital art by Refik Anadol and Anna Ridler  World … [Read more...] about Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities Opens Its Doors To The Public

Photo Album from the Prix de Lausanne 2026 finals

8 February 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Awards Ceremony - (c) Gregory Batardon, Prix de Lausanne 2026 - 1

An album of Gregory Batardon's photos of the 14 Prize Winners in both their modern and classical variations during the finals of the Prix de Lausanne 2026. The fourteen Prize Winners of the Prix … [Read more...] about Photo Album from the Prix de Lausanne 2026 finals

Prize Winners announced at Prix de Lausanne 2026

7 February 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

PDL2026-DAY5-RBUAS20260206-9059.web

Thousands of spectators at the Beaulieu Theatre or through the live streaming have followed the Prix de Lausanne 2026 Finals today, 7 February. Among the 21 Finalists, 14 Prize Winners were … [Read more...] about Prize Winners announced at Prix de Lausanne 2026

Prix de Lausanne 2026 from 2 – 8 February, also online

1 February 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

PARK YounJae - Prix de Lausanne 2025 - photo by Gregory Batardon - 1

The 54th edition of the Prix de Lausanne runs from 2 to 8 February 2026 and will be presided over by Kevin O'Hare, Director of The Royal Ballet. All the links to view the competition can be found … [Read more...] about Prix de Lausanne 2026 from 2 – 8 February, also online

Interview: Yosvani Ramos, director of the Ballet of Monterrey, brings his dancers to Ballet Nights

31 January 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Laura Rodriguez and Gael Ventura of Ballet de Monterrey. Photo courtesy of Ballet de Monterrey (1)

Cuban dancer Yosvani Ramos is well known to British audiences. He joined the English National Ballet as a soloist in 1999 under Derek Deane and became a Principal Dancer with the company in 2003, … [Read more...] about Interview: Yosvani Ramos, director of the Ballet of Monterrey, brings his dancers to Ballet Nights

The Royal Ballet celebrates Glen Tetley’s centenary with Pierrot Lunaire

30 January 2026 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Marcelino Sambé and Matthew Ball in rehearsal for Pierrot Lunaire (c)2026 RBO. Photographed by Andrej Uspenski

The Royal Ballet celebrates the centenary of Glen Tetley’s birth this February with a revival of his masterwork Pierrot Lunaire. American choreographer Glen Tetley was born on 3 February 1926 in … [Read more...] about The Royal Ballet celebrates Glen Tetley’s centenary with Pierrot Lunaire

Final lineup announced for Ballet Icons 20th anniversary gala

27 January 2026 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Ballet Icons Gala

The Ballet Icons Gala returns to the London Coliseum on 15 February with its customary lineup of international ballet stars. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the presentations at the … [Read more...] about Final lineup announced for Ballet Icons 20th anniversary gala

Interview: Katia Ricciarelli celebrates her 80th birthday, still in love with Carreras

19 January 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Katia Ricciarelli on the Mediaset TV programme Verissimo on 18th Junaury 2026

Yesterday, soprano Katia Ricciarelli celebrated her 80th birthday. Although her international singing career ended many years ago, she is a well-known personality in Italy, her fame travelling far … [Read more...] about Interview: Katia Ricciarelli celebrates her 80th birthday, still in love with Carreras

La Scala closed 2025 with record ticket sales of over €40 million

17 January 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Auditorium-of-the-La-Scala-opera-house

La Scala closed 2025 with record ticket sales of over €40 million (+7.3% compared to 2024). Added to this is the record revenue of the La Scala Theatre Museum, which reached €3.4 million. “From the … [Read more...] about La Scala closed 2025 with record ticket sales of over €40 million

Northern Ballet premiere of new ballet Gentleman Jack – the extraordinary story of Anne Lister

16 January 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Nida Aydinoğlu, Albert Gonzalez Orts, Heather Lehan and Kaho Masumoto in rehearsal for Gentleman Jack. Photo Emily Nuttall

In March 2026, Northern Ballet will unveil the world premiere of its new full‑length production, Gentleman Jack, launching a nationwide tour. The ballet brings to life the story of 19th‑century … [Read more...] about Northern Ballet premiere of new ballet Gentleman Jack – the extraordinary story of Anne Lister

Patricio Revé joins The Royal Ballet as Principal dancer

13 January 2026 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Patricio Revé as Romeo in Kenneth MacMillan's Romeo and Juliet, The Royal Ballet 2025 RBO. Photographed by Andrej Uspenski

Director of The Royal Ballet, Kevin O’Hare, today announced that Patricio Revé will join the Company as a Principal dancer from the start of the 2026/27 Season. Revé is currently a Guest Artist … [Read more...] about Patricio Revé joins The Royal Ballet as Principal dancer

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Gramilano newsletter 2019

INTERVIEWS

Roberto Bolle in Waves by Massimiliano Volpini, photo by Andrej Uspenski (4)

Roberto Bolle interview: Who I am now

Katia Ricciarelli - Chi

Soprano Katia Ricciarelli to be contestant in Big Brother TV reality show

Mariposa by DeNada photo by Joe Armitage, crop

Interview: Choreographer Carlos Pons Guerra on Mariposa – a Queer Tragedy inspired by Puccini’s Madama Butterfly

Maria Callas at La Scala, Il turco in Italia with Franco Zeffirelli 1955

Franco Zeffirelli, at 96, on Anna Magnani and Maria Callas, his career, and old age

In front of the Cathedral

Two ballet dancers on returning to the stage and dancers’ mental health

Taming Our Trauma - photo by Pippa Samaya - 11

Taming Our Trauma – creating inclusive and tolerant spaces for dancers

Interview with Roberto Bolle – I am more confident now, not just as an artist but also as a person

Lauren Cuthbertson by Clive Barda

Interview with The Royal Ballet’s Lauren Cuthbertson – so much passion

G-100x100

GRAMILANO

Graham Spicer, aka 'Gramilano', is a writer, director and photographer based in Milan. He was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy. His articles have appeared in various publications from Woman's Weekly to Gay Times, and he wrote the Danza in Italia column for Dancing Times magazine. Graham was the historical advisor on Codice Carla, the 2023 documentary on Carla Fracci.

Graham also works as a dance photographer, and his photos have appeared in books, theatre programmes, and magazines, including Dancing Times, Dance Spirit and Ballet2000, as well as all the major Italian newspapers.

He is a member of the Dance Section of The Critics’ Circle.

Since 2022, Gramilano has been pleased to welcome guest authors: Paul Arrowsmith, Donatella Bertozzi, Georgina Butler, Kathrina Farrugia-Kriel, Jonathan Gray, Marina Harss, Ann Haskins, Lily Hyde, Marta Mele, Matthew Paluch, Jann Parry, Lucía Piquero, Graham Watts, Deborah Weiss, and Lydia Wharf.

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