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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.

Avatar of Gramilano

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.

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

The Washington National Opera pulls out of the Kennedy Center

11 January 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

WNO public transition letter

The Washington National Opera said that it will move its performances out of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, ending a partnership that began in 1971. The decision is the strongest … [Read more...] about The Washington National Opera pulls out of the Kennedy Center

Pressure mounts for San Francisco Ballet to cancel Trump Kennedy Center appearance

10 January 2026 by Gramilano 3 Comments

Mere Mortals with Jennifer Stahl - photo by Chris Hardy

Pressure is mounting on San Francisco Ballet to rethink its upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., as criticism continues to swirl around President Donald Trump’s recent takeover of the Kennedy … [Read more...] about Pressure mounts for San Francisco Ballet to cancel Trump Kennedy Center appearance

Navrin Turnbull is appointed Principal Dancer at Teatro alla Scala

9 January 2026 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Navrin Turnbull, The Nutcracker, photo Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala

After last night’s performance of Sleeping Beauty at La Scala, soloist Navrin Turnbull was promoted to the rank of Principal Dancer of the company. Turnbull has been a soloist with La Scala Ballet … [Read more...] about Navrin Turnbull is appointed Principal Dancer at Teatro alla Scala

Svetlana Zakharova’s shows in Florence are cancelled

8 January 2026 by Gramilano 3 Comments

Pas de deux for toes and fingers, with Svetlana Zakharova and Vadim Repin, Teatro del Maggio Musicale

The Teatro del Maggio Musicale in Florence has announced that the dance programme Pas de deux for toes and fingers with Svetlana Zakharova and her violinist husband Vadim Repin, has been … [Read more...] about Svetlana Zakharova’s shows in Florence are cancelled

New York City Ballet’s 2026 Winter Season features the company’s 499th and 500th original works

7 January 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Indiana Woodward, Taylor Stanley, and Company in Justin Peck’s Everywhere We Go. Photo credit Erin Baiano

New York City Ballet’s 2026 Winter Season will open on Tuesday, January 20, and continue for six weeks of performances, until Sunday, March 1 at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. The … [Read more...] about New York City Ballet’s 2026 Winter Season features the company’s 499th and 500th original works

The Rossini Opera Festival 2026 is announced

6 January 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

La scala di seta - Olga Peretyatko, Carlo Lepore, Paolo Bordogna, José Manuel Zapata, ROF 2009

The 47th edition of the Rossini Opera Festival will be held in Pesaro from 11 to 23 August 2026. The Festival opens with a new production of Le Siège de Corinthe, conducted by Carlo Rizzi and … [Read more...] about The Rossini Opera Festival 2026 is announced

Renato Zanella is the new director of the Ballet of the San Carlo Theatre in Naples

5 January 2026 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Renato Zanella

Renato Zanella, the Italian ballet dancer, choreographer and director, succeeds Clotilde Vayer as director of the Ballet of the San Carlo Theatre in Naples. Born in Verona and trained at the Centre … [Read more...] about Renato Zanella is the new director of the Ballet of the San Carlo Theatre in Naples

Las Estrellas, the Flamenco of the Future – Sergio Bernal and Spanish friends in Rome

2 January 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Sergio Beral in Boléro, TCBO photo by Andrea Ranzi (2)

Rome has its buses and metro stations plastered with images of Sergio Bernal, the Spanish dance star, who will be appearing in the Italian capital for two performances of Las Estrellas with Spanish … [Read more...] about Las Estrellas, the Flamenco of the Future – Sergio Bernal and Spanish friends in Rome

In Memoriam 2025: artists who died this year… Singers, Dancers, Actors, Musicians, Writers, Directors

31 December 2025 by Gramilano 2 Comments

In memoriam 2025

In memoriam 2025: a personal list remembering some of the artists who died in 2025. Links lead to Wikipedia articles. January Marianne Faithfull, 78, English singer ("As Tears Go By"), … [Read more...] about In Memoriam 2025: artists who died this year… Singers, Dancers, Actors, Musicians, Writers, Directors

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Gramilano newsletter 2019

INTERVIEWS

Jonas Kaufmann and Helmut Deutsch © Lena Wunderlich, Sony Classical

Jonas Kaufmann on his Verona debut, new album, and love of Italy

Alessandra Ferri Io Donna

Interview with Alessandra Ferri: Maturing I find myself smiling more

Fumi Kaneko and Vadim Muntagirov rehearse Mayerling. Photo by Dancers Diary ROH 1

[Interview] Royal Ballet’s Fumi Kaneko on her upcoming debut in Mayerling

Elite Syncopations. Sarah Lamb and Ryoichi Hirano. © ROH, 2018. Photographed by Tristram Kenton

[Interview] The Royal Ballet’s director, Kevin O’Hare, on returning to the Covent Garden stage

Lawrence Brownlee, © Shervin Lainez

Interview with tenor Lawrence Brownlee on being a black man in America: Cycles of My Being

Bolshoi Ballet director on injury, race, harassment and a new theatre

Woolf Works with Alessandra Ferri and Federico Bonelli © ROH, 2015 Tristram Kenton

Woolf Works at La Scala – McGregor, Richter, Ferri and Bonelli talk about making the ballet

Taming Our Trauma - photo by Pippa Samaya - 11

Taming Our Trauma – creating inclusive and tolerant spaces for dancers

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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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