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Graham Watts

Avatar of Graham Watts

About Graham Watts

Graham Watts is a freelance writer and dance critic. He writes for The Spectator, Tanz, Shinshokan Dance Magazine (Japan), Ballet Magazine (Romania), BachTrack and the Hong Kong International Arts Festival and has previously written for the Sunday Express, Dancing Times, Dance Europe, DanceTabs, London Dance, the Edinburgh International Festival and Pointe magazine (USA).  He has also written the biography of Daria Klimentová (The Agony and the Ecstasy) and contributed chapters about the work of Akram Khan to the Oxford Handbook of Contemporary Ballet and on Shobana Jeyasingh for the third edition of Routledge’s Fifty Contemporary Choreographers.

He is Chairman of the Dance Section of The Critics’ Circle and of the UK National Dance Awards and regularly lectures on dance writing and criticism at The Royal Academy of Dance, The Place and (until the war) for Balletristic in Kyiv.  He was a nominee for the Dance Writing Award in the 2018 One Dance UK Awards and was appointed OBE in 2008.

Review: Tulsa Ballet conquers London with a balletic richness made in America

14 May 2026 by Graham Watts 1 Comment

Tulsa Ballet in Divenire - Jessie Kenney

Graham Watts sees Tulsa Ballet’s ‘Made in America’ triple bill at Royal Ballet and Opera – a young, dynamic ensemble, with an overarching sense of theatre. TitleMade in America: Classical Symphony | … [Read more...] about Review: Tulsa Ballet conquers London with a balletic richness made in America

Review: National Ballet of Brno’s new production of Giselle with Ksenia Ovsyanick and Alejandro Virelles

12 May 2026 by Graham Watts 1 Comment

Giselle - National Ballet of Brno 2026 - 16

Graham Watts sees Rodolfo Castellanos’ Giselle with the National Ballet of Brno – a production that stands among the very best. TitleGiselleCompanyNational Ballet of BrnoVenueMahen Theatre, Brno, … [Read more...] about Review: National Ballet of Brno’s new production of Giselle with Ksenia Ovsyanick and Alejandro Virelles

Review: Shobana Jeyasingh Dance in We Caliban, an ‘inventive, sideways look’ at The Tempest

28 April 2026 by Graham Watts Leave a Comment

Shobana Jeyasingh Dance, We Caliban, photo Foteini Christofilopoulou 1

Graham Watts sees Shobana Jeyasingh's We Caliban – I would rather see fresh ideas than this continuing trope of reinventing Shakespeare. TitleWe CalibanCompanyShobana Jeyasingh DanceVenueSadler’s … [Read more...] about Review: Shobana Jeyasingh Dance in We Caliban, an ‘inventive, sideways look’ at The Tempest

Review: Norwegian National Ballet in Tungrodd / Rahčamuš / Raataminen – preserving identity

26 April 2026 by Graham Watts 1 Comment

Tungrodd - photo by Erik Berg

Graham Watts sees Tungrodd, a "softly expressive and powerfully expansive" semi-autobiographical work by Sámi choreographer Simone Grøtte from Northern Norway. TitleTungrodd / Rahčamuš / Raataminen … [Read more...] about Review: Norwegian National Ballet in Tungrodd / Rahčamuš / Raataminen – preserving identity

Review: International Draft Works 2026 – an outstanding initiative by The Royal Ballet

22 April 2026 by Graham Watts Leave a Comment

Caspar Lench and Martin Diaz in Words to the wind for International draft works (c)2026 Foteini Christofilopoulou

Graham Watts sees International Draft Works – three distinctly memorable works among a satisfying, broad spectrum of ideas and styles. TitleInternational Draft WorksCompanyVarious - The Royal … [Read more...] about Review: International Draft Works 2026 – an outstanding initiative by The Royal Ballet

Review: Marianela Nuñez and Patricio Revé in the Norwegian National Ballet’s La Bayadère

21 April 2026 by Graham Watts 1 Comment

La Bayadère - Marianela Nuñez, Patricio Revé. Photo by Erik Berg, Norwegian National Ballet (1)

Graham Watts sees La Bayadère in Oslo, where two stellar dancers shared the stage with an excellent company. TitleLa Bayadère CompanyNorwegian National Ballet    VenueNational Opera House, OsloDate17 … [Read more...] about Review: Marianela Nuñez and Patricio Revé in the Norwegian National Ballet’s La Bayadère

Review: PCK Dance’s Into the Light – the celebrity pairing of James Pett and Travis Clausen-Knight

16 April 2026 by Graham Watts Leave a Comment

PCK Dance - Into the Light - photo by Martina Oldani - 14

Graham Watts sees James Pett and Travis Clausen-Knight with Isabelle Evans – a rare opportunity to see them in a full-length show. TitleInto The Light  CompanyPCK DanceVenueThe Place, LondonDate10 … [Read more...] about Review: PCK Dance’s Into the Light – the celebrity pairing of James Pett and Travis Clausen-Knight

Review: Company of Elders – over-60s present a double bill with charisma, poignancy and comedy

13 April 2026 by Graham Watts Leave a Comment

Company of Elders, MixedBill, ElixirFestival, LilianBaylis (c)Foteini Christofilopoulou (1)

Graham Watts sees the Company of Elders at Sadler’s Wells' Elixir Festival, which champions performance by dancers of a certain age. TitleThey Look Like People | Survival Kit    CompanyCompany of … [Read more...] about Review: Company of Elders – over-60s present a double bill with charisma, poignancy and comedy

Review: Kafka with the National Ballet of Brno – a tour de force for Arthur Abram in the title role

30 March 2026 by Graham Watts Leave a Comment

Kafka - National Ballet of Brno - photo by Pavel Hejný - 08

Graham Watts admires the National Ballet of Brno's Kafka – it’s a physical challenge to match the role of Rudolf in MacMillan’s Mayerling. TitleKafkaCompanyNational Ballet of BrnoVenueJanacek … [Read more...] about Review: Kafka with the National Ballet of Brno – a tour de force for Arthur Abram in the title role

Review: Ivan Putrov’s Dance for Ukraine gala – raising funds to support ballet students

24 March 2026 by Graham Watts Leave a Comment

Dance for Ukraine with Viola Pantuso and Caspar Lench - photo by Elliott Franks

Graham Watts praises Dance for Ukraine – a very fine show, worthy of fulsome support. TitleDance for UkraineCompanyInspiration in MotionVenueAud Jebsen Studio Theatre, Royal Academy of Dance, … [Read more...] about Review: Ivan Putrov’s Dance for Ukraine gala – raising funds to support ballet students

Review: Ballet de Lorraine’s hi-energy blast with a Folia and a kaleidoscopic Acid Gems

17 March 2026 by Graham Watts Leave a Comment

a-Folia-08(c)Laurent-Philippe

Graham Watts sees Ballet de Lorraine in works by Adam Linder and Silva Ferreira, which left the dancers and the audience on a high. TitleAcid Gems | a FoliaCompanyCCN Ballet de LorraineVenueQueen … [Read more...] about Review: Ballet de Lorraine’s hi-energy blast with a Folia and a kaleidoscopic Acid Gems

Review: ASTITVA with Jaivant Patel Company – a choreography of power and beauty

15 March 2026 by Graham Watts Leave a Comment

ASTITVA - Jaivant Patel Company - 2

Graham Watts sees the Jaivant Patel Company, which has stamped an indelible – and unique – mark on the British contemporary dance scene. TitleASTITVA CompanyJaivant Patel CompanyVenueThe Place, … [Read more...] about Review: ASTITVA with Jaivant Patel Company – a choreography of power and beauty

Review: Lithuanian National Ballet’s triple bill, Bodies and Codes

12 March 2026 by Graham Watts Leave a Comment

Krzysztof Pastor, Moving Rooms, Lithuanian National Ballet 2026_1

Graham Watts appreciates the confident, vigorous flair of the Lithuanian National Ballet's performance of works by Wayne McGregor, Iván Pérez and Krzysztof Pastor. TitleBodies and … [Read more...] about Review: Lithuanian National Ballet’s triple bill, Bodies and Codes

Review: Last and First Men with Neon Dance – a great deal of patience is required

10 March 2026 by Graham Watts Leave a Comment

Last and First Men Rewire 2024 - Neon Dance - credit Parcifal Werkman Photography

Graham Watts sees Last and First Men and finds that the extreme slow pace of the choreography tends towards tedium after the initial fascination has worn thin. TitleLast and First MenCompanyNeon … [Read more...] about Review: Last and First Men with Neon Dance – a great deal of patience is required

Review: The Opera Locos break all the classical rules in ‘Yllana’

2 March 2026 by Graham Watts Leave a Comment

Yllana, The Opera Locos, Image Credit Fernando Moreno

Graham Watts sees The Opera Locos' Yllana – I started in a very sceptical mood but ended as an upbeat believer! TitleYllana CompanyThe Opera LocosVenueSadler’s Wells Theatre, LondonDate24 February … [Read more...] about Review: The Opera Locos break all the classical rules in ‘Yllana’

Review: Coco Chanel with National Ballet of Brno – an excellent biographical ballet

24 February 2026 by Graham Watts 1 Comment

Coco Chanel - National Ballet of Brno, photo Martin Divíšek - 11

Graham Watts sees National Ballet of Brno in Mário Radačovský’s Coco Chanel, a work of moving and poignant intensity. TitleCoco Chanel   CompanyNational Ballet of BrnoVenueMahen Theatre, Brno, Czech … [Read more...] about Review: Coco Chanel with National Ballet of Brno – an excellent biographical ballet

Review: Norwegian National Opera’s Barber of Seville

17 February 2026 by Graham Watts Leave a Comment

The Barber of Seville - Lilly Jørstad, photo by Erik Berg

Graham Watts sees Il barbiere di Siviglia with the Norwegian National Opera and Alasdair Kent (a mesmerising performance), Lilly Jørstad (great beauty and clarity of tone), and Gurgen Baveyen … [Read more...] about Review: Norwegian National Opera’s Barber of Seville

Review: The Royal Ballet revives Glen Tetley’s Pierrot Lunaire

14 February 2026 by Graham Watts Leave a Comment

Marcelino Sambé as Pierrot in Pierrot Lunaire (c) 2026 Camilla Nervi

Graham Watts sees Marcelino Sambé, Mayara Magri and Matthew Ball in Pierrot Lunaire, celebrating Glen Tetley’s centenary. TitlePierrot LunaireCompanyThe Royal BalletVenueLinbury Theatre, The Royal … [Read more...] about Review: The Royal Ballet revives Glen Tetley’s Pierrot Lunaire

Review: Ballet Nights continues to ‘educate, entertain and impress’ with Decadance

11 February 2026 by Graham Watts Leave a Comment

BALLET DE MONTERREY at BALLET NIGHTS DECADANCE 4.2.26 photo by Deborah Jaffe

Graham Watts sees Decadance, the tenth iteration of Ballet Nights – a high-end brand that hits the mark every time. TitleDecadanceCompanyBallet NightsVenueCadogan Hall, LondonDate4 February … [Read more...] about Review: Ballet Nights continues to ‘educate, entertain and impress’ with Decadance

Review: Compagnie le Fils du Grand Réseau in Bigre/Fish Bowl   

2 February 2026 by Graham Watts Leave a Comment

Fish Bowl, photo by Fabienne Rappeneau (1)

Graham Watts sees a clever and often funny show, performed superbly by three excellent mime actors – the Compagnie le Fils du Grand Réseau in Bigre/Fish Bowl TitleBigre / Fish BowlCompanyCompagnie le … [Read more...] about Review: Compagnie le Fils du Grand Réseau in Bigre/Fish Bowl   

Review: Paul Taylor Dance Company at the Royal Ballet and Opera, programme one

1 February 2026 by Graham Watts 2 Comments

Patrick Gamble and Company_Under the Rhythm by Robert Battle_photo by Ron Thiele

Graham Watts sees a triple bill from the Paul Taylor Dance Company, including one of the best pieces of pure modern dance of the last half-century. TitleBrandenburgs | Under The Rhythm | Piazzolla … [Read more...] about Review: Paul Taylor Dance Company at the Royal Ballet and Opera, programme one

Review: Gecko’s The Wedding – a feeling of randomness and surprise… and tedium

25 January 2026 by Graham Watts Leave a Comment

Graham Watts sees The Wedding by Gecko physical theatre company, but "could not have cared less for any of the diverse characters". TitleThe WeddingCompanyGeckoVenueSadler’s Wells East, LondonDate21 … [Read more...] about Review: Gecko’s The Wedding – a feeling of randomness and surprise… and tedium

Review: Yorke Dance Project’s Modern Milestones, a programme of five inspirational works

21 January 2026 by Graham Watts Leave a Comment

YDP, Deep Song, dancer Amy Thake, photo Pierre Tappon 2

Graham Watts sees Yorke Dance Project's mixed programme that took him on a fascinating journey through some Modern Milestones. TitleModern MilestonesCompanyYorke Dance ProjectVenueLinbury Theatre, … [Read more...] about Review: Yorke Dance Project’s Modern Milestones, a programme of five inspirational works

The best dozen dance shows of 2025 – a legacy of memories from Graham Watts’ year in dance

29 December 2025 by Graham Watts Leave a Comment

Prometheus - Krzysztof Pastor, Polish National Ballet with Marco Esposito as Zeus, photo Ewa Krasuckaa

2025 saw a recovery in the number of shows that I saw, rising to 157 (from 135 in 2024) and – accounting for mixed programmes - they contained 216 separate works (rising from 176 in 2024). Although … [Read more...] about The best dozen dance shows of 2025 – a legacy of memories from Graham Watts’ year in dance

Review: Liudmila Konovalova guests in New English Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker

24 December 2025 by Graham Watts 1 Comment

NEW ENGLISH BALLET in 'THE NUTCRACKER' photo by Andrej Uspenski (6)

Graham Watts sees Valentino Zucchetti's The Nutcracker with "the stellar presence" of guest artist Liudmila Konovalova. TitleThe NutcrackerCompanyNew English Ballet TheatreVenueThe Sainsbury Theatre, … [Read more...] about Review: Liudmila Konovalova guests in New English Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker

Review: Luca Silvestrini’s The Magic Flute – unusual and magical dance theatre

22 December 2025 by Graham Watts Leave a Comment

Nathan Bartman as Papageno in The Magic Flute, photo by Jane Hobson 2

Graham Watts sees The Magic Flute by Luca Silvestrini’s Protein company – a small-scale, yet spectacular, pre-Christmas children’s show. TitleThe Magic FluteCompanyProteinVenueThe Place, LondonDate20 … [Read more...] about Review: Luca Silvestrini’s The Magic Flute – unusual and magical dance theatre

Review: Marking Time – triple bill of choreography unified through the music of Nico Muhly

26 November 2025 by Graham Watts Leave a Comment

Dancers (L-R) Loeka Willems, Siaska Chareyre, Alexandra Fribault_ MarkingTime_VeinsOfWater FoteiniChristofilopoulou-572

Graham Watts sees Marking Time with three works set to the music of Nico Muhly by choreographers Jules Cunningham, Maud Le Pladec and Michael Keegan-Dolan. TitleMarking Time – Nico Muhly CompanyJules … [Read more...] about Review: Marking Time – triple bill of choreography unified through the music of Nico Muhly

Review: London City Ballet with works by Page, Robbins, Chu, and Ratmansky 

22 November 2025 by Graham Watts Leave a Comment

Alejandro Virelles and London City Ballet in Jerome Robbins Quiet City by Ash

Graham Watts sees London City Ballet's mixed bill Rebirth, featuring Alexei Ratmansky’s "masterpiece of witty, inventive choreography" Pictures at an Exhibition. TitleRebirthCompanyLondon City … [Read more...] about Review: London City Ballet with works by Page, Robbins, Chu, and Ratmansky 

Review: Natalia Osipova at the Linbury Theatre continuing her rollercoaster ride

13 November 2025 by Graham Watts Leave a Comment

Alexei Ratmansky's Middle Duet II with Natalia Osipova and Patricio Revé , photo by Andrej Uspenski, RBO 2025 - 13

Graham Watts sees Osipova/Linbury – "this remarkable star of 21st century ballet continues to expand her horizons". TitleOsipova/LinburyCompanyThe Royal BalletVenueLinbury Theatre, Royal Ballet and … [Read more...] about Review: Natalia Osipova at the Linbury Theatre continuing her rollercoaster ride

Review: Astana Opera’s production of Rossini’s La scala di seta

2 November 2025 by Graham Watts 1 Comment

La Scala di Seta, Yerzhan Saipov

Graham Watts sees La scala di seta (The Silken Ladder) in Kazakhstan – a performance of unbridled joy. TitleLa scala di setaCompanyAstana OperaVenueKulyash Baiseitova Chamber Hall, Astana, … [Read more...] about Review: Astana Opera’s production of Rossini’s La scala di seta

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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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