Despite coronavirus restrictions, La Scala will celebrate the opening of its season 2020-2021 – however long or short it may be – on 7 December, the feast of Saint Ambrose, Milan’s saint’s day. The evening, A riveder le stelle (Seeing the Stars Again), will be broadcast live by Rai Cultura on Italian television’s Rai 1 at 5pm, as well as Arte and other platforms. Riccardo … [Read more...] about La Scala welcomes back its stars – season opening 7 December
Marion Tait to step down as Assistant Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet
Marion Tait will step down from her role as Assistant Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet on 31 December 2020. She will continue working, part-time, with Birmingham Royal Ballet family from January, rehearsing and coaching the company dancers. Tait said, The present situation with Covid-19, has made it impossible for me to fulfil such a crucial role at Birmingham Royal … [Read more...] about Marion Tait to step down as Assistant Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet
Coppélia – a tale of illness, premature death, amputation, and war
Giuseppina Bozzacchi was born on this day, 23 November, in Milan in 1853, and died on this day in 1870 – her 17th birthday – 150 years ago. Bozzacchi created the role of Swanhilda in Arthur Saint-Léon’s ballet Coppélia in 1870 at the Salle Le Peletier in Paris, which was the home of the Paris Opera from 1821 until it was destroyed by fire in 1873. Saint-Léon had started … [Read more...] about Coppélia – a tale of illness, premature death, amputation, and war
All about English National Ballet’s Digital Season: 23 Nov – 21 Dec
English National Ballet has announced the world premiere dates for its digital season, a series of five original dance films that will be made available to rent via Ballet on Demand, part of the company’s new video platform, ENB at Home. 23 November: Take Five Blues Opening the digital season on 23 November is Take Five Blues choreographed by English National Ballet’s own … [Read more...] about All about English National Ballet’s Digital Season: 23 Nov – 21 Dec
American Repertory Ballet names Ethan Stiefel as its new Artistic Director
After an extensive search, American Repertory Ballet (ARB) has announced that Ethan Stiefel will become its new Artistic Director beginning in July 2021. Board Chair, DonnaJean Fredeen, said, This appointment marks a wonderful new era for our organization. We believe Ethan Stiefel’s unparalleled expertise and innovative vision will bring American Repertory Ballet into an … [Read more...] about American Repertory Ballet names Ethan Stiefel as its new Artistic Director
Yasmine Naghdi answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
When did you start dancing?Aged 2, on our coffee table at home. Why did you start dancing?To satisfy my urge to move all the time. I really had “ants in my pants”! Which dancer inspired you most as a child?Sylvie Guillem, for her incredibly beautiful physique, amazing physical abilities and her strong personality. Which dancer do you most admire?Gene Kelly, for his … [Read more...] about Yasmine Naghdi answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
Pierina Legnani – more than 32 fouettés
Pierina Legnani was born in Milan on 30 September 1868. She spent ten years at La Scala’s ballet school, graduating in 1888, but then continued working on her technique at the private school of Caterina Beretta. Beretta was another Milanese dancer; she became an étoile at the Paris Opera Ballet, and later taught at the Mariinsky Theatre’s ballet school with Enrico Cecchetti. It … [Read more...] about Pierina Legnani – more than 32 fouettés
[Photo Album] The Royal Ballet: Back on Stage – tonight and for 30 days
A special live-streamed performance tonight, Friday 13 November at 7.30pm GMT of the gala The Royal Ballet: Back on Stage, will be available through The Royal Opera House site for the next 30 days. The programme includes the world premiere of Scherzo, a joyous new work featuring young members of the Company choreographed by first soloist Valentino Zucchetti, his first … [Read more...] about [Photo Album] The Royal Ballet: Back on Stage – tonight and for 30 days
Plácido Domingo cancels Italian dates for health problems
Plácido Domingo has cancelled his Italian commitments in November due to a health problem that has arisen in the last few hours. The unnamed problem prohibits him from travelling and working, therefore he has cancelled his participation as a singer in the Donizetti Opera Festival in Bergamo – though he has promised to return soon – as well as conductor for a performance of … [Read more...] about Plácido Domingo cancels Italian dates for health problems
Royal Opera House announces live performance broadcasts during November lockdown
The Royal Opera House has announced a series of live performance broadcasts, together with some repertory favourites from both The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera, throughout the November lockdown period. Opera A live-streamed concert performance of Ariodante will be broadcast on on Friday 20 November at 7.30pm GMT, available … [Read more...] about Royal Opera House announces live performance broadcasts during November lockdown