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Matthew Paluch's Posts

Matthew Paluch was awarded a place at The Royal Ballet School in 1990 where he graduated in 1997. His first four years as a professional dancer were spent working with London City Ballet, Scottish Ballet, K-Ballet and English National Ballet, becoming a full-time member of ENB until leaving in 2006.

Matthew graduated from the Royal Academy of Dance, Professional Dancers' Teaching Diploma in 2007, and was formerly on faculty at The Royal Ballet School. He completed his Masters in Ballet Studies at Roehampton University in 2011, has been a freelance writer since 2010 and currently works in the Law Sector.

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

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About Matthew Paluch

Matthew Paluch was awarded a place at The Royal Ballet School in 1990 where he graduated in 1997. His first four years as a professional dancer were spent working with London City Ballet, Scottish Ballet, K-Ballet and English National Ballet, becoming a full-time member of ENB until leaving in 2006.

Matthew graduated from the Royal Academy of Dance, Professional Dancers' Teaching Diploma in 2007, and was formerly on faculty at The Royal Ballet School. He completed his Masters in Ballet Studies at Roehampton University in 2011, has been a freelance writer since 2010 and currently works in the Law Sector.

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

Interview: Instagram’s Ballet Moods – saying it like it is

5 March 2026 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Ballet Moods Instagram - 6

There's a certain kind of laughter that can't be replicated – it's part shock/part humour. Enter the room Ballet Moods; an Instagram account that's been saying it like it is for the past … [Read more...] about Interview: Instagram’s Ballet Moods – saying it like it is

Review: Dutch National Ballet’s triple bill – Paquita | Carmen | 5 Tangos

27 February 2026 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Anna Tsygankova and Giorgi Potskhishvili in Carmen - photo by Altin Kaftira (1)

Matthew Paluch sees Dutch National Ballet in Paquita | Carmen | 5 Tangos – we lucked out with the brilliant casting. TitlePaquita | Carmen | 5 TangosCompanyDutch National BalletVenueHet … [Read more...] about Review: Dutch National Ballet’s triple bill – Paquita | Carmen | 5 Tangos

Review: Nederlands Dans Theater’s double bill, Wildsong

20 February 2026 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

KID IN A CANDY SHOP (c)Rahi Rezvani 2026_online_6

Matthew Paluch sees Jan Martens' KID IN A CANDY SHOP and Marcos Morau's Horses with Nederlands Dans Theater – dancers of unquestionable commitment and style. TitleWildsong – KID IN A CANDY SHOP | … [Read more...] about Review: Nederlands Dans Theater’s double bill, Wildsong

Review: Contrasts – Paris Opera Ballet perform works by Trisha Brown, David Dawson, and Imre and Marne van Opstal

18 December 2025 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

ANIMA ANIMUS (David Dawson), Germain Louvet, Bleuenn Battistoni, Paul Marque (c) Benoîte Fanton OnP

Matthew Paluch sees the Paris Opera Ballet in Contrasts – a dialogue of styles and executions that makes for a heady night. TitleContrasts – Trisha Brown | David Dawson | Imre, Marne van … [Read more...] about Review: Contrasts – Paris Opera Ballet perform works by Trisha Brown, David Dawson, and Imre and Marne van Opstal

Review: Paris Opera Ballet in Roland Petit’s Notre-Dame de Paris

13 December 2025 by Matthew Paluch 2 Comments

NOTRE DAME DE PARIS (R. Petit), Amandine Albisson, Antonio Conforti (c) Yonathan Kellerman OnP

Matthew Paluch sees Paris Opera Ballet in Notre-Dame de Paris and was appreciative, but not affected by Roland Petit's ballet. TitleNotre-Dame de ParisCompanyParis Opera BalletVenueOpéra Bastille, … [Read more...] about Review: Paris Opera Ballet in Roland Petit’s Notre-Dame de Paris

Review: Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes – distinct, visually arresting and magical

12 December 2025 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Matthew Bourne's production of THE RED SHOES. Cordelia Braithwaite (Victoria Page) and Andy Monaghan (Boris Lermontov). Photo by Johan Persson

Matthew Paluch sees Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures The Red Shoes – Lez Brotherston’s sets and costumes are a wonder, the dancers are gifted, it won't disappoint. TitleThe Red ShoesCompanyNew … [Read more...] about Review: Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes – distinct, visually arresting and magical

Review: Wayne McGregor’s Infinite Bodies and On the Other Earth in London

27 November 2025 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

No One Is An Island (2021) by Random International, Company Wayne McGregor (Rebecca Bassett Graham & Jacob O'Connell) & Chihei Hatakeyama. Photo_ Ravi Deepres, courtesy BMW Group Culture and Superblue

Not many artists get solo exhibitions, let alone two, so kudos to Wayne McGregor once again. Somerset House is showing two McGregor exhibitions currently: Infinite Bodies in-house and On the Other … [Read more...] about Review: Wayne McGregor’s Infinite Bodies and On the Other Earth in London

Review: The Royal Ballet is back with The Nutcracker – the magic really sings

23 November 2025 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

William Bracewell as Prince and Fumi Kaneko as Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker (c)2025 RBO. Photographed by Andrej Uspenski (1)

Matthew Paluch sees The Nutcracker with the Royal Ballet and Opera – top-notch entertainment of quality, where the gold sparkles more than anywhere else. TitleThe NutcrackerCompanyThe Royal … [Read more...] about Review: The Royal Ballet is back with The Nutcracker – the magic really sings

Review: Shiraz by Armin Hokmi – an exercise in minimalism, repetition and patience

16 November 2025 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Armin Hokmi, Shiraz, Image Credit Hokmi Kiasaraei

Matthew Paluch sees Armin Hokmi's Shiraz – there should be a difference between research and a finished work. TitleShiraz CompanyArmin HokmiVenueLilian Baylis Studio, Sadler's Wells, LondonDate15 … [Read more...] about Review: Shiraz by Armin Hokmi – an exercise in minimalism, repetition and patience

Review: Deciphers by Jean Abreu and Naishi Wang – not of any great interest

25 October 2025 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Naisha Wang - Jean Abreu - Deciphers (c) Maya Yoncali

Matthew Paluch sees Deciphers with Jean Abreu and Naishi Wang – more self-aware art installation than genuine dance piece. TitleDeciphersCompanyJean Abreu DanceVenueThe Coronet Theatre, LondonDate24 … [Read more...] about Review: Deciphers by Jean Abreu and Naishi Wang – not of any great interest

Review: Dam Van Huynh’s Exquisite Noise – the power of dissent when used for a valuable cause

11 October 2025 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Dam Van Huynh - Exquisite Noise - ProductionImage Lead image - Credit - redManhattan Photography - 2024 - 1

Matthew Paluch, armed with earplugs, sees (and hears) Dam Van Huynh’s Exquisite Noise... and emerges unscathed. TitleExquisite NoiseCompanyVan Huynh CompanyVenueThe Place, LondonDate10 October … [Read more...] about Review: Dam Van Huynh’s Exquisite Noise – the power of dissent when used for a valuable cause

Review: English National Ballet’s R:Evolution – not one for the books

9 October 2025 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Theme and Variations - Alice Mariani, Ricardo Castellanos and company - ENB 2025 photo by Dasa Wharton - 5

Matthew Paluch sees an alternative cast to that of opening night in ENB’s mixed bill – but something was missing? Title42nd StreetCompanyEnglish National BalletVenueSadler's Wells, LondonDate8 … [Read more...] about Review: English National Ballet’s R:Evolution – not one for the books

Review: Brigadoon at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre – the show is a marvel

13 August 2025 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Brigadoon. Georgina Onuorah (Fiona MacLaren). Credit - Mark Senior

Matthew Paluch sees Drew McOnie’s spot-on production of Lerner and Loewe's Brigadoon with energised and genuine choreography and great performances. TitleBrigadoon CompanyRegent’s Park Open Air … [Read more...] about Review: Brigadoon at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre – the show is a marvel

Review: Young Creatives showcase for fledgling dancemakers

20 July 2025 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Young Creatives - Point of View Photography for One Dance UK - 5

Matthew Paluch sees Young Creatives, part of One Dance UK, for 16 to 20-year-old choreographers, but was expecting more. TitleYoung CreativesCompanyOne Dance UKVenueLilian Baylis Studio, Sadler's … [Read more...] about Review: Young Creatives showcase for fledgling dancemakers

Review: Sharon Eyal’s R.O.S.E – the gimmick outshone the material

12 July 2025 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Sharon Eyal, Gai Behar, Young, R.O.S.E. Image Credit Johan Persson

Matthew Paluch sees R.O.S.E by Sharon Eyal and Gai Behar – I appreciate Eyal’s movement language, but it didn't go anywhere new or exploratory. TitleR.O.S.ECompanySharon Eyal, Gai Behar, Young and … [Read more...] about Review: Sharon Eyal’s R.O.S.E – the gimmick outshone the material

Review: Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet – elevated by a brilliant creative team

29 June 2025 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet - Jack Widdowson (c) Johan Persson

Matthew Paluch sees Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet – spot-on costume design, ingenious set, and choreographer Paul Roberts is a master of all trades. TitleQuadrophenia, a Mod BalletCompanySadler’s Wells, … [Read more...] about Review: Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet – elevated by a brilliant creative team

Review: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Dream Ballets – A Triple Bill in Regent’s Park

21 June 2025 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Rodgers & Hammerstein's Dream Ballets - A Triple Bill, Allegro, credit Johan Persson,_1

Matthew Paluch sees Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Dream Ballets – unquestionable energy and commitment but a missed opportunity. TitleRodgers & Hammerstein's Dream Ballets - A Triple … [Read more...] about Review: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Dream Ballets – A Triple Bill in Regent’s Park

Review: Simone Grøtte’s GLEMT / FORGOTTEN – potent and powerful

25 May 2025 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

GLEMT by Simone Grøtte, photo by Knut Åserud

Matthew Paluch sees Simone Grøtte’s GLEMT / FORGOTTEN at the Oslo Opera House – the kind of calibre we'd love to see in London on a more regular basis. TitleGLEMT / FORGOTTENCompanySimone … [Read more...] about Review: Simone Grøtte’s GLEMT / FORGOTTEN – potent and powerful

Review: Holly Blakey’s A Wound with Teeth & Phantom – whimsical wandering and militant drilling

12 April 2025 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Holly Blakey's Phantom, photo by Natasha Back

Matthew Paluch sees Holly Blakey’s A Wound with Teeth & Phantom – "space to wander and wonder, and punchy dance that hits like a truck" TitleA Wound with Teeth & PhantomCompanyHolly … [Read more...] about Review: Holly Blakey’s A Wound with Teeth & Phantom – whimsical wandering and militant drilling

Review: Julie Cunningham & Company in CROW and Pigeons – an impressive double bill, authentic, rigorous, conscientious and brave

28 March 2025 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Julie Cunningham & Company in CROW and Pigeons, photo by Dolly Brown - 2

Matthew Paluch sees Julie Cunningham & Company in CROW and Pigeons: the work has very little equal competition in the UK dance scene. TitleCROW / PigeonsCompanyJulie Cunningham & … [Read more...] about Review: Julie Cunningham & Company in CROW and Pigeons – an impressive double bill, authentic, rigorous, conscientious and brave

Review: Trisha Brown Dance Company in London… heaven!

14 March 2025 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Trisha Brown Dance Co,Working Title, Image Credit Joyce Baranova

Matthew Paluch sees the Trisha Brown Dance Company in Noé Soulier's "hugely satisfying" In the Fall and Trisha Brown's "brilliant" Working Title in the Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels … [Read more...] about Review: Trisha Brown Dance Company in London… heaven!

Review: Léa Tirabasso’s In the Bushes – a very bizarre trip

9 March 2025 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Léa Tirabasso's In the bushes (c) Photo by Bohumil Kostohryz (2)

Matthew Paluch sees Léa Tirabasso’s In the Bushes at The Place in London – "There's only so much absurdity, in the form of horny lemmings, I can take." TitleIn the BushesCompanyLéa TirabassoVenueThe … [Read more...] about Review: Léa Tirabasso’s In the Bushes – a very bizarre trip

Review: Natalia Osipova at the Linbury Theatre – Graham, Strømgren, Ashton

8 March 2025 by Matthew Paluch 1 Comment

Marcelino Sambé and Natalia Osipova in Errand Into the Maze - The Royal Ballet, photo by Dasa Wharton - 2

Matthew Paluch sees Natalia Osipova in three pieces at the Royal Ballet and Opera’s Linbury Theatre with Marcelino Sambé and Christopher Akrill. TitleMartha Graham - Errand into the MazeFrederick … [Read more...] about Review: Natalia Osipova at the Linbury Theatre – Graham, Strømgren, Ashton

Review: Wayne McGregor’s Deepstaria – failing to keep monotony at bay

28 February 2025 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Company Wayne McGregor, Wayne McGregor's Deepstaria, Image credit Ravi Deepres 2

Matthew Paluch sees Wayne McGregor’s Deepstaria but finds little choreographic value, except for two strong moments – one powerfully sensitive – in a sea of sameness. TitleDeepstaria CompanyCompany … [Read more...] about Review: Wayne McGregor’s Deepstaria – failing to keep monotony at bay

Review: Pina Bausch’s Vollmond – you’ve got to see it to believe it

15 February 2025 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Pina Bausch, Vollmond, Image Credit Martin Argyroglo 1

Matthew Paluch sees Pina Bausch’s Vollmond – "Two hours of unpredictable, avant-garde work ranging from nonchalant comedy turns to pure dance." TitleVollmondCompanyTanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch + … [Read more...] about Review: Pina Bausch’s Vollmond – you’ve got to see it to believe it

Review: The Royal Ballet’s Onegin – Lauren Cuthbertson and Ryoichi Hirano give the performance of a decade

12 February 2025 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Lauren Cuthbertson (Tatiana), Ryoichi Hirano (Eugene Onegin) in Onegin. Credit 2025 ROH. Ph Andrej Uspenski (1)

Matthew Paluch sees Lauren Cuthbertson and Ryoichi Hirano in Onegin with The Royal Ballet – "it's high octane drama" TitleOneginCompanyThe Royal BalletVenueThe Royal Opera House, LondonDate10 … [Read more...] about Review: The Royal Ballet’s Onegin – Lauren Cuthbertson and Ryoichi Hirano give the performance of a decade

Review: Dimanche by Compagnie Focus & Chaliwaté – an absolute must see

31 January 2025 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Compagnie Focus & Chaliwaté , Dimanche, Image Credit Mihaela Bodlovic (2)

Matthew Paluch sees Dimanche by Compagnie Focus & Chaliwaté: "a seriously important work that leaves a lasting impression" TitleDimanche CompanyCompagnie Focus & ChaliwatéVenuePeacock … [Read more...] about Review: Dimanche by Compagnie Focus & Chaliwaté – an absolute must see

A ballerina says farewell – English National Ballet Lead Principal Erina Takahashi gives her final performance

19 January 2025 by Matthew Paluch 7 Comments

Erina Takahashi's farewell performance, English National Ballet 18 January 2025, Catriona Bradley 2

Matthew Paluch – a former member of English National Ballet – pays tribute to Erina Takahashi and sees her last performance. TitleGiselleCompanyEnglish National BalletVenueLondon ColiseumDate18 … [Read more...] about A ballerina says farewell – English National Ballet Lead Principal Erina Takahashi gives her final performance

Review: The Paris Opera Ballet in Paquita – “I didn’t feel the magic”

15 December 2024 by Matthew Paluch 1 Comment

Paquita - Paris Opera Ballet, photo by Maria-Helena Buckley, POB 2024 - 2

Matthew Paluch sees The Paris Opera Ballet in Paquita: "If honest, I found it a tad boring and lacking in identity. I need a lot more from narrative ballet." TitlePaquita CompanyParis Opera … [Read more...] about Review: The Paris Opera Ballet in Paquita – “I didn’t feel the magic”

Review: The Paris Opera Ballet in Alexander Ekman’s Play – “a sight I wonder if I’ll ever see again”

14 December 2024 by Matthew Paluch 3 Comments

Alexander Ekman’s Play, photo by Anne Ray, POB 2017 - 4

Matthew Paluch sees The Paris Opera Ballet in Alexander Ekman’s Play – "It's intelligent, powerful stuff." TitlePlayCompanyParis Opera BalletVenuePalais GarnierDate13 December 2024ReviewerMatthew … [Read more...] about Review: The Paris Opera Ballet in Alexander Ekman’s Play – “a sight I wonder if I’ll ever see again”

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Gramilano newsletter 2019

INTERVIEWS

Piazza della Scala, Milan

Dominique Meyer, CEO of La Scala, on the new streaming service, Russia, and audiences

2015 Giovanna d'Arco, photo Brescia e Amisano © Teatro alla Scala crop

[Interview] Tenor Francesco Meli – 20 years of “not taking anything for granted”

Hervé Koubi - photo by Véronique Chochon-01

[Interview] Choreographer Hervé Koubi – If we can dance together, we can live together

Grand Pas Classique at English National Ballet, photo by Laurent Liotardo

Introducing 19-year-old Canadian dancer Shale Wagman: from Lausanne to ENB to the Mariinsky

Thea Musgrave

Interview with composer Thea Musgrave at 90: I am happy and fulfilled to be the composer and person I am now

Juan Diego Flórez, phoyo by Manfred Baumann

Interview with Juan Diego Flórez who debuts in Ricciardo e Zoraide at Pesaro tonight

Yasmine Naghdi prepares for Gamzatti, photo by Dasa Wharton 15

Interview: For The Royal Ballet’s Yasmine Naghdi it’s “Ready, Steady, Go”!

Anna Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov in cover art for the Romanza album

Interview with Anna Netrebko on her son, his autism and his abandonment by his father Erwin Schrott

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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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