Johan Kobborg asked David Umenoto to design the sets for his Romeo and Juliet which has its world premiere in Verona’s vast Arena on 26 August. The commission came about after Kobborg had seen an exhibition of Umenoto’s sculptures:His works are contemporary but respect the past – you can feel the importance of memory yet there is a profound break with it. After seeing his … [Read more...] about Interview with Johan Kobborg and Alina Cojocaru on the eve of their new Romeo and Juliet
Alina Cojocaru
Royal Ballet’s Valentino Zucchetti is Mercutio in the Kobborg-Polunin-Cojocaru Romeo and Juliet
On the 26 August, there will be a single performance only of Johan Kobborg’s new production of Romeo and Juliet with Sergei Polunin and Alina Cojocaru in the title roles. But when the theatre in Verona’s vast Arena with 30,000 seats it is the equivalent of a 15-performance run in an opera house.Joining them on stage will be The Royal Ballet’s First Soloist, Valentino … [Read more...] about Royal Ballet’s Valentino Zucchetti is Mercutio in the Kobborg-Polunin-Cojocaru Romeo and Juliet
Photo Album: Wheeldon’s Cinderella – English National Ballet
This Cinderella combines intimacy and spectacle. In a space as vast as the Albert Hall it would be easy to lose focus, and for the action and visuals to wax muddy or arid. That rarely happens. The second act is especially expertly judged, rich in motion and emotion as the venue becomes a palatial ballroom for two dozen couples swirling round Cinders and the Prince. – Donald … [Read more...] about Photo Album: Wheeldon’s Cinderella – English National Ballet
Sergei Polunin on sex change, his new girlfriend, and manning up
In an interview, before several appearances in the Italian peninsula over the next two months, Sergei Polunin said,I deeply believe in love. It’s a universal feeling; everyone wants to love and be loved. Today, I see a separation between men and women with too much aggressivity and competition between the sexes. For me, if I don’t have love in my life, I’m unable to do … [Read more...] about Sergei Polunin on sex change, his new girlfriend, and manning up
Rights group asks for Polunin ballet in Verona’s Arena to be cancelled
A full-page article in today’s Corriere della Sera, a major Italian newspaper, has the headline: Polunin, the bad boy of dance “is homophobic”.After recent Instagram postings which were widely discussed, Sergei Polunin found sponsors disappearing and an engagement at the Paris Opera Ballet cancelled. The most commentated post was the one where he urged male ballet dancers to … [Read more...] about Rights group asks for Polunin ballet in Verona’s Arena to be cancelled
Faces: Three dance portraits – Carlos Acosta, Alina Cojocaru, Zenaida Yanowsky by Kim Brandstrup
Choreographer and filmmaker Kim Brandstrup’s latest film project is to be shown in the newly refurbished Linbury Theatre as part of Open House London on 22 and 23 September.Brandstrup’s latest film project, Faces, is an intimate portrait of Carlos Acosta, Alina Cojacaru and Zenaida Yanowsky and catches that magical moment as each listens to the music and prepares to … [Read more...] about Faces: Three dance portraits – Carlos Acosta, Alina Cojocaru, Zenaida Yanowsky by Kim Brandstrup
English National Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty – a photo album, dedicated to Elisabetta Terabust
Italian ballerina Elisabetta Terabust, who died in February this year at her home in Rome after a long illness, was a star of the London Festival Ballet, now English National Ballet, from 1973 until 1988. ENB dedicated this season's performances of Kenneth MacMillan's The Sleeping Beauty to her memory.Alina Cojocaru was Princess Aurora, Joseph Caley played Prince … [Read more...] about English National Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty – a photo album, dedicated to Elisabetta Terabust
Le Corsaire docks at La Scala – many delights with a company on top form
Anna-Marie Holmes created her version of Le Corsaire for Boston ballet in 1997. A year later it arrived in New York when it was loaned out to the American Ballet Theatre. Italian dancer Giuseppe Picone played the romantic hero, Conrad, opposite Nina Ananiashvili as Medora. Holmes has mounted her version — and versions of her version! — from Hungary to Hong Kong, with … [Read more...] about Le Corsaire docks at La Scala – many delights with a company on top form
Interview with Joseph Caley, English National Ballet’s new Principal Dancer
After more than a decade with Birmingham Royal Ballet, Principal Dancer Joseph Caley has packed his bags and headed south to join Tamara Rojo and English National Ballet. In July, when his move was announced, he said, “The diversity of repertoire that Tamara has brought to the Company is really interesting and I can’t wait to work with her and her team.”An exciting step on … [Read more...] about Interview with Joseph Caley, English National Ballet’s new Principal Dancer
Anaïs Chalendard answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
Q&AWhen did you start dancing? I started taking "ballet" class when I was very little; about 4 years old. But I think I really started proper classes when I turned 6 or 7.Why did you start dancing? I started ballet class because I had a hip condition: dysplasia. So, to make sure I would have good coordination, the family doctor advised my parents to get me to do … [Read more...] about Anaïs Chalendard answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition