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Anthony Dowell

Alessandra Ferri and Massimo Murru give Manon masterclasses from La Scala

4 May 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Masterclass - Alessandra Ferri with Martina Arduino, Nicoletta Manni - photo by Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala

La Scala’s new evening of ballet, Great Choreographers, which will be streamed on Saturday 15 May, features Kenneth MacMillan’s bedroom pas de deux from his ballet Manon. It will be danced by Virna … [Read more...] about Alessandra Ferri and Massimo Murru give Manon masterclasses from La Scala

In conversation with Marianela Nuñez

9 July 2020 by Gramilano 7 Comments

Nunez headshot cropped

The Royal Ballet’s Argentinian principal dancer, Marianela Nuñez, is in lockdown in Buenos Aires. She went there to be near her family and partner, because now home, for Nela, is London, which also … [Read more...] about In conversation with Marianela Nuñez

#OurHouseToYourHouse: tonight’s Royal Opera House’s 2nd live concert and next week’s programme

20 June 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

ROH Auditorium. (c) ROH, 2016. Photographed by Sim Canetty Clarke.

2nd Concert: Saturday 20 June Tonight is the second of the Live from Covent Garden concerts at 7.30pm BST which will be broadcast via the Royal Opera House website from Covent Garden. These are the … [Read more...] about #OurHouseToYourHouse: tonight’s Royal Opera House’s 2nd live concert and next week’s programme

Interview with The Royal Ballet’s Lauren Cuthbertson – so much passion

2 May 2020 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Lauren Cuthbertson by Clive Barda

On 14 March 2020, The Royal Ballet’s principal dancer Lauren Cuthbertson was dancing Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty on the stage of the Mariinsky Theatre. A rare honour. She was partnered by former … [Read more...] about Interview with The Royal Ballet’s Lauren Cuthbertson – so much passion

Interview: The Royal Ballet’s Ballet Master, Christopher Carr, on mounting Coppélia, the company’s dancers and technique

10 December 2019 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Coppélia with Vadim Muntagirov and Marianela Nunez, photo by Bill Cooper ROH

Everyone who has followed The Royal Ballet in rehearsal during World Ballet Day or watched the interval clips and interviews during the intervals of the company’s live cinema relays will know … [Read more...] about Interview: The Royal Ballet’s Ballet Master, Christopher Carr, on mounting Coppélia, the company’s dancers and technique

Rome Opera Ballet announces 2019-2020 season

19 June 2019 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Swan Lake © Yasuko Kageyama with Susanna Salvi and Germain Louvet

Five different programmes make up Rome Opera Ballet’s new season, 2019-2020. Benjamin Pech’s successful Swan Lake will be remounted to open the season. This will be followed by an evening dedicated … [Read more...] about Rome Opera Ballet announces 2019-2020 season

Photo Album: first look at The Royal Ballet’s new triple bill

4 June 2019 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

The Firebird. Gary Avis. ©ROH, 2019. Photo by Tristram Kenton

The Firebird / A Month in the Country / Symphony in C The curtain has just gone up on The Royal Ballet's latest triple bill and here are the first photos. The flash of a firebird, a family sent into … [Read more...] about Photo Album: first look at The Royal Ballet’s new triple bill

Lescaut almost steals the show among excellent performances in Manon at La Scala

28 October 2018 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Emanuela Montanari As Manon, Photo By Brescia E Amisano (2)

I wonder how many reviews of Manon start by appraising the portrayal of Lescaut. A very important character of course, but certainly he has less plot points or stage time than Des Grieux and the … [Read more...] about Lescaut almost steals the show among excellent performances in Manon at La Scala

James Hobley, Britain’s Got Talent’s autistic dancer, now 19 leaves ENB’s school to join Scottish Ballet

27 July 2018 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

James Hobley Publicity Shot

James Hobley, first known to the general public as a Britain’s Got Talent finalist in 2011, has graduated from English National Ballet School and has a contract to start his professional career with … [Read more...] about James Hobley, Britain’s Got Talent’s autistic dancer, now 19 leaves ENB’s school to join Scottish Ballet

Photo Album: preview of tonight’s opening cast of Manon with Francesca Hayward and Federico Bonelli

29 March 2018 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Manon with Francesca Hayward as Manon and Federico Bonelli as Des Grieux ©ROH, 2018, photo by Bill Cooper (2)

Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon is revived at Covent Garden as part of continuing celebrations of MacMillan’s profound impact on British ballet, to mark the 25th anniversary of his death. Tonight's opening … [Read more...] about Photo Album: preview of tonight’s opening cast of Manon with Francesca Hayward and Federico Bonelli

Zenaida Yanowsky’s final curtain call

8 June 2017 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Zenaida Yanowsky's Final Curtain Call with Roberto Bolle © ROH 2017. Photo by Alastair Muir (3)

After 23 years with The Royal Ballet, last night Zenaida Yanowsky gave her final curtain call on the Covent Garden stage. Her final performance at the Royal Opera House was in Marguerite and Armand … [Read more...] about Zenaida Yanowsky’s final curtain call

Sergei Polunin returns to dance with Natalia Osipova at The Royal Ballet

11 April 2017 by Gramilano 17 Comments

Tamara Rojo and Sergei Polunin in Marguerite and Armand, photo by Bill Cooper ROH

Former Royal Ballet Principal Sergei Polunin will partner Natalia Osipova in June, when he returns to dance in Frederick Ashton’s Marguerite and Armand. Other casting sees another former Royal Ballet … [Read more...] about Sergei Polunin returns to dance with Natalia Osipova at The Royal Ballet

Photos of the first night cast of The Royal Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty with Sarah Lamb and Vadim Muntagirov

20 December 2016 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

The Sleeping Beauty © ROH, 2016 Photographed by Bill Cooper 009

The Sleeping Beauty holds a special place in The Royal Ballet’s repertory. It was the ballet with which the Company reopened the Royal Opera House in 1946 after World War II, its first production at … [Read more...] about Photos of the first night cast of The Royal Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty with Sarah Lamb and Vadim Muntagirov

Royal Ballet’s 70th anniversary revival of The Sleeping Beauty – casting and photos

12 December 2016 by Gramilano 2 Comments

The Sleeping Beauty. Yasmine Naghdi, Tristan Dyer and Beatriz Stix Brunell in The Sleeping Beauty. cROH   Tristram Kenton, 2014 (2)

The Sleeping Beauty reopened the Royal Opera House after the war in February 1946 when the Company first took up residence in Covent Garden with Margot Fonteyn dancing the role of Princess … [Read more...] about Royal Ballet’s 70th anniversary revival of The Sleeping Beauty – casting and photos

Sylvie’s last dance: a tribute to Guillem, the artist and her career

30 December 2015 by Gramilano 14 Comments

A tribute by Ioannides Yiannakis In 29 December 1984, after a memorable performance of Swan Lake at the Paris Opera, the great Rudolf Nureyev named an extraordinary 19-year-old étoile. Her name … [Read more...] about Sylvie’s last dance: a tribute to Guillem, the artist and her career

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Sarah Lamb makes her début at La Scala with Claudio Coviello in Manon

21 November 2015 by Gramilano 11 Comments

La Scala sometimes lets down its audience by casting a ‘local’ dancer when the star has cancelled. I apologise if I'm upsetting some of the company, but this is often a deluding experience resulting … [Read more...] about Sarah Lamb makes her début at La Scala with Claudio Coviello in Manon

Kevin O’Hare interview: It’s an exciting time for The Royal Ballet

4 September 2015 by Gramilano 3 Comments

Kevin O’Hare – photo © Joe Plimmer

This is an exciting time for The Royal Ballet, which has been on a roll for several years with an enthusiastic public for the sold-out performances at the Royal Opera House, the extremely popular live … [Read more...] about Kevin O’Hare interview: It’s an exciting time for The Royal Ballet

Carlos Acosta at The Royal Ballet: celebrating 17 years

17 August 2015 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Carlos Acosta at The Royal Ballet is a new book to celebrate Carlos Acosta’s 17 year career with The Royal Ballet from 1998 – 2015. The book, which captures some of his greatest performances as … [Read more...] about Carlos Acosta at The Royal Ballet: celebrating 17 years

50th Anniversary of MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet

30 July 2015 by Gramilano 3 Comments

The Royal Ballet 2015/16 Season opens this September with the return of Kenneth MacMillan’s landmark Romeo and Juliet, celebrating 50 years since its première at the Royal Opera House in 1965. It will … [Read more...] about 50th Anniversary of MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet

Marianela Nuñez leads out the Royal Ballet for their American tour

24 May 2015 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

The Royal Ballet returns to the USA in June 2015 with programmes that reflect both the company’s heritage and its contemporary repertoire. It also brings with it the extraordinary lineup of dancers … [Read more...] about Marianela Nuñez leads out the Royal Ballet for their American tour

En Avant’s next ballet projects include a special encounter with Marcelo Gomes

13 March 2015 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

The En Avant Foundation will present specialised coaching master classes for advanced pre-professional and professional dancers in San Francisco and in New York in April 2015. The Foundation's … [Read more...] about En Avant’s next ballet projects include a special encounter with Marcelo Gomes

Royal Ballet stalwart Derek Rencher dies at 82

20 December 2014 by Gramilano 4 Comments

Derek Rencher, one of the longest serving members of The Royal Ballet, has died at 82. Rencher was born in Birmingham on 6 June 1932. He joined the Sadler's Wells Ballet in 1953 and was promoted to … [Read more...] about Royal Ballet stalwart Derek Rencher dies at 82

Clau­dio Cov­i­ello spreads his wings in Swan Lake with Natalia Osipova

29 June 2013 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

In a brave casting move, Makhar Vaziev, director of La Scala's ballet company, has given new-boy Clau­dio Cov­i­ello the opening night of Swan Lake with Natalia Osipova. 21-year-old Clau­dio … [Read more...] about Clau­dio Cov­i­ello spreads his wings in Swan Lake with Natalia Osipova

Cynthia Harvey answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

31 May 2013 by Gramilano 10 Comments

Q&A When did you start dancing? At age 8. A short time ago. Why did you start dancing? Apparently I preferred it to walking; actually I still do. Music was frequently played at home. My … [Read more...] about Cynthia Harvey answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

Fabrice Calmels answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

13 March 2013 by Gramilano 3 Comments

Q&A When did you start dan­cing? I started dancing very young, around 4, at the dance studio in Magnanville, France. Why did you start dan­cing? I used to wait for my sister while she was … [Read more...] about Fabrice Calmels answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

Evan McKie answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

6 December 2012 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Q&A When did you start dan­cing? In the womb. Why did you start dan­cing? I will probably never know the answer to that. I just know why I keep doing it. Which dan­cer inspired you most … [Read more...] about Evan McKie answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

Adam Cooper talks to the Sunday Times about ballet, Michael Jackson, Vaughan Williams and the Kirov

22 April 2012 by Gramilano 5 Comments

In today's Sunday Times, Adam Cooper - ex-Royal Ballet dancer, and currently tip-tapping in the West End - talked about the places where he and his elder brother, Simon, grew up. Until their teens … [Read more...] about Adam Cooper talks to the Sunday Times about ballet, Michael Jackson, Vaughan Williams and the Kirov

Rebecca Caine answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition

14 January 2012 by Gramilano 3 Comments

Q&A When did you start singing? As a professional at 19 thanks to being chucked out of the Guildhall. I always sang as a child. Why did you start singing? I simply loved it. I grew up with no tv … [Read more...] about Rebecca Caine answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition

Paul Chalmer answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

27 December 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Q&A When did you start dancing? Age 6, then National Ballet School, Toronto, age 9. Why did you start dancing? Saw ballet on TV. Which dancer inspired you most as a … [Read more...] about Paul Chalmer answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

Rupert Pennefather’s turning thirty but still looking good in white tights

6 May 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

The Times talked to Rupert Pennefather on the eve of his 30th birthday and his début in Manon: Never underestimate the importance of looking good in white tights - says Debra Craine - for a male … [Read more...] about Rupert Pennefather’s turning thirty but still looking good in white tights

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NEWS

New York City Ballet 2023 Spring Season is announced

Principal Brandon Lawrence to leave Birmingham Royal Ballet to join Ballett Zürich

Two new opera recordings to be released by Warner Classics/Erato

Four new Principal dancers for New York City Ballet

LaScalaTv, La Scala’s new streaming platform, is now live

Royal Ballet principal dancer Laura Morera to retire

Pam Tanowitz’s Secret Things, her second world premiere for The Royal Ballet this season

Prix de Lausanne 2023 – the full lineup

Principal dancer Jared Angle to give final performance with NYCB

The Australian Ballet will tour to the Royal Opera House in August 2023

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Franco Fagioli answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition

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GRAHAM SPICER

Writer, director and photographer in Milan, blogging (under the name ‘Gramilano’) about dance, opera, music and photography for people who are a bit like me and like some of the things I like. I was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy. My scribblings have appeared in various publications from Woman’s Weekly to Gay Times. I write the ‘Danza in Italia’ column for Dancing Times magazine.

You can find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, or follow my Facebook page.

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