Philip Hope-Wallace was the music, theatre and dance critic for The Guardian from 1959 until he died, twenty years later. The obituarist in The Times called him “a critic of the arts as wise and searching as anyone in his time … all his work was fuelled by an informed pleasure that his attractively languid personality […]
Antoinette Sibley
Preview: Nureyev the film is a glorious celebration of an exceptional life
Nureyev is an important new documentary about Rudolf Nureyev’s extraordinary life which will be shown in cinemas around the UK from 25 September. BAFTA nominated directors Jacqui and David Morris have interviewed Nureyev’s colleagues from the dance world – Alla Osipenko, Ghislaine Thesmar, Dame Antoinette Sibley, Clement Crisp, Meredith Daneman – but sensibly don’t fill […]
Photo Album: preview of tonight’s opening cast of Manon with Francesca Hayward and Federico Bonelli
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 cast features Francesca Hayward, Federico Bonelli and Alexander Campbell. Production Credits Choreography Kenneth MacMillan Music Jules Massenet Orchestration Martin Yates Designer Nicholas Georgiadis Lighting designer John […]
Interview with The Royal Ballet’s Merle Park in 1979: Green Park, Hyde Park or Merle Park?
Merle Park, the engine driver’s daughter from Rhodesia (modern Zimbabwe), ended up being one of The Royal Ballet’s brightest stars. She says that she first realised she’d become famous when she heard a question on a quiz game on the radio: “Which is the odd name out: Green Park, Hyde Park or Merle Park?” I thought, […]
Sergei Polunin returns to dance with Natalia Osipova at The Royal Ballet
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 Principal, Alessandra Ferri, together with her fellow Italian Federico Bonelli, and the third Italian in the lineup is Roberto Bolle who will be partnering Zenaida […]
To Carla Fracci, on your 80th Birthday, from your colleagues and friends
Today is the 80th birthday of the Italian ballerina, Carla Fracci. She was born in Milan on 20 August 1936. To celebrate we asked fellow ballerinas, as well as actresses and designers she has worked with, for messages and best wishes on a very special day. with thanks to Merrill Ashley – Aurora Benelli – Rebecca Bianchi […]
50th Anniversary of MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet
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 be relayed live to cinemas on Tuesday 22 September 2015. Originally created on Lynn Seymour and Christopher Gable, it was, of course, Margot […]
Marianela Nuñez leads out the Royal Ballet for their American tour
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 that make up the Royal Ballet today. Aside from the Brits – Lauren Cuthbertson, Rupert Pennefather and Edward Watson – there are the […]
Natalia Osipova and an excellent cast début in Manon at La Scala
Natalia Osipova’s début as Manon has inevitably aroused curiosity in dance circles as this ballet is one of the cornerstones of the Royal Ballet’s repertory, a company she will be joining later this month. This curiosity was satisfied last night when the Russian superstar gave an excellent account of the role, with Milan’s La Scala […]
Cynthia Harvey answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
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 mother loved musicals and I think she secretly would have wished me to be in musical theatre. BUT, I saw […]
