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Francesca Hayward

Casting for The Royal Ballet’s Swan Lake (March-May 2024) is announced

4 November 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Swan Lake - The Royal Ballet-ROH

The Royal Ballet has announced casting for next year’s Swan Lake performances, which run from 6 March until 11 May 2024. In Liam Scarlett’s production, there will be role debuts for Soloist Mariko … [Read more...] about Casting for The Royal Ballet’s Swan Lake (March-May 2024) is announced

Royal Academy of Dance announces winners of the Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2023

30 October 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

RAD Fonteyn medalist Jakob Wheway Hughes 1

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) presented the final of its Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2023 last night at His Majesty’s Theatre in London. The Fonteyn competition is the pinnacle … [Read more...] about Royal Academy of Dance announces winners of the Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2023

[Review] The Limit – The Royal Ballet’s Francesca Hayward and Alexander Campbell in a new two-hander

26 October 2023 by Jann Parry 1 Comment

Alexander Campbell and Francesca Hayward in The Limit, photo by Camilla Greenwell, ROH 2023-02

Jann Parry sees The Limit at the Linbury Theatre – “Hayward and Campbell are marvellous movers but the production’s premise is perverse.” TitleThe LimitCompanyThe Royal BalletVenueThe Linbury … [Read more...] about [Review] The Limit – The Royal Ballet’s Francesca Hayward and Alexander Campbell in a new two-hander

[Interview] Alexander Campbell on ‘The Limit’ – a new work for The Royal Ballet

3 October 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

The Limit, image by Sebastian Nevols 2023 crop

“The average person will speak 123,205,750 words in a lifetime. But what if there were a limit?” This was the conceit of Sam Steiner’s 2015 play, Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons. The Royal … [Read more...] about [Interview] Alexander Campbell on ‘The Limit’ – a new work for The Royal Ballet

[Review] Étoiles of Paris Opera Ballet & Friends in the English countryside, come rain or shine

31 July 2023 by Graham Watts 2 Comments

Valentine Colasante and Guillaume Diop, Paris Opera Ballet, perform Don Quixote, Rudolf Nureyev. Photo Zachary Culpin @bnps (3)

Graham Watts sees Étoiles of Paris Opera Ballet & Friends at Hatch House, UK TitleÉtoiles of Paris Opera Ballet & FriendsCompanyThe Covent Garden Dance CompanyVenueHatch House, … [Read more...] about [Review] Étoiles of Paris Opera Ballet & Friends in the English countryside, come rain or shine

Royal Ballet casting for autumn performances 2023 with role debuts

4 June 2023 by Gramilano 4 Comments

Artists-of-the-Royal-Ballet-in-Anemoi-The-Royal-Ballet-2021-ROH.-Photograph-by-Alice-Pennefather

The Royal Ballet casting for main roles is announced for all performances from 30 September 2023 until 13 January 2024. General booking opens on 2 August 2023 for the whole period. The ballets … [Read more...] about Royal Ballet casting for autumn performances 2023 with role debuts

[Interview] The authentic and passionate Laura Morera – a career without limits

29 April 2023 by Paul Arrowsmith 3 Comments

Laura Morera in Song of the Earth. Photo by Tristram Kenton, ROH, 2015

After 27 years with The Royal Ballet, Laura Morera's final performance at the Royal Opera House is on 17 June in Kenneth MacMillan’s Anastasia Act III. She dances on the company’s visit to … [Read more...] about [Interview] The authentic and passionate Laura Morera – a career without limits

[Photo Album] London’s Ballet Icons Gala 2023

21 February 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Nicoletta Manni and Timofej Andrijashenko in Carmen, photo by Nicholas MacKay MACKAY PRODUCTIONS

Below is a selection of photos of the star-studded cast of Ballet Icons 2023, with Dasa Wharton's informal photos of the press call, without makeup, sometimes without costumes, and some informal … [Read more...] about [Photo Album] London’s Ballet Icons Gala 2023

[Review] Ballet Icons Gala – the starry evening returns to the London Coliseum

20 February 2023 by Matthew Paluch 8 Comments

Le Corsaire - Margarita Fernandes and Antonio Casalinho - photo by Dasa Wharton

Matthew Paluch sees the Ballet Icons Gala 2023 in London TitleBallet Icons GalaVenueLondon ColiseumDate19 February 2023ReviewerMatthew Paluch “Ballet Average Dancers” doesn't have quite the same … [Read more...] about [Review] Ballet Icons Gala – the starry evening returns to the London Coliseum

Prix de Lausanne 2023 – the full lineup

19 January 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Prix de Lausanne 2020-01

The Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 will be given to Carlos Acosta CBE, a Prix de Lausanne Prize Winner in 1990 and current Director of the Birmingham Royal Ballet. The Prix de Lausanne 2023 50th … [Read more...] about Prix de Lausanne 2023 – the full lineup

Dance 2022 – Our critic looks at a year of dance in London

29 December 2022 by Matthew Paluch 5 Comments

12 - The Rite of Spring - Mats Ek - English National Ballet, photo by Dasa Wharton 2022

Matthew Paluch looks at London dance 2022. Balanchine said something or other about the now. The present is all that matters. So please forgive me Mr B, for I'm gonna be doing some reflecting. … [Read more...] about Dance 2022 – Our critic looks at a year of dance in London

[Review] Israel Galván gives a view of The Rite of Spring like no other

27 November 2022 by Jonathan Gray 2 Comments

Israel Galván in La Consagración de la Primavera, photo by Jean-Louis Duzert-04

Guest author Jonathan Gray sees Israel Galván’s La Consagración de la Primavera (The Rite of Spring) in London Title La Consagración de la PrimaveraCompanyIsrael Galván CompanyVenueSadler’s Wells, … [Read more...] about [Review] Israel Galván gives a view of The Rite of Spring like no other

[Review] Mayerling with Marcelino Sambé and Francesca Hayward: a magnificent night full of dazzling performances

25 November 2022 by Matthew Paluch 6 Comments

Mayerling rehearsals with Marcelino Sambé and Francesca Hayward, photo by Andrej Uspenski - 06

Guest author Matthew Paluch sees Mayerling at The Royal Opera House with Marcelino Sambé and Francesca Hayward TitleMayerlingCompanyThe Royal BalletVenueThe Royal Opera House, LondonDate24 November … [Read more...] about [Review] Mayerling with Marcelino Sambé and Francesca Hayward: a magnificent night full of dazzling performances

[Review] The Royal Ballet: A Diamond Celebration – the importance of the past, present, and future

17 November 2022 by Matthew Paluch 7 Comments

Marcelino Sambé and Matthew Ball in For Four 2022 ROH, photographed by Andrej Uspenski

How should the Royal Opera House celebrate 60 years of The Friends of Covent Garden? Krumping? Balanchine? Don't stress, you don't have to choose, we're getting both in the buffet that is The Royal … [Read more...] about [Review] The Royal Ballet: A Diamond Celebration – the importance of the past, present, and future

A Diamond Celebration in cinema: The Royal Ballet Celebrates 60 Years

7 November 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Artists of The Royal Ballet in Diamonds, photo by Bill Cooper, ROH 2013

The Royal Ballet presents A Diamond Celebration, a special programme to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of The Friends of Covent Garden. It will be broadcast live to cinemas around the world on … [Read more...] about A Diamond Celebration in cinema: The Royal Ballet Celebrates 60 Years

How MacMillan shapes Rudolf’s women – The Royal Ballet in Mayerling

10 October 2022 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Natalia Osipova as Mary Vetsera and Ryoichi Hirano as Crown Prince Rudolf in Mayerling c 2018 ROH. Photograph by Helen Maybanks 2

Guest author Matthew Paluch watches The Royal Ballet in Mayerling and ponders on how the six main female characters shape Crown Prince Rudolf and his demise. People always complain that ballet … [Read more...] about How MacMillan shapes Rudolf’s women – The Royal Ballet in Mayerling

The Royal Ballet’s Mayerling in 1978, and now live in cinemas

28 September 2022 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Natalia Osipova as Mary Vetsera and Ryoichi Hirano as Crown Prince Rudolf in Mayerling c 2018 ROH. Photograph by Helen Maybanks 1

The Royal Ballet opens its 2022-2023 cinema season with Kenneth MacMillan’s Mayerling, marking 30 years since the choreographer’s death in 1992. It will be broadcast on opening night, Wednesday 5 … [Read more...] about The Royal Ballet’s Mayerling in 1978, and now live in cinemas

[Review] Nureyev Legend and Legacy – a programme full of ‘wow wee’ moments

7 September 2022 by Matthew Paluch 8 Comments

Natalia Osipova in Laurencia Nureyev Legend and Legacy, photo by Andrej Uspenski

Welcome to this new collaboration between Gramilano and me, Matthew Paluch, to be known affectionately as London Calling. I'm honoured to share reviews and discussions here focusing on the London … [Read more...] about [Review] Nureyev Legend and Legacy – a programme full of ‘wow wee’ moments

Royal Ballet debuts in MacMillan’s Mayerling – in cinemas

1 September 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Mayerling with Natalia Osipova and Ryoichi Hirano. ROH, 2018, photo by Helen Maybanks

Royal Ballet principals Vadim Muntagirov and Marcelino Sambé will make their debuts as Crown Prince Rudolf and Francesca Hayward will make her debut as Mary Vetsera in Kenneth MacMillan’s Mayerling, … [Read more...] about Royal Ballet debuts in MacMillan’s Mayerling – in cinemas

First look: Photo album of Ballet’s Like Water For Chocolate

2 June 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

14 - Like Water For Chocolate with Francesca Hayward Marcelino Sambe, photo Tristram Kenton

The curtain has just come down on opening night of Christopher Wheeldon's new work for The Royal Ballet. Below is a gallery of photos from yesterday's dress rehearsal (1 June 2022). A modern … [Read more...] about First look: Photo album of Ballet’s Like Water For Chocolate

[Photo Album] First photos of The Royal Ballet’s Ashton Triple Bill

23 April 2022 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Sarah Lamb and Vadim Muntagirov in Scenes de ballet photo by Helen Maybanks ROH

Tonight, Saturday 23 April, The Royal Opera House curtain goes up on a triple bill of ballets by Frederick Ashton: Scènes de ballet, A Month in the Country, and Rhapsody. Frederick Ashton, The … [Read more...] about [Photo Album] First photos of The Royal Ballet’s Ashton Triple Bill

A plethora of Swan Lake debuts at the Royal Opera House

3 February 2022 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Marianela Nuñez and Vadim Muntagirov photographed for Swan Lake © ROH 2017. Photographed by Bill Cooper

The Royal Ballet's 2018 production of Swan Lake returns to The Royal Opera House stage in March and May for 24 performances and with a live cinema relay on 19 May. The opening night on 1 March will … [Read more...] about A plethora of Swan Lake debuts at the Royal Opera House

UK’s National Dance Awards announced

28 June 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

The Cellist. Marcelino Sambe and Lauren Cuthbertson. ©ROH, 2020. Photographed by Bill Cooper. (6)

This year’s National Dance Awards were announced yesterday at a streamed event from Cervantes Theatre in London. The NDA Chair, Graham Watts, paid tribute to Liam Scarlett who was nominated six … [Read more...] about UK’s National Dance Awards announced

[Photo Album] Royal Ballet’s Balanchine and Robbins programme

4 June 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Vadim Muntagirov, Yasmine Naghdi, Anna Rose O'Sullivan and Mayara Magri in Apollo photo by Helen Maybanks ROH

Tonight, Friday 4 June, the Royal Ballet opens a new evening of dance dedicated to George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins with Apollo, the Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux, and Dances at a … [Read more...] about [Photo Album] Royal Ballet’s Balanchine and Robbins programme

Photo Album: The Royal Ballet, 21st Century Choreographers

18 May 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Stanisław Węgrzyn and Natalia Osipova in the new work by Kyle Abraham, The Royal Ballet ©2021 ROH. Photograph by Bill Cooper

Opening tonight at The Royal Opera House is 21st Century Choreographers, The Royal Ballet's first programme in front of a theatre audience since the latest lockdown began last year, which cancelled … [Read more...] about Photo Album: The Royal Ballet, 21st Century Choreographers

The Royal Ballet announces 2021-2022 season, the first since 2019

24 March 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Wayne McGregor in rehearsal for Obsidian Tear, The Royal Ballet © ROH 2016. Photograph by Andrej Uspenski

The Royal Ballet has announced early plans for its 2021-2022 season. Detailed information will be announced on 1 June. Also, the Live Cinema season and digital programming will be announced later this … [Read more...] about The Royal Ballet announces 2021-2022 season, the first since 2019

Full Royal Opera House TV and streaming times for the Christmas period

5 December 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

The Magic Flute, The Royal Opera. © 2017, ROH. Photographed by Tristram Kenton. (2)

The Royal Opera House has announced its biggest ever programme of streaming and digital content, across a large range of platforms, “brought straight from our house to your house” over the Christmas … [Read more...] about Full Royal Opera House TV and streaming times for the Christmas period

[Photo Album] The Royal Ballet: Back on Stage – tonight and for 30 days

13 November 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Marianela Nunez in Le Corsaire, Royal Ballet Live, photo Emma Kauldhar ROH 2020

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. … [Read more...] about [Photo Album] The Royal Ballet: Back on Stage – tonight and for 30 days

Royal Opera House announces live performance broadcasts during November lockdown

9 November 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Don Giovanni at the Royal Opera House September 2019

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 … [Read more...] about Royal Opera House announces live performance broadcasts during November lockdown

The Royal Ballet is Back on Stage – Friday 9 October

23 September 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Live From Covent Garden rehearsals with Vadim Muntagirov 19 June 2020

The Royal Ballet is Back on Stage, returning for a live-streamed performance from the stage of Covent Garden on Friday 9 October at 7.30pm. After an absence of seven … [Read more...] about The Royal Ballet is Back on Stage – Friday 9 October

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NEWS

Casting for The Royal Ballet’s Swan Lake (March-May 2024) is announced

Maria Callas at 100 – Milan mounts 2 months of events to celebrate

The Place announces its 2024 Spring Season

[Interview] London City Ballet reborn – talking with its new director, Christopher Marney

Royal Academy of Dance announces winners of the Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2023

Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends – Cameron Mackintosh releases 5,000 best seats at £25

Stuttgart Ballet’s Mackenzie Brown is promoted to Principal Dancer

Alessandra Ferri is the new director of the Vienna State Ballet

Jack Anderson – dance writer, historian, and poet – dies at 88

Ballet schools worldwide commit to a collective future with aDvANCE conference

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GRAMILANO

Graham Spicer is a writer, director and photographer based in Milan, aka ‘Gramilano’. 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. He wrote the ‘Danza in Italia’ column for Dancing Times magazine.

Since 2022, Gramilano is pleased to welcome guest authors: Alisa Alekseeva, Paul Arrowsmith, Kathrina Farrugia-Kriel, Jonathan Gray, Marina Harss, Matthew Paluch, Jann Parry, Graham Watts, and Deborah Weiss.

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