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George Balanchine

The lonely father – Jonathan Gray reviews a new biography of the choreographer John Cranko

3 January 2023 by Jonathan Gray Leave a Comment

Cranko & Haydee in rehearsal ph. Andreas Heumann crop

I’ve always been interested in how some theatrical works survive the years, and some do not. Giacomo Meyerbeer, for example, was probably the most famous opera composer of the middle years of the 19th … [Read more...] about The lonely father – Jonathan Gray reviews a new biography of the choreographer John Cranko

Dame Beryl Grey: an obituary by Mary Clarke

12 December 2022 by Gramilano 6 Comments

Beryl Grey as the Lilac Fairy as photographed by Gordon Anthony for the 1946-1947 season brochure of Sadler's Wells Ballet at The Royal Opera House

Beryl Grey, who has died at the age of 95, was a ballerina, director, administrator, and patron of many dance organisations, who had a distinguished international career but was quintessentially a … [Read more...] about Dame Beryl Grey: an obituary by Mary Clarke

Ballerinas Maria Tallchief and Carla Fracci honoured with a stamp and a coin

29 November 2022 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Carla Fracci and Maria Tallchief

Almost contemporary announcements from both sides of the pond have arrived to honour two ballerinas. The Maria Tallchief Quarter will be issued next year in the United States and the Carla Fracci … [Read more...] about Ballerinas Maria Tallchief and Carla Fracci honoured with a stamp and a coin

[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

[Review] New York City Ballet’s strange bedfellows: Episodes and Vienna Waltzes

11 October 2022 by Jonathan Gray 2 Comments

Megan Fairchild and Anthony Huxley in George Balanchines Vienna Waltzes photo by Paul Kolnik

Guest author Jonathan Gray sees New York City Ballet’s Episodes and Vienna Waltzes in New York. TitleAll Balanchine II – Episodes / Vienna WaltzesCompanyNew York City BalletVenueDavid H Koch … [Read more...] about [Review] New York City Ballet’s strange bedfellows: Episodes and Vienna Waltzes

Athelhampton House Gala: Stars of The Royal Ballet dance in charity gala this weekend

8 September 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Akane Takada and Ryoichi Hirano in Christopher Wheeldon’s Within the Golden Hour

The Athelhampton House Gala in Dorset has become an annual happening after the Royal Ballet’s Meaghan Grace Hinkis created the event after the first lockdown in 2020. Hinkis, who has been a first … [Read more...] about Athelhampton House Gala: Stars of The Royal Ballet dance in charity gala this weekend

[Review & Album] La Scala Theatre Ballet School’s end of term show 2022

5 June 2022 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Canone allegro - ch Valentino Zucchetti, photo by Annachiara Di Stefano 2

The ‘end of term’ show by La Scala Theatre Ballet School was of an exceptionally high level this year. This was exceptionally important as it was dedicated to the memory of Loreta Alexandrescu, a … [Read more...] about [Review & Album] La Scala Theatre Ballet School’s end of term show 2022

Dancing Times’ June 2022 issue features La Scala’s Nicoletta Manni and Timofej Andrijashenko

27 May 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Nicoletta Manni and Timofej Andrijashenko outside La Scala in Milan © Graham Spicer

In June’s edition of Dancing Times magazine (out now) I talk to La Scala’s principal dancers Nicoletta Manni and Timofej Andrijashenko about life as an onstage and offstage couple: Nicoletta Manni … [Read more...] about Dancing Times’ June 2022 issue features La Scala’s Nicoletta Manni and Timofej Andrijashenko

Laurent Hilaire replaces Igor Zelensky at the Bavarian State Ballet

5 May 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Laurent Hilaire, photo by Gregory Shelukhin crop

Laurent Hilaire takes over in May 2022 from Igor Zelensky as Director of the Bayerisches Staatsballett. Hilaire presented the season’s ballet programme during today's Bayerische Staatsoper and … [Read more...] about Laurent Hilaire replaces Igor Zelensky at the Bavarian State Ballet

The National Ballet of Canada 2022-2023 Season

3 May 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Wei Wang, Maria Kochetkova and Henry Sidford in Anima Animus. Photo by Erik Tomasson, courtesy of San Francisco Ballet

Hope Muir, who became Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada at the beginning of this year, has announced the 2022-2023 season, her first full season with the company. Highlights … [Read more...] about The National Ballet of Canada 2022-2023 Season

Dancing Times, May 2022 issue

1 May 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

LES ÉTOILES 2022 - Sergio Bernal and Calvin Royal III in Touché © Graham Spicer - 2947

In the May issue of Dancing Times, I write in the Danza in Italia column about the Rome performance of Touché, a lockdown creation for American Ballet Theatre by Christopher Rudd. The European … [Read more...] about Dancing Times, May 2022 issue

Fracci Gala: La Scala celebrates Carla Fracci

13 April 2022 by Gramilano 2 Comments

GALA FRACCI - Giselle - photo by Brescia e Amisano © Teatro alla Scala

How to celebrate a great dancer on stage? How to evoke memories of their artistry without creating a parody of their talent? Certainly, with Carla Fracci and the American Ballet Theatre video of … [Read more...] about Fracci Gala: La Scala celebrates Carla Fracci

[Review] Balanchine’s Jewels at La Scala shows the company in top-notch form

30 March 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

21 - Emeralds by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust photo Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala

The revival of George Balanchine’s Jewels at La Scala showed the company in top-notch form, finally shedding off the insecurities arising from cancelled premieres, last minutes Covid-related cast … [Read more...] about [Review] Balanchine’s Jewels at La Scala shows the company in top-notch form

[Photo Album] First peek at Balanchine’s Jewels which opens tonight at La Scala

11 March 2022 by Gramilano 1 Comment

16 - Emeralds by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust photo Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala - Alice Mariani Marco Agostino

After eight years, George Balanchine’s Jewels returns to La Scala and runs from 11 to 24 March 2022. Balanchine was inspired by the artistry of jewellery designer Claude Arpels and chose music … [Read more...] about [Photo Album] First peek at Balanchine’s Jewels which opens tonight at La Scala

La Scala honours Carla Fracci with the first annual gala

18 February 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Carla Fracci 1983 Giselle, photo by Lelli e Masotti © Teatro alla Scala crop

On Saturday 9 April 2022 La Scala will present Gala Fracci – First Edition. The director of La Scala’s ballet company, Manuel Legris, has devised a wide-ranging programme that reflects the repertoire … [Read more...] about La Scala honours Carla Fracci with the first annual gala

The Bolshoi’s new principal dancer Jacopo Tissi returns to La Scala with Zakharova

21 January 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Jacopo Tissi In La Bayadére, Photo By Damir Yusupov, 2018

La Scala’s new production of La Bayadère, which was moved from the holiday period to the end of January because of multiple Covid-19 infections among the dancers, has resulted in recasting because of … [Read more...] about The Bolshoi’s new principal dancer Jacopo Tissi returns to La Scala with Zakharova

La Scala’s enthralling Contemporary Evening is a triumph

12 July 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

BIRDS WALKING ON WATER - Mick Zeni and company, photo by Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala (7)

The Contemporary Evening was a triumph, with seven works: a contemporary ‘classic’, some lesser-known pieces, and a new creation. La Scala is finding it difficult to attract audiences back to the … [Read more...] about La Scala’s enthralling Contemporary Evening is a triumph

Davide Dato stars in the Italian premiere of Uwe Scholz’s The Rite of Spring

6 July 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Davide Dato rehearses Uwe Scholz's Rite of Spring with Giovanni di Palma © Gabriele Schacherl (5)

Uwe Scholz's version of Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring) will be performed for the first time in Italy by Davide Dato, principal dancer at the Vienna State Ballet. The work is part of an … [Read more...] about Davide Dato stars in the Italian premiere of Uwe Scholz’s The Rite of Spring

[Photo Album] The Royal Ballet’s “Beauty Mixed Programme”

25 June 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Mariko Sasaki and Lukas Bjørneboe Brændsrød in Anemoi, The Royal Ballet ©2021 ROH. Photograph by Alice Pennefather 2

Tomorrow, The Royal Ballet unveils a new mixed bill, the Beauty Mixed Programme. It reflects a phrase said by the company's founder Dame Ninette de Valois: Respect the past, herald the future but … [Read more...] about [Photo Album] The Royal Ballet’s “Beauty Mixed Programme”

Stravinsky celebrated in music and dance at Nervi, Ravenna and Rome festivals

20 June 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Simone Repele and Sasha Riva in Pulcinella suite italienne, photo by Paolo Laudicina

On 8 July at the Nervi Music Ballet Festival 2021, a new programme of music and dance called Stravinsky’s Love will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the composer’s death*. The celebrated Russian … [Read more...] about Stravinsky celebrated in music and dance at Nervi, Ravenna and Rome festivals

Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake: mutations, violins and homosexuality

5 June 2021 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Swan Lake, Mariinsky Theatre, 1895 crop

As his swan song on leaving his position as Principal Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Vladimir Jurowski chose for the orchestra to play the entire score of Swan Lake. An odd choice? … [Read more...] about Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake: mutations, violins and homosexuality

[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

Royal Ballet First Soloist Beatriz Stix-Brunell heads for Stanford University

3 June 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Beatriz Stix-Brunell in Emeralds, photo by Andrej Uspenski ROH

The Royal Ballet has announced that First Soloist Beatriz Stix-Brunell is to leave the Company after 11 years. In a move that was deferred due to the global pandemic, she leaves at the … [Read more...] about Royal Ballet First Soloist Beatriz Stix-Brunell heads for Stanford University

Jacques d’Amboise dies at the age of 86

3 May 2021 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Jacques d'Amboise

Jacques d’Amboise has died at the age of 86. The great interpreter of George Balanchine ballets and passionate dance educator had been incapacitated after a stroke but was taken care of in his home in … [Read more...] about Jacques d’Amboise dies at the age of 86

Dancing Words – Roberto Bolle talks about his new book

21 April 2021 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Roberto Bolle, photo by Bruce Weber 2008 crop

Parole che danzano (Dancing Words) – Roberto Bolle's new book Over the years, there have been several coffee table books dedicated to the career and physique of Roberto Bolle. Parole che danzano … [Read more...] about Dancing Words – Roberto Bolle talks about his new book

The Royal Opera and Ballet companies announce the full schedule for Spring/Summer 2021

13 April 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Dances at a Gathering. Marianela Nunez and Alexander Campbell. ©ROH, 2020. Photographed by Bill Cooper.

The Royal Opera House will reopen its doors to the public on 17 May 2021. Public booking opens on 7 May at 10am (UK time). Online programming will continue, while La clemenza di Tito will be the … [Read more...] about The Royal Opera and Ballet companies announce the full schedule for Spring/Summer 2021

Balanchine’s JEWELS is sparkling brightly at San Francisco Ballet online

3 April 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

San Francisco Ballet in Balanchine's Emeralds, Choreography by George Balanchine © The Balanchine Trust, Photo © Erik Tomasson

The first of the three pieces that make up Balanchine ballet Jewels was filmed at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco in front of an empty auditorium in January of this year. Emeralds, … [Read more...] about Balanchine’s JEWELS is sparkling brightly at San Francisco Ballet online

Sofia Coppola to direct a film featuring New York City Ballet dancers

1 April 2021 by Gramilano 2 Comments

David H Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, photo by Jon Simon

New York City Ballet has announced that filmmaker Sofia Coppola will direct a film for the Company’s current digital season, which will premiere at NYCB’s 2021 Spring Gala – the Company’s first-ever … [Read more...] about Sofia Coppola to direct a film featuring New York City Ballet dancers

Vail Dance Festival returns for the 2021 Season

1 April 2021 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Calvin Royal III in George Balanchine’s Apollo, photo by Christopher Duggan 2019

The Vail Dance Festival has announced plans to return in-person for its 32nd season running from 30 July 30 to 9 August 2021, with seven World Premiere Dances, four Commissioned Scores, the return to … [Read more...] about Vail Dance Festival returns for the 2021 Season

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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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