The new Ballet Season, devised by La Scala’s ballet director Manuel Legris, presents seven titles ranging from 19th-century classics such as Coppélia – in a new version by Alexei Ratmansky to open the … [Read more...] about La Scala Ballet Season 2023-2024
John Neumeier
[Review] Les Étoiles – international ballet stars woo and wow in Italy
Gala Les Étoiles with Valentine Colasante and Paul Marque (Paris Opera Ballet); Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia (New York City Ballet); Sergio Bernal (formerly National Ballet of Spain); Silvia Azzoni, … [Read more...] about [Review] Les Étoiles – international ballet stars woo and wow in Italy
The lonely father – Jonathan Gray reviews a new biography of the choreographer John Cranko
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
[Review] Nureyev Legend and Legacy – a programme full of ‘wow wee’ moments
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
Laurent Hilaire replaces Igor Zelensky at the Bavarian State Ballet
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
[Interview] Alessandra Ferri, part one: “The voice of the soul is immense”
Alessandra Ferri has had a long career – albeit interrupted for six years when she retired – though ‘career’ is a word she doesn’t like. It implies a job more than a vocation. It implies a … [Read more...] about [Interview] Alessandra Ferri, part one: “The voice of the soul is immense”
Italy’s dance magazine Danza & Danza names winners of 2021 awards
The leading dance magazine in Italy, Danza & Danza, has announced its annual awards and, like last year, they are somewhat modified to include streams and videos of dance that have become new ways … [Read more...] about Italy’s dance magazine Danza & Danza names winners of 2021 awards
Dancing Times October 2021 edition
The end of an era The current edition of Dancing Times magazine features the last “Notes from New York” column from Jack Anderson, who has been contributing to the magazine for 50 years. He's … [Read more...] about Dancing Times October 2021 edition
A captivating dance tribute to Stravinsky at Italy’s Nervi Festival
A programme of dance dedicated to Igor Stravinsky on the 50th anniversary of his death launched the dance season at this year’s Nervi Music Ballet Festival. The pieces on the programme for … [Read more...] about A captivating dance tribute to Stravinsky at Italy’s Nervi Festival
A new John Neumeier work brings two Italian dancers back home
Jacopo Bellussi and Alessandro Frola return to Italy to perform John Neumeier’s new work Peter and Igor in Stravinsky’s Love – a show commemorating the 50th anniversary of Stravinsky’s … [Read more...] about A new John Neumeier work brings two Italian dancers back home
Stravinsky celebrated in music and dance at Nervi, Ravenna and Rome festivals
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
Ballet Gala from La Scala: Evening of Great Choreographers
The latest gala from La Scala as part of its programming for online streaming videos, and recorded without an audience present in the theatre, is Serata Grandi Coreografi (Evening of Great … [Read more...] about Ballet Gala from La Scala: Evening of Great Choreographers
Dancing in the museum: Diana Vishneva’s cross-media project ‘Imprint in Motion’
Diana Vishneva’s latest project - Imprint in Motion - is a cross-media project fusing the fine arts, contemporary dance, music, and film making, and focuses on the human body in a variety of … [Read more...] about Dancing in the museum: Diana Vishneva’s cross-media project ‘Imprint in Motion’
Patrick Dupond, much-loved ballet star, dies at 61
The flamboyant French ballet star Patrick Dupond has died after a "devastating illness" – he was 61. His collaborator, Leïla Da Rocha, said, Patrick Dupond has died after a "devastating illness" – … [Read more...] about Patrick Dupond, much-loved ballet star, dies at 61
Duets and solos in the open-air – live dance returns to Italy
The first live dance event in Italy took place at the Nervi International Festival of Ballet and Music, opening the two-week festival in Nervi’s coastal park with a backdrop to the stage of palm trees … [Read more...] about Duets and solos in the open-air – live dance returns to Italy
Interview with The Royal Ballet’s Lauren Cuthbertson – so much passion
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
Alessandra Ferri: The art of becoming a couple is the gamble of a lifetime
Alessandra Ferri has been interpreting Eleonora Duse in John Neumeier’s ballet Duse, most recently in Venice at the beginning of February. Does she feel she has anything in common with Italy’s most … [Read more...] about Alessandra Ferri: The art of becoming a couple is the gamble of a lifetime
Karen Kain to Retire as Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada
Karen Kain will retire as Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada in January 2021 and will be named Artistic Director Emeritus. She has been the company’s Artistic Director since … [Read more...] about Karen Kain to Retire as Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada
La Scala Ballet Season 2019 – 2020
This morning, Frédéric Olivieri, director of La Scala’s ballet company, announced the theatre's 2019-2020 season: Sylvia 14 December 2019 – 14 January 2020 Music: Léo Delibes Choreography: Manuel … [Read more...] about La Scala Ballet Season 2019 – 2020
Interview with Alessandra Ferri: Maturing I find myself smiling more
I’m enjoying a new chapter in my life having the fortune to play women of my age and not romantic roles like the Giselles, Carmens, Juliets, Manons… all wonderful, but enough, they’re part of another … [Read more...] about Interview with Alessandra Ferri: Maturing I find myself smiling more
Meet Francesco Gabriele Frola — National Ballet of Canada and English National Ballet’s new Principal Dancer
Italian ballet dancer Francesco Gabriele Frola has been promoted to Principal Dancer of the National Ballet of Canada and at the same time becomes a Principal at English National Ballet. Dance is in … [Read more...] about Meet Francesco Gabriele Frola — National Ballet of Canada and English National Ballet’s new Principal Dancer
Zakharova, Bolle and Manni are excellent Principals in La Dame aux Camélias, but Andrijashenko steals the show at La Scala
Svetlana Zakharova and Roberto Bolle have both danced the lead roles in John Neumeier's La Dame aux Camélias, but never together. La Scala united its two Étoiles for the opening of its ballet season. … [Read more...] about Zakharova, Bolle and Manni are excellent Principals in La Dame aux Camélias, but Andrijashenko steals the show at La Scala
National Ballet of Canada brings its stars to Paris in Neumeier’s Nijinsky
The National Ballet of Canada brings John Neumeier's ballet Nijinsky to Paris in October. The performances mark the National Ballet’s return to Paris for first the time in 45 years. Nijinsky will run … [Read more...] about National Ballet of Canada brings its stars to Paris in Neumeier’s Nijinsky
Nicolas Le Riche appointed head of the Royal Swedish Ballet
Nicolas Le Riche will direct the Royal Swedish Ballet beginning autumn 2017. He has signed a five-year contract with the Royal Swedish Opera and will arrive in Stockholm mid-August. Birgitta … [Read more...] about Nicolas Le Riche appointed head of the Royal Swedish Ballet
Bolshoi Ballet in cinema 2017-2018
The Bolshoi have released their cinema screening programme for the next season. Four are live broadcasts and four have already been transmitted. This is the 5th year that the Bolshoi has been … [Read more...] about Bolshoi Ballet in cinema 2017-2018
La Scala Ballet Season 2017-2018 with new Le Corsaire, Bolle’s debut in Bolero, tribute to Nureyev, and the Bolshoi
Since suddenly taking over at the helm of La Scala’s Ballet Company, and now having been confirmed as its director for the next three years, Frédéric Olivieri has presented his first ballet season … [Read more...] about La Scala Ballet Season 2017-2018 with new Le Corsaire, Bolle’s debut in Bolero, tribute to Nureyev, and the Bolshoi
Introducing Michele Esposito… winner of the Prix de Lausanne 2017
Michele Esposito has won the Prix de Lausanne 2017. The first prize, sponsored by the Swiss investment firm Adveq, was not his only award as he also won the Best Swiss Candidate Prize as well as the … [Read more...] about Introducing Michele Esposito… winner of the Prix de Lausanne 2017
Prix de Lausanne 2017 prize winners – with photos
A large audience attended the Prix de Lausanne finals both at Théâtre de Beaulieu and online. Eight young dancers have been awarded a scholarship allowing them to enter one of the 68 partner schools … [Read more...] about Prix de Lausanne 2017 prize winners – with photos
20 Prix de Lausanne finalists announced: Japan, Brazil, Italy and South Korea top the leader board
After four days of intensive classes, 20 candidates have qualified for the finals of the Prix de Lausanne competition. 66 candidates from all over the world have attended daily classes, coaching, … [Read more...] about 20 Prix de Lausanne finalists announced: Japan, Brazil, Italy and South Korea top the leader board
All John Neumeier contemporary variations for Prix de Lausanne 2017
The Prix de Lausanne 2017 will run from 29 January to 5 February 2017, and those who wish to take part need to start filling in forms and making videos to submit for consideration. For the 45th … [Read more...] about All John Neumeier contemporary variations for Prix de Lausanne 2017