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John Neumeier

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

[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

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

[Interview] Alessandra Ferri, part one: “The voice of the soul is immense”

21 April 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Alessandra Ferri photo by ASH photography

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

10 January 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Davide Dato in The Rite of Spring, Stravinsky's Love © Graham Spicer

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

2 October 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Jacopo Bellussi and Alessandro Frola in Peter and Igor, Stravinsky's Love © Graham Spicer_1

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

19 July 2021 by Gramilano 3 Comments

Davide Dato in The Rite of Spring, Stravinsky's Love © Graham Spicer

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

4 July 2021 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Jacopo Bellussi and Alessandro Frola in Peter and Igor, Nijinsky Gala, Hamburg 2021 38 © Kiran West

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

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

Ballet Gala from La Scala: Evening of Great Choreographers

2 May 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Paquita - photo by Andrea Tamoni © Teatro alla Scala

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’

26 March 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Dancers - Ancient Greece Art Hall - choreographer Konstantin Semenov

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

5 March 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Patrick Dupond at his White Eagle Dance Company

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

23 July 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Hugo Marchand, happy to be back, dancing A Suite of Dances © Graham Spicer

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

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

Alessandra Ferri: The art of becoming a couple is the gamble of a lifetime

22 March 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Alessandra Ferri an Eleonora Duse © Kiran West

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

25 October 2019 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Karen Kain. Photo by Karolina Kuras

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

20 May 2019 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Wiener Staatsballet, Sylvia, photo Ashley Taylor

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

6 April 2019 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Alessandra Ferri Io Donna

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

14 August 2018 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Francesco Gabriele Frola. Photo By Karolina Kuras, 2016 01

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

5 January 2018 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

La Dame aux Camélias, with Timofej Andrijashenko and Nicoletta Manni, photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala 2017 01

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

23 August 2017 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Guillaume Côté in Nijinsky, photo by Cylla von Tiedemann

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

3 July 2017 by Gramilano 5 Comments

Nicolas Le Riche   new director 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

7 June 2017 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Olga Smirnova as Bianca and Artemy Belyakov as Baptista, photo by Elena Fetisova

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

24 May 2017 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Manon with Svetlana Zakharova and Roberto Bolle, photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala

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

27 February 2017 by Gramilano 8 Comments

Michele Esposito portrait

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

4 February 2017 by Gramilano 3 Comments

410 Michele Esposito PDL2017 photo gregory batardon D1A1869web

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

3 February 2017 by Gramilano 3 Comments

Prix de Lausanne 2017, photo by Gregory Batardon

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

26 July 2016 by Gramilano 1 Comment

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

Lisa-Maree Cullum answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

2 September 2015 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Q&A When did you start dancing? When I was 3. Why did you start dancing? My mum had a ballet school and when I saw the other children moving to music I couldn’t help myself. Which … [Read more...] about Lisa-Maree Cullum answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

Nominees of Benois de la Danse 2015

21 April 2015 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

CHOREOGRAPHERS: ALEXANDER EKMAN - A Swan Lake, Mikael Karlsson. The Norwegian National Ballet. JEAN-CHRISTOPHE MAILLOT - The Taming of the Shrew, Dmitry Shostakovich. Bolshoi Ballet. DWIGHT … [Read more...] about Nominees of Benois de la Danse 2015

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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

Les Étoiles – the starry Rome gala at the end of January, now with two programmes

Alexei Ratmansky joins New York City Ballet as Artist in Residence

Ballet dancer Denis Vieira dies in Cyprus at 31

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In Memoriam 2022: Singers, Dancers, Actors, Writers, Directors

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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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