• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • HOME
  • POPULAR POSTS
    • DANCE
    • MUSIC & OPERA
    • PHOTOGRAPHY
  • QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
    • DANCERS
    • SINGERS
  • MY PHOTOS
  • CONTACT
Gramilano logo 2023

- dance, opera, photography...

Kenneth MacMillan

[Review] A new dance biography: “Dynamo, Michael Somes – A Life in the Royal Ballet”

27 September 2023 by Jann Parry 1 Comment

Dynamo-Michael-Somes-A-Life-in-the-Royal-Ballet-crop-jpg

Jann Parry reviews Sarah Woodcock's lovingly written biography of The Royal Ballet's "almost legendary figure", Michael Somes For Royal Ballet aficionados of a certain age, Michael Somes was an … [Read more...] about [Review] A new dance biography: “Dynamo, Michael Somes – A Life in the Royal Ballet”

World premiere of film of Kenneth MacMillan’s Sea of Troubles

16 September 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Still from Sea of Troubles, dancers Dane Hurst + Oxana Panchenko, ph Pierre Tappon

This autumn, Yorke Dance Project will give the world premiere of its film of Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s ballet Sea of Troubles which explores the psychological truths and dynamics between the characters … [Read more...] about World premiere of film of Kenneth MacMillan’s Sea of Troubles

[Review] The Alvin Ailey company presents Ailey Classics – The River, Pas de Duke, Cry, Revelations

8 September 2023 by Jonathan Gray 1 Comment

AAADT's James Gilmer in Alvin Ailey's The River. Photo by Paul Kolnik2

Jonathan Gray sees the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's ‘Ailey Classics' in London TitleAiley ClassicsCompanyAlvin Ailey American Dance TheaterVenueSadler's Wells, LondonDate7 September … [Read more...] about [Review] The Alvin Ailey company presents Ailey Classics – The River, Pas de Duke, Cry, Revelations

Rocchetta Grand Jeté – Royal Ballet dancers among the Italian vines

22 August 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Taisuke Nakao, Meaghan Grace Hinkis and Daichi Ikarashi in Les Lutins by Johan Kobborg

This weekend – 26 and 27 August – sees Steven McRae, Sarah Lamb, Matthew Ball, Mayara Magri, Ryoichi Hirano, Anna Rose O'Sullivan, Laura Morera, and other members of The Royal Ballet, in a gala … [Read more...] about Rocchetta Grand Jeté – Royal Ballet dancers among the Italian vines

[Review] Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet returns to London – drama, trauma and fake blood

5 August 2023 by Matthew Paluch 4 Comments

Matthew Bourne's Romeo and Juliet. Paris Fitzpatrick 'Romeo' and Company. Photo by Johan Persson.

Matthew Paluch sees Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet in London TitleRomeo and JulietCompanyNew AdventuresVenueSadler's Wells, LondonDate4 August 2023ReviewerMatthew Paluch In the words of Celine … [Read more...] about [Review] Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet returns to London – drama, trauma and fake blood

[Review and Photo Album] The Royal Ballet School Summer Performance 2023

18 July 2023 by Jann Parry Leave a Comment

The Four Seasons by Kenneth MacMillan (2)

Jann Parry sees The Royal Ballet School Summer Performance at The Royal Opera House TitleThe Royal Ballet School Summer PerformanceCompanyThe Royal Ballet SchoolVenueThe Royal Opera House, … [Read more...] about [Review and Photo Album] The Royal Ballet School Summer Performance 2023

[Review] Romeo and Juliet at La Scala with Alice Mariani and Nicola Del Freo

16 July 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Romeo and Juliet - Alice Mariani and NIcola Del Freo, photo by Brescia and Amisano, Teatro alla Scala crop

“We didn't need dialogue. We had faces,” said Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. One of the striking aspects of the final cast to be seen during the run of Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet at La … [Read more...] about [Review] Romeo and Juliet at La Scala with Alice Mariani and Nicola Del Freo

Meet the 24 graduating Royal Ballet School students – 100% leave with contracts

14 July 2023 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Fast Blue (3)

All 24 of the pre-professional students at The Royal Ballet School [meet them below] have won contracts for the upcoming season which will take them to Canada and many US cities, to Finland, Denmark, … [Read more...] about Meet the 24 graduating Royal Ballet School students – 100% leave with contracts

[Interview] Agnese Di Clemente – La Scala’s newest Juliet is from Verona

12 July 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Romeo and Juliet, with Agnese Di Clemente, photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala 2023 crop

One of the most interesting talents at La Scala is the prettily named dancer Agnese Di Clemente, a soloist with the proportions of music box ballerina – petite and graceful. The 27-year-old comes … [Read more...] about [Interview] Agnese Di Clemente – La Scala’s newest Juliet is from Verona

The Royal Ballet announces company promotions, new joiners and leavers 

6 July 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Isabella Gasparini in Woolf Works 2023 ROH. Photo by Andrej Uspenski

Director of The Royal Ballet, Kevin O'Hare, has announced the promotions, new joiners and leavers for The Royal Ballet’s 2023/24 Season.   The dancers have been on spectacular form during the … [Read more...] about The Royal Ballet announces company promotions, new joiners and leavers 

[Interview] Tamas Detrich’s first five years as director of Stuttgart Ballet

24 June 2023 by Paul Arrowsmith Leave a Comment

Tamas Detrich at the Stuttgart Ballet

Tamas Detrich’s career with Stuttgart Ballet spans over 45 years, first as a dancer, later as a ballet master, artistic associate then associate artistic director. He became artistic director of the … [Read more...] about [Interview] Tamas Detrich’s first five years as director of Stuttgart Ballet

Laura Morera’s farewell to Covent Garden

21 June 2023 by Jonathan Gray 2 Comments

Laura Morera after her final performance at The Royal Opera House, 17 June 2023, photo by Rob Sallnow crop

Jonathan Gray sees Laura Morera's final performance at The Royal Opera House TitleAnastasia Act IIICompanyThe Royal BalletVenueThe Royal Opera House, LondonDate17 June 2023AuthorJonathan Gray It’s … [Read more...] about Laura Morera’s farewell to Covent Garden

[Review] Royal Ballet triple bill: Untitled, 2023, Corybantic Games, Anastasia Act III

12 June 2023 by Jann Parry 2 Comments

Anna Rose O'Sullivan and Melissa Hamilton in Untitled 2023, The Royal Ballet 2023, photo by Alice Pennefather

Jann Parry sees The Royal Ballet's triple bill: 'Untitled, 2023', 'Corybantic Games', and 'Anastasia Act III' TitleUNTITLED, 2023 / CORYBANTIC GAMES / ANASTASIA ACT IIICompanyThe Royal BalletVenueThe … [Read more...] about [Review] Royal Ballet triple bill: Untitled, 2023, Corybantic Games, Anastasia Act III

La Scala Ballet Season 2023-2024

30 May 2023 by Gramilano 1 Comment

L'histoire de Manon - Nicoletta Manni, Timofej Andrijashenko, photo Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala

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

Remembering Lynn Seymour, by her best friend

26 May 2023 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Naomi Sorkin with Lynn Seymour

Lynn Seymour died on 7 March 2023 at the age of 83. Kenneth MacMillan created several works on her and said, “Lynn Seymour has a wonderfully expressive body, great musicality and independence.” The … [Read more...] about Remembering Lynn Seymour, by her best friend

Royal Opera House announces 2023-2024 opera and ballet Cinema Season

24 May 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Message in a Bottle hero image - Johan_Persson_

The Royal Opera House has announced its next Cinema Season with 13 productions, eight of which will be broadcast to screens around the world. The season begins in September when Music Director of … [Read more...] about Royal Opera House announces 2023-2024 opera and ballet Cinema Season

[Review] The Great Gatsby – zestful performances in a delectable setting but a convoluted plot

18 May 2023 by Jann Parry Leave a Comment

The Great Gatsby, dancers Sean Bates and Joseph Taylor. Photo Emily Nuttall, 2023

Jann Parry sees Northern Ballet's The Great Gatsby in London TitleThe Great GatsbyCompanyNorthern BalletVenueSadler’s Wells, LondonDate16 May 2023ReviewerJann Parry The problem for choreographers … [Read more...] about [Review] The Great Gatsby – zestful performances in a delectable setting but a convoluted plot

Royal Ballet’s three one-act ballets – Wayne McGregor (world premiere) | Wheeldon | MacMillan

16 May 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Marcelino Sambe and Mayara Magri in Corbantic Games, photo by Andrej Uspenski

World Premiere by Wayne McGregor  Christopher Wheeldon’s Corybantic Games Kenneth MacMillan’s Anastasia Act III This June, The Royal Ballet presents a programme of one-act ballets … [Read more...] about Royal Ballet’s three one-act ballets – Wayne McGregor (world premiere) | Wheeldon | MacMillan

[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

[Review] Seeta Patel’s The Rite of Spring – as musical as hell

14 March 2023 by Matthew Paluch 1 Comment

Seeta Patel Dance -The Rite of Spring, Sadler's Wells, 2023, photo by Foteini Christofilopoulou - 5

Matthew Paluch sees the Seeta Patel Dance in The Rite of Spring TitleThe Rite of SpringCompanySeeta Patel DanceVenueSadler's Wells, LondonDate14 March 2023ReviewerMatthew Paluch Sadler’s Wells … [Read more...] about [Review] Seeta Patel’s The Rite of Spring – as musical as hell

Tributes to the great ballerina Lynn Seymour who has died at 83

9 March 2023 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Lynn Seymour as Juliet, 1965 crop

8 March 1939 – 7 March 2023 Lynn Seymour died on 7 March 2023 at the age of 83. The Royal Ballet announced: “The Royal Ballet is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Lynn Seymour on 7 March on … [Read more...] about Tributes to the great ballerina Lynn Seymour who has died at 83

[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

LaScalaTv, La Scala’s new streaming platform, is now live

15 February 2023 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Madina - Roberto Bolle, Antonella Albano and the corps de ballet, photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala

Yesterday was the first live stream from LaScalaTv (of I Vespri siciliani with a superb cast) and other operas, ballets, concerts and recitals will follow. La Scala has been building up a catalogue … [Read more...] about LaScalaTv, La Scala’s new streaming platform, is now live

[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

[Review] Mayerling in London and Paris on 30th anniversary of MacMillan’s death

31 October 2022 by Jonathan Gray 5 Comments

Vadim Muntagirov and Fumi Kaneko in Mayerling, photo by Andrej Uspenski, ROH 2022

Guest author Jonathan Gray looks at Kenneth MacMillan’s Mayerling in London and Paris TitleMayerlingCompanyThe Royal Ballet / Paris Opéra BalletVenueThe Royal Opera House, London / Palais Garnier, … [Read more...] about [Review] Mayerling in London and Paris on 30th anniversary of MacMillan’s death

The Australian Ballet brings Romeo and Juliet to audiences worldwide

16 October 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

19 - Romeo and Juliet - Sharni Spencer Callum Linnane photo Jeff Busby, Australian Ballet

Free tickets for lucky Gramilano newsletter subscribers After 19 years, John Cranko’s Romeo and Juliet returns to The Australian Ballet and will be live streamed from Arts Centre Melbourne to … [Read more...] about The Australian Ballet brings Romeo and Juliet to audiences worldwide

[Interview] Royal Ballet’s Fumi Kaneko on her upcoming debut in Mayerling

14 October 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Fumi Kaneko and Vadim Muntagirov rehearse Mayerling. Photo by Dancers Diary ROH 1

The Royal Ballet’s long run of Mayerling proceeds with many debuts, including that of Fumi Kaneko who will be dancing Countess Larisch for the first time on 21 October. There are many other debuts … [Read more...] about [Interview] Royal Ballet’s Fumi Kaneko on her upcoming debut in Mayerling

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

Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

SUBSCRIBE

Gramilano newsletter 2019

CATEGORIES

FOLLOW

  • 21,200 Subscribers
  • 22,866 Followers
  • 235k Followers
  • 602 Subscribers
  • 3,476 Followers
  • 20,023 Followers

NEWS

Royal Academy of Dance acquires Dancing Times photographic archive

[Review] Eun-Me Ahn’s ‘Dragons – “Like a large plate of tasteless food”

A final bow for Russell Janzen: From Danseur Noble to creating Contemporary Ballet

World premiere of film of Kenneth MacMillan’s Sea of Troubles

Matthew Bourne’s Edward Scissorhands embarks on six-month UK tour

The Royal Ballet celebrates Bronislava Nijinska in free livestream

Phoenix Dance Theatre appoints Marcus Jarrell Willis as new artistic director

Prison cancels opera about violent gangster and gay composer Ivor Novello

Scottish Ballet’s Twice-Born double bill in rehearsal

SlowDancing/NYCB – hyper slow-motion films of New York City Ballet dancers in NYC

FEATURED POSTS

Vittorio Grigolo’s new women’s shoes and a song for Hillary Clinton

Coppélia with Vadim Muntagirov and Marianela Nunez, photo by Bill Cooper ROH

Interview: The Royal Ballet’s Ballet Master, Christopher Carr, on mounting Coppélia, the company’s dancers and technique

How to stage a ballet… Maina Gielgud explains

Lawrence Brownlee, © Shervin Lainez

Interview with tenor Lawrence Brownlee on being a black man in America: Cycles of My Being

Francesco Gabriele Frola. Photo By Karolina Kuras, 2016 01

Meet Francesco Gabriele Frola — National Ballet of Canada and English National Ballet’s new Principal Dancer

Anna Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov in cover art for the Romanza album

Interview with Anna Netrebko on her son, his autism and his abandonment by his father Erwin Schrott

Grand Pas Classique at English National Ballet, photo by Laurent Liotardo

Introducing 19-year-old Canadian dancer Shale Wagman: from Lausanne to ENB to the Mariinsky

António Casalinho, photo by Nikita Alba crop

António Casalinho – Introducing the 17-year-old Portuguese Dancer

Renata Scotto with Maria Callas

Renata Scotto vs Maria Callas – the 1970 fight at La Scala

In and Out: Bolle, Gomes, Stiefel – how easy is it to be an openly gay ballet dancer?

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.

Referred-to-by

SEARCH

Copyright © 2023 · Gramilano · All rights reserved

about me · contact me · privacy and cookies

Would you like to receive an email
whenever we publish a new post?

SUBSCRIBE