Alberto Testa was a walking encyclopedia of dance, always elegantly dressed with never a hair out of place, and was very much of another time recalling Frederick Ashton with his old-school ways. Although he could be childlike and impish in his humour, he commanded great deference from those who collaborated with him and those who could call him their friend. Just as the young … [Read more...] about Alberto Testa – Italian dancer, choreographer, teacher and writer – has died at 96
Léonide Massine
English National Ballet’s 70th Anniversary Gala at the London Coliseum
As part of its 70th anniversary season, English National Ballet will celebrate its history with three gala performances at the London Coliseum on 17 and 18 January 2020. The gala performances celebrate the many dancers, choreographers, artists, musicians, artisans, technicians and audience members who, over the company’s 70 years, have been part of the English National Ballet … [Read more...] about English National Ballet’s 70th Anniversary Gala at the London Coliseum
Antipasto to the annual Les Étoiles gala in Rome with Russian and Italian ballet stars
As an antipasto to the annual Les Étoiles gala in Rome — this year a sold out two days, next year there will be three — in the luxurious setting of the Hotel de Russie near the Spanish Steps, there was an intimate reception hosted by the hotel, with a Sergei Diaghilev theme. The event was organised by Anna Lea Antolini together with Daniele Cipriani Entertainment. Cipriani has, … [Read more...] about Antipasto to the annual Les Étoiles gala in Rome with Russian and Italian ballet stars
Do you love dance? Then please read this…
First of all, this article is about getting more people to sign a petition to raise awareness among Italy’s political class about the damage they are doing in allowing so many ballet companies to close. If you’d like to sign – whether you live in Italy, visit Italy, or care about culture – you can do so here… if you’d like to be convinced to do so, then read on! Dance in … [Read more...] about Do you love dance? Then please read this…
The first Benois-Massine prize is awarded in Moscow
The annual Benois de la danse prize-giving ceremony, one of the dance world’s most prestigious awards, was held at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow at the end of May. The prix is awarded not only to dancers and choreographers but also to composers and designers, reflecting Diaghilev’s noble concept that ballet is a fusion of all the arts. It is no coincidence, therefore, that the … [Read more...] about The first Benois-Massine prize is awarded in Moscow