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
Léonide Massine
[Review] Balanchine’s Jewels at La Scala shows the company in top-notch form
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
Luciana Novaro, Italian ballerina who danced with Massine and Lifar, dies at 98
Luciana Novaro, a hugely important figure in Italian ballet, died on 26 May at 98. Her passing was unfortunately overshadowed by the death several hours later of the ballerina Carla Fracci, her friend … [Read more...] about Luciana Novaro, Italian ballerina who danced with Massine and Lifar, dies at 98
Alberto Testa – Italian dancer, choreographer, teacher and writer – has died at 96
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. … [Read more...] about Alberto Testa – Italian dancer, choreographer, teacher and writer – has died at 96
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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [Read more...] about The first Benois-Massine prize is awarded in Moscow
Positano Premia la Danza Léonide Massine winners 2014
Last night the threatening weather held off, and the gala and award ceremony for the Positano Premia la Danza Léonide Massine on the main beach at Positano went ahead as planned. The exquisite … [Read more...] about Positano Premia la Danza Léonide Massine winners 2014
Positano Massine Prize 2014: Ek, Laguna, Smirnova and Wheeldon honoured
The attraction that Positano and its seascape have always exercised over artists of the dance is the reason that, on 2 August 1969, the Premio Positano was established. Ten years later, on the death … [Read more...] about Positano Massine Prize 2014: Ek, Laguna, Smirnova and Wheeldon honoured
Boris Bilinsky: costume and set designer for ballet, opera and film and legendary graphic artist
Boris Bilinsky was born in Odessa in 1900, but left Russia in 1920, escaping from the aftermath of the Revolution. He settled in Berlin where he was still able to collaborate with Russian theatres, … [Read more...] about Boris Bilinsky: costume and set designer for ballet, opera and film and legendary graphic artist
Igor Yebra answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
Q&A When did you start dancing? When I was 13 years old. Why did you start dancing? Because I liked it and in my house it was something normal to see ballet; although first I wanted to be a … [Read more...] about Igor Yebra answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
Vito Mazzeo answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
Q&A When did you start dancing? At 9 years old. Why did you start dancing? I saw Carla Fracci dancing. Which dancer inspired you most as a child? Carla Fracci and Erik Bruhn for their … [Read more...] about Vito Mazzeo answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
When artistic disciplines collide, dance often takes a back seat.
Debra Craine in today's Times comments on the new collaboration between the National Gallery and the Royal Ballet: The idea of artists and choreographers collaborating isn’t new. Pablo Picasso worked … [Read more...] about When artistic disciplines collide, dance often takes a back seat.
