• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • HOME
  • DANCE
    • Latest Dance Posts
    • Popular Dance Posts
    • Dancers’ Questionnaires
  • MUSIC & OPERA
    • Latest Music & Opera Posts
    • Popular Music & Opera Posts
    • Singers’ Questionnaires
  • INTERVIEWS
  • NEWS
  • GRAMILANO PHOTOS
  • CONTACT
Gramilano logo 2023

- dance, opera, photography...

Manon

Youth America Grand Prix’s 2026 Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow Gala

19 March 2026 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

YAGP 2026

Ballet stars will join Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) – the world’s largest ballet scholarship organisation – to celebrate this year’s Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow Gala on Thursday 16 … [Read more...] about Youth America Grand Prix’s 2026 Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow Gala

Rocio Aleman answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

25 September 2025 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Rocio Aleman in Die Kameliendame, photo by Roman Novitzky

Rocio Aleman was born in Monterrey, Mexico. In 2008 she went to Stuttgart to train at the John Cranko Schule, in 2011 she joined the Stuttgart Ballet becoming Principal Dancer in … [Read more...] about Rocio Aleman answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

Review: 17th World Ballet Festival in Tokyo, Programme A

4 August 2024 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

17th WBF Don Quixote Marianela Nunez-Vadim Muntagirov, photo Kiyonori Hasegawa

Matthew Paluch sees the Programme A gala at the 17th World Ballet Festival in Tokyo with 33 of the world's top dancers. TitleWorld Ballet Festival, Programme ACompanyJapan Performing Arts … [Read more...] about Review: 17th World Ballet Festival in Tokyo, Programme A

Reece Clarke answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

24 July 2024 by Gramilano 3 Comments

Reece Clarke and Kuma crop

The Royal Ballet principal dancer Reece Clarke on life and career, Kuma his dog, and that he'd like to die by a stampede of puppies… When did you start dancing?When I was three years old. Why … [Read more...] about Reece Clarke answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

Reece Clarke and Myriam Ould-Braham are last-minute guests at La Scala

27 June 2024 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Reece Clarke in Manon photo by Rachel Hollings

After a spate of injuries during the run of La Bayadère at La Scala, which ended last week, the company has invited two last-minute guests to complete the casting of the Manon performances that begin … [Read more...] about Reece Clarke and Myriam Ould-Braham are last-minute guests at La Scala

A Guide to Manon – MacMillan’s biographer, Jann Parry, observes Natalia Osipova as Manon, with Reece Clarke

18 February 2024 by Jann Parry 1 Comment

Reece Clarke & Natalia Osipova in Manon (c)2024 ROH. Photographed by Andrej Uspenski

Jann Parry – author of the Kenneth MacMillan biography "Different Drummer: The Life of Kenneth MacMillan" – comments on Natalia Osipova's Manon and directing ballet for … [Read more...] about A Guide to Manon – MacMillan’s biographer, Jann Parry, observes Natalia Osipova as Manon, with Reece Clarke

[Review] Francesca Hayward and Marcelino Sambé ‘infectious and genuine’ in The Royal Ballet’s Manon

18 January 2024 by Matthew Paluch 1 Comment

13 Francesca Hayward and Marcelino Sambé in Manon, The Royal Ballet, photo by Dasa Wharton, 2024

Matthew Paluch sees The Royal Ballet’s Manon as it celebrates 50 years on stage. TitleManonCompanyThe Royal BalletVenueThe Royal Opera House, LondonDate18 January 2024ReviewerMatthew Paluch Manon … [Read more...] about [Review] Francesca Hayward and Marcelino Sambé ‘infectious and genuine’ in The Royal Ballet’s Manon

Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon returns to The Royal Ballet for its 50th Anniversary

3 January 2024 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Lauren Cuthbertson as Manon and Matthew Ball as Des Grieux in Manon, The Royal Ballet, 2019 ROH. Photo by Alice Pennefather

17 January – 8 March 2024Live in cinemas: Wednesday 7 February 2024 The Royal Ballet presents Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon, 50 years since the production's 1974 premiere, and 100 years since the birth … [Read more...] about Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon returns to The Royal Ballet for its 50th Anniversary

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

[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] 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

Anna Rose O’Sullivan answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

14 February 2022 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Anna Rose O'Sullivan as Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty - photo by Helen Maybanks ROH 2019-crop

When did you start dancing? I started dancing around the age of 4 and I instantly fell in love with ballet. As a young child I would put performances on for my family using the fireplace hearth as … [Read more...] about Anna Rose O’Sullivan answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

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

Yasmine Naghdi answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

17 November 2020 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Yasmine Naghdi prepares for Gamzatti, photo by Dasa Wharton

When did you start dancing?Aged 2, on our coffee table at home. Why did you start dancing?To satisfy my urge to move all the time. I really had “ants in my pants”! Which dancer inspired you most … [Read more...] about Yasmine Naghdi answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

Roberto Bolle says addio to American Ballet Theatre

27 October 2018 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Manon - Svetlana Zakharova e Roberto Bolle, photo Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala, 17 October 2018-01

Eight performances of Kenneth MacMillan's Manon are scheduled to begin 17 June 2019 during American Ballet Theatre's 2019 Spring season at the Metropolitan Opera House, with Hee Seo in the title role, … [Read more...] about Roberto Bolle says addio to American Ballet Theatre

Photo Album: Manon opening night at La Scala with Zakharova and Bolle

19 October 2018 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Manon - Svetlana Zakharova e Roberto Bolle, photo Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala, 17 October 2018-01

First night photographs from La Scala Wednesday 17 October – 8pm – Premiere ManonSvetlana ZakharovaDes GrieuxRoberto BolleLescautNicola Del FreoMonsieur G.M.Alessandro GrilloLescaut’s mistress  … [Read more...] about Photo Album: Manon opening night at La Scala with Zakharova and Bolle

Interview with Juan Diego Flórez who debuts in Ricciardo e Zoraide at Pesaro tonight

11 August 2018 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Juan Diego Flórez, phoyo by Manfred Baumann

Twenty-two years ago, Juan Diego Flórez arrived like a meteorite across the opera firmament. A couple of weeks before his career launching performance, I’d met the young tenor in Milan. He’d flown … [Read more...] about Interview with Juan Diego Flórez who debuts in Ricciardo e Zoraide at Pesaro tonight

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

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

Anaïs Chalendard answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

30 December 2016 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Anaïs Chalendard zoom

Q&A When did you start dancing? I started taking "ballet" class when I was very little; about 4 years old. But I think I really started proper classes when I turned 6 or 7. Why did you start … [Read more...] about Anaïs Chalendard answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

Agnes Oaks answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

2 December 2015 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Q&A When did you start dancing? I started ballet at considerably late age, when I was already 10 years old. Why did you start dancing? It was my mother's idea for me to try this profession. She … [Read more...] about Agnes Oaks answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

Strike action hits opening night of Manon at La Scala

11 November 2015 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

The first night of Kenneth MacMillan's Manon at La Scala tomorrow night will be affected by strike action. The CGIL union has announced the strike, but the theatre has said that the performance will … [Read more...] about Strike action hits opening night of Manon at La Scala

Mathilde Froustey answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

4 June 2015 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Q&A When did you start dancing? I started at the age of 10 in my hometown Dax, near Bordeaux in southwest France. I was hyperactive so my mother had me do as many activities as I possibly … [Read more...] about Mathilde Froustey answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

Bryn Terfel: “These are a few of my favourite things”

24 March 2015 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

The Financial Times magazine How to Spend it recently interviewed Bryn Terfel on what happens in his life when he’s not being a singer. Here are some of his favourite things:   Golf … [Read more...] about Bryn Terfel: “These are a few of my favourite things”

Ludmila Pagliero answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

7 February 2015 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Q&A When did you start dancing? When I was 9 years old. Why did you start dancing? Because I was always moving as a child and I had to do something with my body. I asked my mom and she took me … [Read more...] about Ludmila Pagliero answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

Francesca Hayward answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

3 January 2015 by Gramilano 4 Comments

Q&A When did you start dancing? When I was 3 years old. My grandparents didn't know how to keep me occupied so they bought a video of The Nutcracker on a whim and that was it, I was happy all … [Read more...] about Francesca Hayward answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

Luis Ortigoza answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

15 July 2014 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Q&A When did you start dancing? When I was 5 years old. Why did you start dancing? I saw a ballet class and enjoyed watching it, so I said to my mother, "That's what I want to do!" Which … [Read more...] about Luis Ortigoza answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

Xander Parish answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

1 December 2013 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Q&A When did you start dancing? I started dancing when I was 8 years old. Why did you start dancing? After seeing my younger sister (Demelza Parish currently with The Royal Ballet) dancing in … [Read more...] about Xander Parish answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

Desirée Rancatore answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition

14 October 2013 by Gramilano 1 Comment

 versione in italiano Q&A When did you start singing? When I was 16, with my mother! I had been learning the violin, but without much enthusiasm. Why did you start singing? I was studying … [Read more...] about Desirée Rancatore answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition

Glamorous casting at La Scala as Natalia Osipova steps in at last minute

10 October 2013 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

After the success La Scala's ballet company during their dates in Tokyo - 10,000 people saw the 5 performances of Romeo and Juliet - they now return to Milan with four performances of Swan Lake from … [Read more...] about Glamorous casting at La Scala as Natalia Osipova steps in at last minute

Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

  • 19.8K
    19.8K
  • 226.3K
    226.3K
  • 3.6K
    3.6K
  • 22.4K
    22.4K
  • 21.2K
    21.2K
  • 3.8K
    3.8K
Gramilano newsletter 2019

INTERVIEWS

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

Sebastian Catana

[Interview] Baritone Sebastian Catana: never scream or shout

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

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

Juan Diego Flórez, phoyo by Manfred Baumann

Interview with Juan Diego Flórez who debuts in Ricciardo e Zoraide at Pesaro tonight

Yasmine Naghdi prepares for Gamzatti, photo by Dasa Wharton 15

Interview: For The Royal Ballet’s Yasmine Naghdi it’s “Ready, Steady, Go”!

Riccardo Muti and the Vienna Philharmonic, photo by © Silvia Lelli_05

Riccardo Muti interview, part two: Pavarotti, communication, politics and music’s meaning

Lawrence Brownlee, © Shervin Lainez

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

Hervé Koubi - photo by Véronique Chochon-01

[Interview] Choreographer Hervé Koubi – If we can dance together, we can live together

G-100x100

GRAMILANO

Graham Spicer, aka 'Gramilano', is a writer, director and photographer based in Milan. 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, and he wrote the Danza in Italia column for Dancing Times magazine. Graham was the historical advisor on Codice Carla, the 2023 documentary on Carla Fracci.

Graham also works as a dance photographer, and his photos have appeared in books, theatre programmes, and magazines, including Dancing Times, Dance Spirit and Ballet2000, as well as all the major Italian newspapers.

He is a member of the Dance Section of The Critics’ Circle.

Since 2022, Gramilano has been pleased to welcome guest authors: Paul Arrowsmith, Donatella Bertozzi, Georgina Butler, Kathrina Farrugia-Kriel, Jonathan Gray, Marina Harss, Ann Haskins, Lily Hyde, Marta Mele, Matthew Paluch, Jann Parry, Lucía Piquero, Graham Watts, Deborah Weiss, and Lydia Wharf.

Copyright © 2026 · Gramilano · All rights reserved

about me · contact me · privacy and cookies