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Margot Fonteyn

Interview with Marianela Núñez: We live in a world where there’s no space left for magic

23 September 2017 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Marianela Nuñez as Tatiana, ©ROH, Bill Cooper, 2013

I have three older brothers. When I came along mum she wanted that I did feminine things: there was too much football in the house. I was always dressed in pink and, and then when I was three, she … [Read more...] about Interview with Marianela Núñez: We live in a world where there’s no space left for magic

Interview with The Royal Ballet’s Merle Park in 1979: Green Park, Hyde Park or Merle Park?

22 August 2017 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Merle Park in The Firebird   photo by Roy Round

Merle Park, the engine driver’s daughter from Rhodesia (modern Zimbabwe), ended up being one of The Royal Ballet’s brightest stars. She says that she first realised she’d become famous when she heard … [Read more...] about Interview with The Royal Ballet’s Merle Park in 1979: Green Park, Hyde Park or Merle Park?

Tamara Karsavina compares Rudolf Nureyev and Vaslav Nijinsky

1 August 2017 by Gramilano 2 Comments

vaslav nijinsky tamara karsavina in le spectre de la rose cropped

Rudolf Nureyev defected to the West in 1961 and later that same year he danced with Margot Fonteyn for the first time, and the following year he joined The Royal Ballet. In 1963, the BBC asked the … [Read more...] about Tamara Karsavina compares Rudolf Nureyev and Vaslav Nijinsky

Bolshoi Ballet’s Vladislav Lantratov on the cancelling of Nureyev: There is nothing worse for an artist…

24 July 2017 by Gramilano 1 Comment

HELLO  Russia

On 8 July, after the dress rehearsal of the Bolshoi Ballet’s ambitious new ballet on the life of Rudolf Nureyev, the premiere was cancelled. Vladislav Lantratov was to have played Nureyev and, stunned … [Read more...] about Bolshoi Ballet’s Vladislav Lantratov on the cancelling of Nureyev: There is nothing worse for an artist…

Photo album of tonight’s Royal Ballet programme with Zenaida Yanowsky and Roberto Bolle as Marguerite and Armand

2 June 2017 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Zenaida Yanowsky as Marguerite and Roberto Bolle as Armand. ©ROH, 2017. Photographed by Tristram Kenton

In a few minutes, the curtain goes up at The Royal Opera house of a mixed programme of Frederick Ashton gems. It is a special evening because this will be the last role that Zenaida Yanowsky dances on … [Read more...] about Photo album of tonight’s Royal Ballet programme with Zenaida Yanowsky and Roberto Bolle as Marguerite and Armand

New YouTube Video: Margot Fonteyn and Ivan Nagy dance Skibine’s Romeo and Juliet

2 May 2017 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Fonteyn

Gramilano has just uploaded a video to YouTube with Margot Fonteyn and Ivan Nagy. They are dancing the balcony scene from George Skibine's ballet Romeo and Juliet, which uses music from Berlioz's … [Read more...] about New YouTube Video: Margot Fonteyn and Ivan Nagy dance Skibine’s Romeo and Juliet

Sergei Polunin returns to dance with Natalia Osipova at The Royal Ballet

11 April 2017 by Gramilano 17 Comments

Tamara Rojo and Sergei Polunin in Marguerite and Armand, photo by Bill Cooper ROH

Former Royal Ballet Principal Sergei Polunin will partner Natalia Osipova in June, when he returns to dance in Frederick Ashton’s Marguerite and Armand. Other casting sees another former Royal Ballet … [Read more...] about Sergei Polunin returns to dance with Natalia Osipova at The Royal Ballet

La Scala Ballet’s programme change for the US – with Bolle, Nuñez and Copeland

28 March 2017 by Gramilano 3 Comments

Marianela Nuñez, photo by Carlos Villamayor

The previously announced ballet to be performed at California’s Segerstrom Center by La Scala’s Ballet Company was Mauro Bigonzetti’s Cinderella, a ballet created for the opening of La Scala’s ballet … [Read more...] about La Scala Ballet’s programme change for the US – with Bolle, Nuñez and Copeland

Photos of the first night cast of The Royal Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty with Sarah Lamb and Vadim Muntagirov

20 December 2016 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

The Sleeping Beauty © ROH, 2016 Photographed by Bill Cooper 009

The Sleeping Beauty holds a special place in The Royal Ballet’s repertory. It was the ballet with which the Company reopened the Royal Opera House in 1946 after World War II, its first production at … [Read more...] about Photos of the first night cast of The Royal Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty with Sarah Lamb and Vadim Muntagirov

Royal Ballet’s 70th anniversary revival of The Sleeping Beauty – casting and photos

12 December 2016 by Gramilano 2 Comments

The Sleeping Beauty. Yasmine Naghdi, Tristan Dyer and Beatriz Stix Brunell in The Sleeping Beauty. cROH   Tristram Kenton, 2014 (2)

The Sleeping Beauty reopened the Royal Opera House after the war in February 1946 when the Company first took up residence in Covent Garden with Margot Fonteyn dancing the role of Princess … [Read more...] about Royal Ballet’s 70th anniversary revival of The Sleeping Beauty – casting and photos

50th Anniversary of MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet

30 July 2015 by Gramilano 3 Comments

The Royal Ballet 2015/16 Season opens this September with the return of Kenneth MacMillan’s landmark Romeo and Juliet, celebrating 50 years since its première at the Royal Opera House in 1965. It will … [Read more...] about 50th Anniversary of MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet

Ek, Laguna, Mercy and Linke in Rome: over 200 years of dance experience

23 June 2015 by Gramilano 2 Comments

For two nights from tomorrow in Rome there is the possibility to attend a most unusual dance gala. While there are only four taking part, their ages combined total 266 years. The dancers are Mats Ek, … [Read more...] about Ek, Laguna, Mercy and Linke in Rome: over 200 years of dance experience

Royal Ballet Season 2015 – 2016 with 4 World Premières

15 April 2015 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Four World Premières feature in the line-up for the Royal Ballet's 2015 - 2016 Season and, for the first time, all three of The Royal Ballet's associated choreographers present new works for the main … [Read more...] about Royal Ballet Season 2015 – 2016 with 4 World Premières

Royal Ballet stalwart Derek Rencher dies at 82

20 December 2014 by Gramilano 4 Comments

Derek Rencher, one of the longest serving members of The Royal Ballet, has died at 82. Rencher was born in Birmingham on 6 June 1932. He joined the Sadler's Wells Ballet in 1953 and was promoted to … [Read more...] about Royal Ballet stalwart Derek Rencher dies at 82

Amici della Scala celebrates Lila de Nobili with Frigerio, Fracci, Bruson and …

1 December 2014 by Gramilano 1 Comment

The annual presentation of the latest additions to the series of books produced by the Amici della Scala (Friends of La Scala) is quite an event. It is held in the grand foyer on the first floor of … [Read more...] about Amici della Scala celebrates Lila de Nobili with Frigerio, Fracci, Bruson and …

Marcia Haydée answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

1 November 2014 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Q&A When did you start dan­cing? When I was three years-old. Why did you start dan­cing? I was born to dance! Which dan­cer inspired you most as a child? Margot Fonteyn. Which dan­cer … [Read more...] about Marcia Haydée answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

The Royal Ballet celebrates founding choreographer Frederick Ashton

10 October 2014 by Gramilano 3 Comments

From 18 October until 12 November The Royal Ballet will present a glorious mixed programme of four of Frederick Ashton’s finest ballets, celebrating not only his vast and impressive body of work but … [Read more...] about The Royal Ballet celebrates founding choreographer Frederick Ashton

Darcey Bussell wants to get Britain dancing: You don’t need your leg around your ears

8 July 2014 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Do dancers 'need' to dance? Well, most of them do, yes. It was needing to dance as a child that made them into a professional dancer, and the term can come to define who you are. If you no longer … [Read more...] about Darcey Bussell wants to get Britain dancing: You don’t need your leg around your ears

From Lombardy to London: Interview with the Royal Ballet’s Valentino Zucchetti

28 April 2014 by Gramilano 3 Comments

Italian dancer Valentino Zucchetti is one of a large number of Italian dancers who go abroad to find work and realise their dreams. Italy has few ballet companies, and La Scala is the only one with … [Read more...] about From Lombardy to London: Interview with the Royal Ballet’s Valentino Zucchetti

Carla Fracci’s autobiography: Step After Step

22 April 2014 by Gramilano 5 Comments

Based on a long series of conversations with Enrico Rotelli, Passo dopo passo (Step After Step) is Carla Fracci telling her story in her own words. From a simple childhood during the war to the … [Read more...] about Carla Fracci’s autobiography: Step After Step

Dancer Ivan Nagy dies at 70

23 February 2014 by Gramilano 30 Comments

Ivan Nagy, one of the great names in dance during the twentieth century, died yesterday in Budapest; he was 70-years-old. Nagy was born on 28 April 1943 in Hungary. He trained first with his mother … [Read more...] about Dancer Ivan Nagy dies at 70

Fabio Luisi answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Conductors’ Edition

7 November 2013 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Fabio Luisi © Barbara Luisi crop

Q&A When did you start playing an instrument? When I was three and a half years old. Why did you start playing? My parents sent me to piano lessons, for me it was more like a game. Which … [Read more...] about Fabio Luisi answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Conductors’ Edition

Liliana Cosi: an Italian ballerina

27 October 2013 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Italian ballerina Liliana Cosi, born in Milan on 15 August 1941, had a glorious career but was overshadowed by the mighty Carla Fracci, rather like Margot Fonteyn's fame almost obliterated many of the … [Read more...] about Liliana Cosi: an Italian ballerina

Cynthia Harvey answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

31 May 2013 by Gramilano 10 Comments

Q&A When did you start dancing? At age 8. A short time ago. Why did you start dancing? Apparently I preferred it to walking; actually I still do. Music was frequently played at home. My … [Read more...] about Cynthia Harvey answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

Svetlana Zakharova: I want to go out and dance forever!

15 March 2013 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Svetlana Zakharova talked to Russia's Izvestia yesterday about her latest projects, including bringing Frederick Ashton's Marguerite and Armand to the Bolshoi. She danced the role for the first … [Read more...] about Svetlana Zakharova: I want to go out and dance forever!

Beppe Menegatti answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Directors’ Edition

3 February 2013 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Q&A When did you first go to the theatre? To see Rigoletto at the Teatro Comunale in Florence on 10 October 1939 for my tenth birthday, with Gino Bechi, Ferruccio Tagliavini, Lina Aimaro and … [Read more...] about Beppe Menegatti answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Directors’ Edition

Evan McKie answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

6 December 2012 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Q&A When did you start dan­cing? In the womb. Why did you start dan­cing? I will probably never know the answer to that. I just know why I keep doing it. Which dan­cer inspired you most … [Read more...] about Evan McKie answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

Photo quotes: Margot Fonteyn “Take your work seriously, but never yourself.”

29 August 2012 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

"Take your work seriously, but never yourself." - Margot Fonteyn … [Read more...] about Photo quotes: Margot Fonteyn “Take your work seriously, but never yourself.”

Critics round-up: Royal Ballet’s “Birthday Offering”, “A Month in the Country” and “Noces”

9 July 2012 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Monica Mason's last pickings from the Royal Ballet repertoire before leaving her post as the company's director included two works by the Royal Ballet’s founder choreographer, Frederick Ashton … [Read more...] about Critics round-up: Royal Ballet’s “Birthday Offering”, “A Month in the Country” and “Noces”

Mara Galeazzi answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

20 January 2012 by Gramilano 5 Comments

Q&A When did you start dan­cing? When I was 6. Why did you start dan­cing? At first was for fun. Which dan­cer inspired you most as a child? Alessandra Ferri, Carla Fracci and Pina … [Read more...] about Mara Galeazzi answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

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NEWS

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

Bruno Vescovo, former principal dancer with the La Scala Ballet, has died at 73

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

Sergei Polunin’s Rasputin show in Milan is cancelled

FEATURED POSTS

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

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

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

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

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In conversation with Luca Pisaroni: back to Milan with his La Scala debut

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

You choose it out of Love! Dancing with the Khan-MacKay family

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The Royal Ballet’s Steven McRae on injury: turning weakness into strength

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?

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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