The annual appointment with Les Étoiles in Rome is certainly a chance to enjoy a thrilling ballet gala, but the producer Daniele Cipriani also finds interesting twists to make each edition unique, so it never becomes a clichéd evening of ballet’s greatest hits. Such was the popularity last year, that the gala will spread over three days to satisfy those who were turned away … [Read more...] about Les Étoiles Gala in Rome 2020 features the ballet world’s starriest names with some surprises
Marianela Nuñez
Interview: The Royal Ballet’s Ballet Master, Christopher Carr, on mounting Coppélia, the company’s dancers and technique
Everyone who has followed The Royal Ballet in rehearsal during World Ballet Day or watched the interval clips and interviews during the intervals of the company’s live cinema relays will know Christopher Carr. The Royal Ballet’s Guest Principal Ballet Master isn’t afraid of raising his voice, clapping his hands loudly and stamping the floor with his feet. He gets results, which … [Read more...] about Interview: The Royal Ballet’s Ballet Master, Christopher Carr, on mounting Coppélia, the company’s dancers and technique
Photo Album: tonight’s Royal Ballet opening cast in Coppélia
Coppélia 28 November 2019 – 7 January 2020 The performance lasts about 2 hours and 35 minutes, including two intervals. Cast (opening night, 28 November 2019) Swanilda: Francesca Hayward Franz: Alexander Campbell Dr Coppélius: Gary Avis Coppélia was a landmark production when it first hit the stage in 1870. Its positive mood marked a break with the rather heavier, … [Read more...] about Photo Album: tonight’s Royal Ballet opening cast in Coppélia
Marianela Nuñez on working with celebrity photographer Paola Kudacki for Humanity magazine
The photoshoot for Citizens of Humanity was a brilliant experience. says Royal Ballet principal dancer Marianela Nuñez who is featured in the 13th issue of the denim label’s magazine, Humanity. It is edited by celebrated photographer Paola Kudacki who has shot celebrities such as Beyoncé, Kate Winslet, Jane Fonda, Elton John… it’s a long list. I was looking forward to … [Read more...] about Marianela Nuñez on working with celebrity photographer Paola Kudacki for Humanity magazine
Marianela Nuñez and Roberto Bolle lead a top-notch cast in Onegin at La Scala
John Cranko’s ballet Onegin was brought to La Scala in 1993 as a vehicle for Carla Fracci with Rex Harrington in the title role. It wasn’t, however, Fracci’s first contact with the ballet. Her close ties with Cranko began before he became the director of the Stuttgart Ballet when she created Juliet in his production of Romeo and Juliet for La Scala; she was 21. The inimitable … [Read more...] about Marianela Nuñez and Roberto Bolle lead a top-notch cast in Onegin at La Scala
Martina Arduino answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
Q&A in italiano When did you start dancing? I started dancing for fun when I was four, and more seriously when I was 11 after I was accepted to the Ballet School of La Scala’s Academy. Why did you start dancing? I went into the dancing school and was captivated by the atmosphere and the smells – of wood and rosin combined. From that moment on I never stopped … [Read more...] about Martina Arduino answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
The Royal Ballet in Japan and Los Angeles – dates and casting
The Royal Ballet tours to Japan and Los Angeles this summer, presenting signature work from the Company’s repertory, a world premiere by Wayne McGregor and community engagement projects. Tokyo, Bunka Kaikan Carlos Acosta’s Don Quixote, 21 – 26 June Yokohama, Kanagawa Kenwin Hall Royal Ballet Gala, 29 – 30 June Los Angeles, The Music Center Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Kenneth … [Read more...] about The Royal Ballet in Japan and Los Angeles – dates and casting
Photo Album: first look at The Royal Ballet’s new triple bill
The Firebird / A Month in the Country / Symphony in C The curtain has just gone up on The Royal Ballet's latest triple bill and here are the first photos. The flash of a firebird, a family sent into a spin and a classical ballet explosion. Michel Fokine's The Firebird with Igor Stravinsky's music is a ground-breaking classic of the early 20th-century that draws on the story, … [Read more...] about Photo Album: first look at The Royal Ballet’s new triple bill
Dancing Times, May edition – including Gramilano’s Danza in Italia column reviewing world premieres of Winterreise and Carmen
Dancing Times’ May issue is out now, with a glorious cover featuring Margot Fonteyn – the only dancer to be given the title prima ballerina assoluta by The Royal Ballet – who was born 100 years ago on 18 May. The magazine celebrates the centenary of Fonteyn's birth with articles by The Royal Ballet’s director Kevin O’Hare, dance critic Alastair Macaulay, and the Royal Academy … [Read more...] about Dancing Times, May edition – including Gramilano’s Danza in Italia column reviewing world premieres of Winterreise and Carmen
Marianela Nuñez dances to Nina Simone singing I’m Feeling Good with choreography by Will Tuckett
Three-and-a-half delightful minutes with Royal Ballet Principal Marianela Nuñez in a piece choreographed by Will Tuckett called Nela. More delightful again is that it is set to Nina Simone’s version of Feeling Good which, although it feels like an American blues classic, was written by English composers Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse for their musical The Roar of the … [Read more...] about Marianela Nuñez dances to Nina Simone singing I’m Feeling Good with choreography by Will Tuckett