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 JuneYokohama, Kanagawa Kenwin Hall Royal Ballet Gala, 29 – 30 JuneLos Angeles, The Music Center Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Kenneth … [Read more...] about The Royal Ballet in Japan and Los Angeles – dates and casting
Mayerling
After 16 years, Thiago Soares leaves as Principal dancer with The Royal Ballet
Thiago Soares becomes Royal Ballet guest Principal for the 2019/20 SeasonAfter 16 years with The Royal Ballet, Thiago Soares has decided to make this Season his last as a Principal dancer with the Comapny in order to focus on new projects in dance and the performing arts. He will return as a guest Principal in the 2019/20 Season.Soares said,I’m so grateful to The Royal … [Read more...] about After 16 years, Thiago Soares leaves as Principal dancer with The Royal Ballet
Matthew Ball in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake
Luke Jennings – The ObserverFrom the moment of his first entrance, it’s Ball’s show. As well as being an assured technician, he’s a dance actor of real charisma. As the Swan, he’s dangerous and commanding, all sinew and hissing aggression; and as the Stranger he’s as disdainful as he is sexually predatory, cutting a ruthless swath through the female courtiers before finally, … [Read more...] about Matthew Ball in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake
Photo Album – 40th anniversary performances of Kenneth MacMillan’s Mayerling
Kenneth MacMillan’s darkly dramatic masterpiece, Mayerling, opens The Royal Ballet’s 2018/19 Season.Featuring one of the most technically demanding male roles in classical ballet, Mayerling is based on the true story of the deaths of Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria and his teenage mistress Mary Vetsera which shocked the world in 1889.Kevin O’Hare, Director of The Royal … [Read more...] about Photo Album – 40th anniversary performances of Kenneth MacMillan’s Mayerling
Exclusive photo from Royal Opera House archives to remember Kenneth MacMillan
Kenneth MacMillan died of a heart attack on 29 October 1992. It happened during a performance of his 1978 ballet Mayerling. Jeremy Isaacs, then general director of the Royal Opera House, announced his death from the stage after the performance and asked the audience to "rise and bow your heads and leave the theatre in silence".In March of the same year he had … [Read more...] about Exclusive photo from Royal Opera House archives to remember Kenneth MacMillan
Interview with The Royal Ballet’s Merle Park in 1979: Green Park, Hyde Park or Merle Park?
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 a question on a quiz game on the radio: “Which is the odd name out: Green Park, Hyde Park or Merle Park?” I thought, Goodness, I must have arrived! In 1979, she was contemplating … [Read more...] about Interview with The Royal Ballet’s Merle Park in 1979: Green Park, Hyde Park or Merle Park?
Ballet de Santiago’s Principal Dancer Luis Ortigoza gives his farewell performance
Dressed as Crown Prince Rudolf, after a performance of MacMillan's Mayerling, Ballet de Santiago's Principal Dancer Luis Ortigoza gave his last bows to the packed house at the Municipal Theatre. Ortigoza will continue to direct the company alongside Marcia Haydée, but 18 April 2016 saw his last performance.The video below shows how much this elegant artist is loved by … [Read more...] about Ballet de Santiago’s Principal Dancer Luis Ortigoza gives his farewell performance
Genesia Rosato and Gary Avis on her retirement from The Royal Ballet
After 40 years with the Royal Ballet, Genesia Rosato is to retire. I've had a wonderful career and loved every minute of it! she said this afternoon. She’s had a lot to love.Genesia joined the company in 1976, invited by Kenneth MacMillan, and became a soloist in 1982. She became a Principal Character Artist in 1993 and has dominated the stage ever since with her … [Read more...] about Genesia Rosato and Gary Avis on her retirement from The Royal Ballet
Luis Ortigoza answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
Q&AWhen 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 dancer inspired you most as a child? Nureyev always.Which dancer do you most admire? Nureyev.What’s your favourite role? Prince Rudolph in Mayerling.What role … [Read more...] about Luis Ortigoza answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
Mara Galeazzi by her Royal Ballet friends and colleagues
Sarah Lamb, Marianela Nuñez, Gary Avis, Steven McRae, Thiago Soares and Edward Watson celebrate Mara GaleazziAs Royal Ballet dancers arrived in Verona to share the stage with Mara Galeazzi for the last time, they talked about their Italian colleague who has danced with the Royal Ballet from more than 20 years.Long-time partner Edward Watson, who joined the Royal Ballet … [Read more...] about Mara Galeazzi by her Royal Ballet friends and colleagues