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Natalia Makarova

Review: Marianela Nuñez and Patricio Revé in the Norwegian National Ballet’s La Bayadère

21 April 2026 by Graham Watts Leave a Comment

La Bayadère - Marianela Nuñez, Patricio Revé. Photo by Erik Berg, Norwegian National Ballet (1)

Graham Watts sees La Bayadère in Oslo, where two stellar dancers shared the stage with an excellent company. TitleLa Bayadère CompanyNorwegian National Ballet    VenueNational Opera House, OsloDate17 … [Read more...] about Review: Marianela Nuñez and Patricio Revé in the Norwegian National Ballet’s La Bayadère

Review: La Bayadère in Rome with Iana Salenko and Bakhtiyar Adamzhan

1 March 2026 by Marta Mele 1 Comment

La Bayadere - Iana Salenko (Nikiya), photo by Fabrizio Sansoni-Opera di Roma 2026_1

Marta Mele sees the bright colours and the tragedy of unattainable love in La Bayadère at Rome Opera House with Iana Salenko and Bakhtiyar Adamzhan. TitleLa BayadèreCompanyRome Opera … [Read more...] about Review: La Bayadère in Rome with Iana Salenko and Bakhtiyar Adamzhan

La Scala’s Federico Fresi returns in Sleeping Beauty after a two-year battle with cancer

27 December 2025 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Federico Fresi and Denise Gazzo in Sleeping Beauty, photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala 2025

La Scala Ballet Soloist Federico Fresi returned to dance on the opening night of the season as Puss-in-Boots in Sleeping Beauty after two years away from the stage. It was his first major appearance … [Read more...] about La Scala’s Federico Fresi returns in Sleeping Beauty after a two-year battle with cancer

As queer male representation in ballet soars, queer female representation stays firmly on the ground

1 August 2025 by Lily Hyde 2 Comments

Isadora Duncan

Ballet has long served as a haven for queer people. From composers such as Pyotr Tchaikovsky to choreographers like Frederick Ashton and Jerome Robbins, impresarios like Sergei Diaghilev, and, of … [Read more...] about As queer male representation in ballet soars, queer female representation stays firmly on the ground

Casting for American Ballet Theatre’s 2024 Fall Season at the David H. Koch Theater

28 August 2024 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

La Bayadère

Today American Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director Susan Jaffe, announced casting for the company’s 2024 Fall Season at the David H. Koch Theater. The season runs from 16 October until 3 November. … [Read more...] about Casting for American Ballet Theatre’s 2024 Fall Season at the David H. Koch Theater

Review – La Bayadère at La Scala with Nicoletta Manni and Kimin Kim

18 June 2024 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Nicoletta Manni and Kimin Kim in La Bayadère at La Scala, photo Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala 2024-01

His first entrance saut de chats provoked audible gasps, he hovered in the air for his effortless double cabrioles during the engagement celebrations of the second act, Nureyev’s eccentric solo before … [Read more...] about Review – La Bayadère at La Scala with Nicoletta Manni and Kimin Kim

Rudolf Nureyev’s Bayadère returns to La Scala with Kimin Kim guesting

11 May 2024 by Gramilano 3 Comments

Timofej Andrijashenko, photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala 2021

Rudolf Nureyev's production of La Bayadère returns to La Scala for 10 performances from 26 May to 21 June, with Kimin Kim making a guest appearance. The company’s new étoile, Nicoletta Manni, will … [Read more...] about Rudolf Nureyev’s Bayadère returns to La Scala with Kimin Kim guesting

New York City Ballet presents its 75th Anniversary Spring Season with Tzigane renamed

3 April 2024 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

New York City Ballet in Gianna Reisen’s Play Time. Photo credit, Erin Baiano

The first performance of the six-week Spring Season will be a programme of works by New York City Ballet co-founder George Balanchine, including a major revival of a work originally titled Tzigane, … [Read more...] about New York City Ballet presents its 75th Anniversary Spring Season with Tzigane renamed

[Review] La Scala’s Bayadère was a race against time

30 December 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

32 - La bayadère - Nicoletta Manni and Timofej Andrijashenko and corps de ballet, photo by Brescia and Amisano © Teatro alla Scala

A new production of La Bayadère opened at La Scala a week later than planned after a Covid outbreak forced cancellations of the first performances. The television cameras waited patiently for the … [Read more...] about [Review] La Scala’s Bayadère was a race against time

La Scala cancels all performances of La Bayadère

29 December 2021 by Gramilano 2 Comments

05 - La bayadère - Nicoletta Manni and Timofej Andrijashenko, photo by Brescia and Amisano © Teatro alla Scala

After delays of the first night of the new production of La Bayadère at La Scala, and the recording on 21 December after a preview performance for young people the previous day, the theatre has now … [Read more...] about La Scala cancels all performances of La Bayadère

Altynai Asylmuratova and Konstantin Zaklinsky’s daughter Anastasia jumps ahead

26 January 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Anastasia Zaklinskaya - 03

There is an interesting debut at the Astana Opera House on 30 January: ballet company soloist Anastasia Zaklinskaya will dance the role of Nikiya in La Bayadère. Many will probably not know her … [Read more...] about Altynai Asylmuratova and Konstantin Zaklinsky’s daughter Anastasia jumps ahead

Darcey Bussell answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

23 May 2020 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Darcey Bussell Dances Hollywood

Q&A When did you start dancing? At 5, in the Mercury Theatre behind where I lived in Notting Hill. Ballet Rambert used to use the studios as well. Why did you start dancing? I had knocked … [Read more...] about Darcey Bussell answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

[VIDEO] Natalia Makarova’s return to dance with the Kirov Ballet in 1988

5 April 2020 by Gramilano 5 Comments

Natalia Makarova and Konstantin Zaklinsky in Swan Lake Act 2 adagio 3 1

In London in 1970 the 29-year-old prima ballerina Natalia Makarova, performing with Leningrad's Kirov Ballet (now St Petersburg's Mariinsky Ballet) defected to the West. Then in the summer of 1988 … [Read more...] about [VIDEO] Natalia Makarova’s return to dance with the Kirov Ballet in 1988

Behind the Scenes with Marianela Nuñez: “This is where the magic begins”

10 January 2019 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

La Bayadère. Marianela Nuñez as Nikiya. ©ROH, 2018. Photographed by Bill Cooper. (2)

“This is Covent Garden.” The recorded announcement reverberates along the platform. I always feel that this is when my ballerina day starts… It’s been 20 years that I’ve come to this station and I … [Read more...] about Behind the Scenes with Marianela Nuñez: “This is where the magic begins”

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

25 November 2018 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Yasmine Naghdi prepares for Gamzatti, photo by Dasa Wharton 15

Interview with Yasmine Naghdi as she dances in the world premiere of Alastair Marriott’s The Unknown Soldier - with photos by Dasa Wharton I last interviewed Yasmine Naghdi in September of 2015 when … [Read more...] about Interview: For The Royal Ballet’s Yasmine Naghdi it’s “Ready, Steady, Go”!

Photo Album: La Bayadère with The Royal Ballet – first night with Nuñez, Osipova and Muntagirov

1 November 2018 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

La Bayadère. Marianela Nuñez as Nikiya. ©ROH, 2018. Photographed by Bill Cooper. (2)

Here are the first photos from the dress rehearsal of tonight's opening cast at The Royal Opera House of Natalia Makarova's La Bayadère. Solor is danced by Vadim Muntagirov, Gamzatti by Natalia … [Read more...] about Photo Album: La Bayadère with The Royal Ballet – first night with Nuñez, Osipova and Muntagirov

Photo Album: preview of tonight’s opening cast of Manon with Francesca Hayward and Federico Bonelli

29 March 2018 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Manon with Francesca Hayward as Manon and Federico Bonelli as Des Grieux ©ROH, 2018, photo by Bill Cooper (2)

Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon is revived at Covent Garden as part of continuing celebrations of MacMillan’s profound impact on British ballet, to mark the 25th anniversary of his death. Tonight's opening … [Read more...] about Photo Album: preview of tonight’s opening cast of Manon with Francesca Hayward and Federico Bonelli

Luisa Spinatelli – celebrating the life of the Milanese opera and ballet designer

26 June 2017 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

from left, Frédéric Olivieri, Ferruccio Soleri, Carlo Orlandi, Luisa Spinatelli and Luciana Savignano

Luisa Spinatelli… taking tasteful to a higher dimension The Amici della Scala (Friends of La Scala), run by the indefatigable Anna Crespi, gathered together at the association’s spectacular … [Read more...] about Luisa Spinatelli – celebrating the life of the Milanese opera and ballet designer

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

Ivan Nagy, Carla Fracci, John Prinz and Natalia Makarova in the 70s

23 February 2014 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Ivan Nagy, Carla Fracci, John Prinz and Natalia Makarova as captured by photographer Jack Mitchell in the 1970s when all were part of the American Ballet Theatre. … [Read more...] about Ivan Nagy, Carla Fracci, John Prinz and Natalia Makarova in the 70s

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

Jurgita Dronina answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

20 September 2013 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Q&A When did you start dancing? I've been dancing since I remember; ballet school at 9. Why did you start dancing? I started with ballroom dancing, then hip-hop and a bit of break dance... one … [Read more...] about Jurgita Dronina answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

David Howard, much loved ballet teacher ‘to the stars’, dies at 76

13 August 2013 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Ballet master David Howard, affectionately known in the media as "Teacher of Stars", has died at 76. Howard trained at what is now the Arts Educational) School and the Royal Academy of Dance, … [Read more...] about David Howard, much loved ballet teacher ‘to the stars’, dies at 76

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 mother … [Read more...] about Cynthia Harvey answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

Natalia Makarova among those receiving the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors

13 September 2012 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

The Kennedy Center Honors award is the nation’s highest honour for those who have influenced American culture through the arts. It comes with a dinner with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton … [Read more...] about Natalia Makarova among those receiving the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors

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

Paul Chalmer answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

27 December 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Q&A When did you start dancing? Age 6, then National Ballet School, Toronto, age 9. Why did you start dancing? Saw ballet on TV. Which dancer inspired you most as a … [Read more...] about Paul Chalmer answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

David Hallberg and Sergei Filin speak from Moscow

7 October 2011 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

The new soloist of the Bolshoi Theatre ballet company, American David Hallberg, has started rehearsals in Russia. His début on the Bolshoi stage will be in Giselle on November 4. Sergei Filin, the … [Read more...] about David Hallberg and Sergei Filin speak from Moscow

The most luxurious exercise in Giselle compare and contrast since Natalia Makarova and Gelsey Kirkland danced the role at ABT on consecutive nights in 1977

30 May 2011 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Alastair Macaulay for the New York Times writes: A double climax occurred on Friday and Saturday evenings at the Metropolitan Opera House when the two most idolized interpreters of the title role … [Read more...] about The most luxurious exercise in Giselle compare and contrast since Natalia Makarova and Gelsey Kirkland danced the role at ABT on consecutive nights in 1977

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Gramilano newsletter 2019

INTERVIEWS

Mikhail Baryshnikov in Not Once crop

[Interview] Baryshnikov on the Venice Biennale, death and laying himself bare

Riccardo Chailly, photo by Brescia e Amisano © Teatro alla Scala

Riccardo Chailly on life in the time of the coronavirus

Tamas Detrich at the Stuttgart Ballet

[Interview] Tamas Detrich’s first five years as director of Stuttgart Ballet

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

Yasmine Naghdi in rehearsal for Tarantella, The Royal Ballet © 2017 ROH. Photograph by Bill Cooper

[Interview] The Royal Ballet’s Yasmine Naghdi: a time to reflect

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

Davide Dato as Lensky © Wiener Staatsballett

Meeting Davide Dato, the Italian ballet star who’s finally hitting the headlines in his homeland

Nikisha Fogo, photo Yousik Kim

[Interview] Meet Nikisha Fogo, San Francisco Ballet’s new Principal Dancer

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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.

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