Luciana Savignano is an exotic creature from her unworldly physical movements to her unique, vaguely Asian features and her unquestionably hypnotic gaze. She is petite yet seems a giant onstage with her wide shoulders and expansive arms. Her famously expressive use of those arms is still intact, even as she approaches her 77th birthday. It is easy to see how Maurice Béjart was … [Read more...] about A magical Luciana Savignano dances Le Sacre
Rite of Spring
Sergei Polunin on sex change, his new girlfriend, and manning up
In an interview, before several appearances in the Italian peninsula over the next two months, Sergei Polunin said, I deeply believe in love. It’s a universal feeling; everyone wants to love and be loved. Today, I see a separation between men and women with too much aggressivity and competition between the sexes. For me, if I don’t have love in my life, I’m unable to do … [Read more...] about Sergei Polunin on sex change, his new girlfriend, and manning up
Laurretta Summerscales answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
Q&A When did you start dancing? I started dancing at the age of 3 at my mothers dancing school Why did you start dancing? My mother wanted to give me as many opportunities in life to see what passions I grew for myself, and also what I was talented at. Dance was just one of many, but obviously it was also so we could have more time together. Which dancer inspired you … [Read more...] about Laurretta Summerscales answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
Picasso in Rome, with Diaghilev, Cocteau and Massine: The Ballets Russes and Parade
One hundred years ago, Pablo Picasso lived Rome for two months. It was his first trip to Italy. The Ballets Russes was in town and Picasso was eager to begin work on his designs for Parade, the ballet which would open on 18 May 1917 in Paris at the Théâtre du Châtelet. Two years previously, Picasso had found himself relatively alone in Paris. His mistress Eva Gouel had died … [Read more...] about Picasso in Rome, with Diaghilev, Cocteau and Massine: The Ballets Russes and Parade
First look: Stravinsky ballet evening at La Scala conducted by Zubin Mehta
Zubin Mehta will be conducting La Scala’s orchestra for a Stravinsky double-bill with the theatre’s ballet company: Petrushka and The Rite of Spring. Michel Fokine’s choreography and Alexandre Benois’ costumes and sets were created for the original production in 1911 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. This original version was last seen at La Scala twenty years … [Read more...] about First look: Stravinsky ballet evening at La Scala conducted by Zubin Mehta