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Royal Ballet School

The Fonteyn at His Majesty’s – Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2023

1 November 2023 by Jann Parry Leave a Comment

RAD The Fonteyn - Jeunesse by Valentino Zucchetti-01

On 29 October Jann Parry saw RAD's Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2023 The competition formerly known as the (Adeline) Genée returned to London after a hiatus because of Covid … [Read more...] about The Fonteyn at His Majesty’s – Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2023

Ballet schools worldwide commit to a collective future with aDvANCE conference

20 October 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

The Royal Ballet School, White Lodge, photo by schuhlelewis.com

The aDvANCE conference took place over three days at The Royal Ballet School’s White Lodge in Richmond Park from 28 September to 1 October 2023. The conference focused on understanding … [Read more...] about Ballet schools worldwide commit to a collective future with aDvANCE conference

[Interview] Valentino Zucchetti on Anemoi, his work for The Royal Ballet

19 October 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Anemoi in rehearsal with Valentino Zucchetti, photographed by Andrej Uspenski, ROH 2023-01

It is almost a decade since I last spoke to dancer and choreographer Valentino Zucchetti. In that time there have been some major changes in his career, and now his one-act ballet Anemoi, commissioned … [Read more...] about [Interview] Valentino Zucchetti on Anemoi, his work for The Royal Ballet

Dance writer Luke Jennings on body shaming at UK’s top ballet schools

25 September 2023 by Gramilano 3 Comments

time lapse photography of woman standing

Panorama investigates claims of bullying and body shaming at two of the UK's top ballet schools, The Royal Ballet School in London and Elmhurst Ballet School in Birmingham. This is how the BBC … [Read more...] about Dance writer Luke Jennings on body shaming at UK’s top ballet schools

[Review] English National Ballet’s Our Voices triple bill – “Art isn’t easy… and it shouldn’t be.”

22 September 2023 by Matthew Paluch 6 Comments

Erina Takahashi Lorenzo Trosello and Gareth Haw in David Dawsons Four Last Songs, photo by Laurent Liotardo

Matthew Paluch sees English National Ballet’s Our Voices triple bill TitleOur VoicesCompanyEnglish National BalletVenueSadler's Wells, LondonDate21 September 2023ReviewerMatthew Paluch There's a … [Read more...] about [Review] English National Ballet’s Our Voices triple bill – “Art isn’t easy… and it shouldn’t be.”

The Royal Ballet celebrates Bronislava Nijinska in free livestream

8 September 2023 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Svetlana-Beriosova-and-Dame-Monica-Mason-in-Les-Noces-photo-by-Donald-Southern-ROH-1967

On Saturday 18 November at the Royal Opera House’s Clore Studio, The Royal Ballet will present an extended Insight event to celebrate the innovative creative genius of Bronislava Nijinska. The … [Read more...] about The Royal Ballet celebrates Bronislava Nijinska in free livestream

Scientists join with the Royal Ballet School to unlock advances in performance science

9 August 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

A RBS dancer lifts weights in the gym

“Elite dancers face similar physical challenges to those of elite athletes, and it's essential that they possess the physical preparedness necessary to withstand the associated stresses.” Dr Louis … [Read more...] about Scientists join with the Royal Ballet School to unlock advances in performance science

[Review and Photo Album] The Royal Ballet School Summer Performance 2023

18 July 2023 by Jann Parry Leave a Comment

The Four Seasons by Kenneth MacMillan (2)

Jann Parry sees The Royal Ballet School Summer Performance at The Royal Opera House TitleThe Royal Ballet School Summer PerformanceCompanyThe Royal Ballet SchoolVenueThe Royal Opera House, … [Read more...] about [Review and Photo Album] The Royal Ballet School Summer Performance 2023

Meet the 24 graduating Royal Ballet School students – 100% leave with contracts

14 July 2023 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Fast Blue (3)

All 24 of the pre-professional students at The Royal Ballet School [meet them below] have won contracts for the upcoming season which will take them to Canada and many US cities, to Finland, Denmark, … [Read more...] about Meet the 24 graduating Royal Ballet School students – 100% leave with contracts

The Royal Ballet announces company promotions, new joiners and leavers 

6 July 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Isabella Gasparini in Woolf Works 2023 ROH. Photo by Andrej Uspenski

Director of The Royal Ballet, Kevin O'Hare, has announced the promotions, new joiners and leavers for The Royal Ballet’s 2023/24 Season.   The dancers have been on spectacular form during the … [Read more...] about The Royal Ballet announces company promotions, new joiners and leavers 

English National Ballet promotions and joiners for the 2023/2024 season

27 June 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

10 - Emma Hawes and Aitor Arrieta in Swan Lake, photo by Laurent Liotardo

Aaron S Watkin, Artistic Director Designate of English National Ballet today announced promotions within the Company together with joiners for the 2023/2024 season. Promotions The following … [Read more...] about English National Ballet promotions and joiners for the 2023/2024 season

[Interview] The authentic and passionate Laura Morera – a career without limits

29 April 2023 by Paul Arrowsmith 3 Comments

Laura Morera in Song of the Earth. Photo by Tristram Kenton, ROH, 2015

After 27 years with The Royal Ballet, Laura Morera's final performance at the Royal Opera House is on 17 June in Kenneth MacMillan’s Anastasia Act III. She dances on the company’s visit to … [Read more...] about [Interview] The authentic and passionate Laura Morera – a career without limits

Position. Positioned? Positioning… working environment standards in the dance world

23 March 2023 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Positioning Ballet - Peggy Olislaegers and some of the artistic directors present in Amsterdam

An essay discussing the working environment standards of the arts/dance world and suggested strategies for continued evolvement.  Anyone who knows me, or my writing, will no doubt let out an … [Read more...] about Position. Positioned? Positioning… working environment standards in the dance world

Principal Brandon Lawrence to leave Birmingham Royal Ballet to join Ballett Zürich

18 March 2023 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

17 - Swan Lake, Birmingham Royal Ballet with Polina Semionova and Brandon Lawrence, photo by Tyrone Singleton

Birmingham Royal Ballet will say farewell to Principal dancer Brandon Lawrence at the end of the 2022/2023 season when he leaves to join Ballett Zürich for Cathy Marston’s first season as … [Read more...] about Principal Brandon Lawrence to leave Birmingham Royal Ballet to join Ballett Zürich

Tributes to the great ballerina Lynn Seymour who has died at 83

9 March 2023 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Lynn Seymour as Juliet, 1965 crop

8 March 1939 – 7 March 2023 Lynn Seymour died on 7 March 2023 at the age of 83. The Royal Ballet announced: “The Royal Ballet is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Lynn Seymour on 7 March on … [Read more...] about Tributes to the great ballerina Lynn Seymour who has died at 83

Choreography – concerns and considerations about the future of ballet

10 December 2022 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Maria Kochetkova in David Dawson's Styx by Jack Devant and design by Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker

Ballet needs help. There's no denying it. In fact, the Arts and Humanities do in general, as the current UK government seems to think we can do away with them and still live a full life. So, to … [Read more...] about Choreography – concerns and considerations about the future of ballet

[Review] Men in Motion: the male dance spectacular still delivers, ten years on

7 November 2022 by Matthew Paluch Leave a Comment

Edward Watson in A Sheila Dance by Arthur Pita - Men in Motion, photo by Elliott Franks 03

Guest author Matthew Paluch sees the 10th-anniversary performance of Men in Motion TitleMen in MotionCompanyIvan Putrov's Men in MotionVenueThe London ColiseumDate6 November 2022ReviewerMatthew … [Read more...] about [Review] Men in Motion: the male dance spectacular still delivers, ten years on

Ballerina and coach Patricia Ruanne has died at 77

1 November 2022 by Gramilano 4 Comments

Patricia Ruanne

Patricia Ruanne was born in Leeds in the north of England in 1945, and studied at the Royal Ballet School from the age of 13, joining the Royal Ballet in 1962 where she became principal in 1969. She … [Read more...] about Ballerina and coach Patricia Ruanne has died at 77

[Review] World premiere of Crystal Pite’s Light of Passage for The Royal Ballet

19 October 2022 by Matthew Paluch 1 Comment

Crytal Pite's Light Of Passage - The Royal Ballet, photo Tristram Kenton ROH

Guest author Matthew Paluch reviews the opening night of Crystal Pite’s Light of Passage, her first full-length ballet for The Royal Ballet. TitleLight of PassageCompanyThe Royal BalletVenueThe … [Read more...] about [Review] World premiere of Crystal Pite’s Light of Passage for The Royal Ballet

Director of The Royal Ballet announces promotions, new joiners and leavers for 2022-2023

8 July 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Yugen. Joseph Sissens and Akane Takada. © ROH, 2018. Photographed by Andrej Uspenski

Kevin O’Hare, Director of The Royal Ballet, says: The wonderful accomplishments of the Company, the verve and commitment of every member, have resulted in an extraordinary Season with our return to … [Read more...] about Director of The Royal Ballet announces promotions, new joiners and leavers for 2022-2023

In the July edition of Dancing Times magazine…

5 July 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Dancing Times cover July 2022 photo by Francette Levieux

In the July edition of Dancing Times magazine, my Danza in Italia column talks about La Scala Ballet’s exciting new dancer Alice Mariani as she comes to the end of her first season with the company. I … [Read more...] about In the July edition of Dancing Times magazine…

Reece Clarke and William Bracewell become Royal Ballet principal dancers

22 May 2022 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Reece Clarke and William Bracewell

The Royal Ballet has two new principal dancers: Reece Clarke and William Bracewell. Recent departures by Federico Bonelli and Edward Watson have given The Royal Ballet’s director the opportunity to … [Read more...] about Reece Clarke and William Bracewell become Royal Ballet principal dancers

London Children’s Ballet: eliminating barriers to talent

18 May 2022 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Anne of Green Gables - London Children's Theatre, photo by ASH 2022 - 09

The four-month rehearsal and performance experience is free of charge, which means there is no barrier to talent, so London Children's Ballet dancers come from every economic, social and ethnic … [Read more...] about London Children’s Ballet: eliminating barriers to talent

[Interview] Alessandra Ferri, part two: “When dance saved me”

22 April 2022 by Gramilano 2 Comments

GALA FRACCI - L'heure exquise - Alessandra Ferri Carsten Jung - photo by Brescia e Amisano © Teatro alla Scala (4)

When I was three, I was already living out stories in my head and had the feeling of another reality calling me. Even though my parents didn't go to the theatre, I said, “I want to go to dance … [Read more...] about [Interview] Alessandra Ferri, part two: “When dance saved me”

UK’s top dance schools Unite for Ukraine

20 April 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Unite for Ukraine

Six of the UK’s top dance schools will unite in support of young people who have been affected by the war in Ukraine with a special gala performance, Unite for Ukraine at … [Read more...] about UK’s top dance schools Unite for Ukraine

Natalia Osipova and international ballet stars dance for Ukraine

10 March 2022 by Gramilano 9 Comments

Dance for Ukraine

Former Royal Ballet stars and impresarios Ivan Putrov (Ukraine) and Alina Cojocaru (Romania) are putting on Dance for Ukraine, a benefit gala at the London Coliseum to raise funds for people in need … [Read more...] about Natalia Osipova and international ballet stars dance for Ukraine

Anna Rose O’Sullivan – meeting the Royal Ballet’s newest star

26 January 2022 by Gramilano 4 Comments

Anna Rose O'Sullivan after her début as Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, photo by Marcelino Sambé

It’s full steam ahead for The Royal Ballet’s Anna Rose O’Sullivan. Last year she was promoted to the rank of principal dancer with the company, in January of this year she made her debut as the Sugar … [Read more...] about Anna Rose O’Sullivan – meeting the Royal Ballet’s newest star

[Interview] Tears of a Ballet Mum – Sabine Naghdi on her ballerina daughter, Yasmine

8 December 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Sabine and Yasmine Naghdi - Tears of a Ballet Mum

Tears of a Ballet Mum is a new memoir by Sabine Naghdi, mother of The Royal Ballet’s principal ballerina Yasmine Naghdi. Ballet mum? Sabine, I’m shuddering just thinking about it! One … [Read more...] about [Interview] Tears of a Ballet Mum – Sabine Naghdi on her ballerina daughter, Yasmine

Christmas stocking ideas from The Royal Ballet School

24 November 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Royal Ballet School retail

The Royal Ballet School has developed an impressive retail offering, both online and in its pop-up shop at the school in Covent Garden. The range includes clothing, equipment for dancers, and … [Read more...] about Christmas stocking ideas from The Royal Ballet School

Avoiding scandal – Liam Scarlett and The Royal Ballet

18 September 2021 by Gramilano 3 Comments

Liam Scarlett White Lodge

It is telling that in a recent press release from The Royal Opera House, the names of the choreographers of the cinema streaming programme are listed, except for one – that of Liam … [Read more...] about Avoiding scandal – Liam Scarlett and The Royal Ballet

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NEWS

[Interview] London City Ballet reborn – talking with its new director, Christopher Marney

Royal Academy of Dance announces winners of the Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2023

Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends – Cameron Mackintosh releases 5,000 best seats at £25

Stuttgart Ballet’s Mackenzie Brown is promoted to Principal Dancer

Alessandra Ferri is the new director of the Vienna State Ballet

Jack Anderson – dance writer, historian, and poet – dies at 88

Ballet schools worldwide commit to a collective future with aDvANCE conference

A new 17-floor tower opens behind La Scala with rehearsal rooms and offices

Sarah Jessica Parker produces Front Row, a documentary following the United Ukrainian Ballet

NutcrackAR – Birmingham Royal Ballet’s augmented reality countdown to Nutcracker time

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

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

In and Out: Bolle, Gomes, Stiefel – how easy is it to be an openly gay ballet dancer?

Maurice Béjart's Gaîté parisienne with Marijn Rademaker photo by Stuttgarter Ballet

Dutch National Ballet’s Marijn Rademaker on injury and recovery

Nunez headshot cropped

In conversation with Marianela Nuñez

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

English National Ballet in Derek Deane's Swan Lake, photo by ASH, Arnaud Stephenson, 2013

Derek Deane on 20 years of his Swan Lake ‘in the round’

Grand Pas Classique at English National Ballet, photo by Laurent Liotardo

Introducing 19-year-old Canadian dancer Shale Wagman: from Lausanne to ENB to the Mariinsky

How to stage a ballet… Maina Gielgud explains

GRAMILANO

Graham Spicer is a writer, director and photographer based in Milan, aka ‘Gramilano’. 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. He wrote the ‘Danza in Italia’ column for Dancing Times magazine.

Since 2022, Gramilano is pleased to welcome guest authors: Alisa Alekseeva, Paul Arrowsmith, Kathrina Farrugia-Kriel, Jonathan Gray, Marina Harss, Matthew Paluch, Jann Parry, Graham Watts, and Deborah Weiss.

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