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Royal Ballet School

[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 3 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

A new John Neumeier work brings two Italian dancers back home

4 July 2021 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Jacopo Bellussi and Alessandro Frola in Peter and Igor, Nijinsky Gala, Hamburg 2021 38 © Kiran West

Jacopo Bellussi and Alessandro Frola return to Italy to perform John Neumeier’s new work Peter and Igor in Stravinsky’s Love – a show commemorating the 50th anniversary of Stravinsky’s … [Read more...] about A new John Neumeier work brings two Italian dancers back home

The Royal Opera and Ballet companies announce the full schedule for Spring/Summer 2021

13 April 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Dances at a Gathering. Marianela Nunez and Alexander Campbell. ©ROH, 2020. Photographed by Bill Cooper.

The Royal Opera House will reopen its doors to the public on 17 May 2021. Public booking opens on 7 May at 10am (UK time). Online programming will continue, while La clemenza di Tito will be the … [Read more...] about The Royal Opera and Ballet companies announce the full schedule for Spring/Summer 2021

Royal Ballet School students recreate founder Dame Ninette de Valois’s ‘lost’ choreography

11 March 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Ninette de Valois and Ursula Moreton with students of the Vic-Wells School at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, 1931. Photographer not known. © The Royal Ballet School Special Collections

Ninette de Valois’ 1925 ballet The Arts of the Theatre is to be restaged for a livestream performance. The attempt to recreate de Valois’ ballet has been made possible by the discovery of a … [Read more...] about Royal Ballet School students recreate founder Dame Ninette de Valois’s ‘lost’ choreography

In conversation with Marianela Nuñez

9 July 2020 by Gramilano 7 Comments

Nunez headshot cropped

The Royal Ballet’s Argentinian principal dancer, Marianela Nuñez, is in lockdown in Buenos Aires. She went there to be near her family and partner, because now home, for Nela, is London, which also … [Read more...] about In conversation with Marianela Nuñez

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

10 June 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Nikisha Fogo, photo Yousik Kim

Swedish ballerina Nikisha Fogo will soon take up a new position in a new company when she becomes a principal dancer at San Francisco Ballet. After seven years with the Vienna State Ballet, passing … [Read more...] about [Interview] Meet Nikisha Fogo, San Francisco Ballet’s new Principal Dancer

The 48th Prix de Lausanne kicks off with 77 dancers from 25 countries

4 February 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

The 77 participants of the 48th Prix de Lausanne will spend the week developing their skills and rehearsing their classical and contemporary variations with some of the world's most respected teachers … [Read more...] about The 48th Prix de Lausanne kicks off with 77 dancers from 25 countries

Photos and full programme of Margot Fonteyn, A Celebration with The Royal Ballet

9 June 2019 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Darcey Bussell, Gary Avis in Fascade, photo Andrej Uspenski ROH

Last night, 8 June 2019, The Royal Ballet celebrated the centenary of the birth of its most famous ballerina, Dame Margot Fonteyn, who was born on 18 May 1919. A performance of The Firebird, … [Read more...] about Photos and full programme of Margot Fonteyn, A Celebration with The Royal Ballet

Interview with Alessandra Ferri: Maturing I find myself smiling more

6 April 2019 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Alessandra Ferri Io Donna

I’m enjoying a new chapter in my life having the fortune to play women of my age and not romantic roles like the Giselles, Carmens, Juliets, Manons… all wonderful, but enough, they’re part of another … [Read more...] about Interview with Alessandra Ferri: Maturing I find myself smiling more

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”!

The Royal Ballet promotions for 2018/19 season: Matthew Ball has been promoted to Principal dancer

13 July 2018 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Giselle. Matthew Ball as Albrecht. ©ROH, 2018. Photographed by Bill Cooper

Kevin O’Hare, Director of The Royal Ballet, has announced that Matthew Ball has been promoted to Principal Dancer. He said, I’m delighted that Matthew Ball will be a Principal dancer from the start … [Read more...] about The Royal Ballet promotions for 2018/19 season: Matthew Ball has been promoted to Principal dancer

Lead Principal Aaron Robison to leave English National Ballet after one season

10 July 2018 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Aaron Robison

Lead Principal Aaron Robison has decided to leave English National Ballet at the end of the current season. Robison only joined English National Ballet in June last year and will be returning to San … [Read more...] about Lead Principal Aaron Robison to leave English National Ballet after one season

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NEWS

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Interview: The Royal Ballet’s Ballet Master, Christopher Carr, on mounting Coppélia, the company’s dancers and technique

GRAHAM SPICER

Writer, director and photographer in Milan, blogging (under the name ‘Gramilano’) about dance, opera, music and photography for people who are a bit like me and like some of the things I like. I was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy. My scribblings have appeared in various publications from Woman’s Weekly to Gay Times. I write the ‘Danza in Italia’ column for Dancing Times magazine.

You can find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, or follow my Facebook page.

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