New work is as central to the repertory of The Royal Ballet as revivals of the classics. For Director of The Royal Ballet Kevin O’Hare, contemporary choreographers and dancers are ‘creating the classics of the 21st century’. In this mixed programme, O’Hare invites two choreographers to create new works for the Company – one making her long-overdue return, the other making his … [Read more...]
Yanowsky’s Back! Making a comeback faster than Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra famously retired in 1970 only to make a comeback three years later, after which he continued to sing into the '90s. Former Royal Ballet Principal Zenaida Yanowsky is making a faster comeback than Ol' Blue Eyes. After 23 years with The Royal Ballet, Zenaida Yanowsky gave her final curtain call on the Covent Garden stage in June of this year. Her final … [Read more...]
Interview with Steven McRae and Takafumi Adachi, creators of ‘Ballet Hero Fantasy’, now available in English
While the phrase “Ballet Hero Fantasy featuring Steven McRae" may conjure up images of a red-haired Byronic smoulderer in tights, sweeping you off your feet, and down into a fish dive, as his lips brush sensuously against… ok, ok, enough. It’s not that type of fantasy. We’re talking manga. And no, grandad, that’s not a fruit; it’s a Japanese cartoon. Gramilano reported on … [Read more...]
Royal Ballet ballerina stages starry gala in memory of her mother
Emma Maguire is a Soloist of The Royal Ballet. She lost her mother, Ann, a teacher, when she was stabbed to death in front of her class by a 15-year-old pupil at Corpus Christi Catholic College in Leeds. Her murder, which shocked the entire UK, was in 2014. Emma and her family have admirably turned this horrific happening into something positive by creating the Ann Maguire … [Read more...]
Photo album of tonight’s Royal Ballet programme with Zenaida Yanowsky and Roberto Bolle as Marguerite and Armand
In a few minutes, the curtain goes up at The Royal Opera house of a mixed programme of Frederick Ashton gems. It is a special evening because this will be the last role that Zenaida Yanowsky dances on the Covent Garden stage before she retires. She will be dancing with Roberto Bolle in Marguerite and Armand, and again June 7 for the live cinema relay. In yesterday's Times, … [Read more...]