John Cranko became acquainted with Alexander Pushkin’s verse-novel Eugene Onegin when he choreographed the dances for Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky’s opera of the same name in 1952. He created his own distinctive version of Pushkin’s work in 1965 for the Stuttgart Ballet. Onegin displays all of Cranko’s genius as a narrative choreographer, featuring finely drawn characters who are … [Read more...] about Photo Album: The Royal Ballet in Onegin with Natalia Osipova, Reece Clarke, Francesca Hayward, Matthew Ball and Gary Avis
Stuttgart Ballet
Dancing Times, February edition – including Gramilano’s Danza in Italia column with La Scala’s new Nutcracker
Cover girl for the February edition of Dancing Times is Ballet Black’s Isabela Coracy, photographed by Angela Zaremba, who is the Dancer of the Month. It was announced recently that Ballet Black will be collaborating with Birmingham Royal Ballet during its next season. Editor Jonathan Gray interviews Northern Ballet’s Javier Torres, Nicola Rayner meets Bonnie Langford who is … [Read more...] about Dancing Times, February edition – including Gramilano’s Danza in Italia column with La Scala’s new Nutcracker
William Forsythe on working as a stripper – “It’s great money” – and working with dancers – “You revive their faith”
In an interview to coincide with William Forsythe’s A Quiet Evening of Dance at Sadler’s Wells, The Sunday Times’ David Jay spoke to the choreographer about a period as a young man when he worked as ‘a club dancer’. Forsythe was quick to correct: I worked as a stripper. Why not? It’s great money. Refreshingly forthright. It’s difficult to imagine Frederick Ashton saying such … [Read more...] about William Forsythe on working as a stripper – “It’s great money” – and working with dancers – “You revive their faith”
BALLET2000’s Special New Year Issue… in English, Italian and French Editions
BALLET2000’s Special New Year Issue, is on the newsstands now. It looks back on a year in dance with, says editor Alfio Agostini, …the best shows, trendiest dancers, most significant companies and most creative choreographers. The bi-monthly dance magazine, uniquely, comes out in three separate editions: Édition FRANCE, ENGLISH Edition and Edizione ITALIA. Each year it … [Read more...] about BALLET2000’s Special New Year Issue… in English, Italian and French Editions
Dutch National Ballet’s Marijn Rademaker on injury and recovery
'Being injured is part of our job, it happens, we will get back stronger!' That’s what we say when we try to sweet talk ourselves and make it ok. But it always hurts. Being injured means dealing with letting go what you love. Its sounds really dramatic, I know... but it is. Of course, one time can be more dramatic than another time. Maybe one time you can’t enjoy the summer … [Read more...] about Dutch National Ballet’s Marijn Rademaker on injury and recovery
Cecilia Bartoli to sing Maria in West Side Story
At next year's Salzburg Whitsun Festival, Cecilia Bartoli will sing Maria in West Side Story! The exclamation mark is my surprise at the announcement, though I have no doubt that hers will be a lively and touching performance. And talking of lively... Gustavo Dudamel will be conducting the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela. (No exclamation mark.) Norman Reinhardt … [Read more...] about Cecilia Bartoli to sing Maria in West Side Story
Royal Ballet Onegin casting 2015: débuts for Osipova, Golding and Muntagirov
John Cranko's masterpiece, Onegin, returns to the Royal Opera House at the end of this month. Created for the Stuttgart Ballet in 1965, the Royal Ballet first performed this production in 2001 and have since made it a staple of the repertory. The upcoming performances feature role débuts from Principal dancer Natalia Osipova and First Soloist Itziar Mendizabal as Tatiana and … [Read more...] about Royal Ballet Onegin casting 2015: débuts for Osipova, Golding and Muntagirov
Casting for Royal Ballet triple bill in March and La fille mal gardée in April
THE FOUR TEMPERAMENTS / NEW HOFESH SHECHTER / SONG OF THE EARTH George Balanchine / NEW Hofesh Shechter / Kenneth MacMillan Music: Paul Hindemith / Koen Kessels / Gustav Mahler 27, 30 March, 8, 10, 14 April at 7.30pm A world première from much sought-after Israeli choreographer and composer Hofesh Shechter is the centrepiece of the Royal Ballet's contemporary mixed … [Read more...] about Casting for Royal Ballet triple bill in March and La fille mal gardée in April
Nominees announced for the 15th National Dance Awards
The Dance Section of the Critics’ Circle has announced the nominations for the 15th National Dance Awards. The Critics' Circle is composed of five sections: Music, Theatre, Film, Dance and Visual Arts and Architecture. Its aims are to promote the art of criticism, to uphold its integrity in practice and to support the advancement of the arts. Currently there are over 400 … [Read more...] about Nominees announced for the 15th National Dance Awards
Stuttgart’s Marijn Rademaker returns home to join the Dutch National Ballet
Marijn Rademaker's face already adorns the site of the Dutch National Ballet which he will join at the beginning of next year. After 15 years with the Stuttgart Ballet he returns 'home' and will be the only Dutch principal dancer in the company; the last was Boris de Leeuw. After such a long time with the Stuttgart company, and with an intimate knowledge of their repertory, … [Read more...] about Stuttgart’s Marijn Rademaker returns home to join the Dutch National Ballet