Q&Ain italianoWhen did you start dancing? I started dancing for fun when I was four, and more seriously when I was 11 after I was accepted to the Ballet School of La Scala’s Academy.Why did you start dancing? I went into the dancing school and was captivated by the atmosphere and the smells – of wood and rosin combined. From that moment on I never stopped … [Read more...] about Martina Arduino answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
Sylvie Guillem
La Scala’s ballet school show shows bold programming, with Forsythe’s signature piece making a debut
“That’s brave!”, was my first thought on seeing the La Scala Ballet School’s programme for its annual show: The Kingdom of the Shades act from La Bayadère together with In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated. And in Milan’s famous opera house too.It was a brave choice, but not an ill-considered one. The girls of the school seem to be more prepared or gifted than the (numerous) … [Read more...] about La Scala’s ballet school show shows bold programming, with Forsythe’s signature piece making a debut
Sylvie Guillem video project includes dancing underwater
After spending several days at the Montegrotto Spa near Padua which houses the world’s deepest pool, the Y-40 known as "The Deep Joy", Sylvie Guillem arrived at Teatro Verdi in the city to do a little filming.It was when she received the Leone d’oro for her career at the Biennale Danza in 2012 in Venice, that she began to investigate the Veneto region and Padua. Although she … [Read more...] about Sylvie Guillem video project includes dancing underwater
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”
Exciting celebration of Rudolf Nureyev’s life with world ballet stars at Spoleto, tonight 28 July
2018 marks 80 years since Rudolf Nureyev was born and 25 since he died. La Scala in Milan have marked the occasion with a series of Gala celebrations and performances of his Don Quixote, Manuel Legris organised a celebration with the Vienna State Ballet, and many more tributes have been staged to doff a hat to the transfixing force of nature that was Nureyev.At 9.15pm today, … [Read more...] about Exciting celebration of Rudolf Nureyev’s life with world ballet stars at Spoleto, tonight 28 July
Notes on Le Corsaire at La Scala… an alternative cast
The success of Le Corsaire’s first night cast at La Scala was reviewed here previously, but no less was an alternative cast which had a shining beacon in Martina Arduino as Medora. She is a lovely dancer who was thrust into the spotlight when Alexei Ratmansky plucked her from the corps — she was not even on a permanent contract — and cast her as his Odette/Odile. She was just … [Read more...] about Notes on Le Corsaire at La Scala… an alternative cast
Photo Album: Nureyev Gala at La Scala – Zakharova, Louvet, Nuñez, Muntagirov and Bolle (and Nureyev at La Scala facts and figures)
Last night a Gala to celebrate Rudolf Nureyev was had at La Scala. It is the 80th Anniversary of his birth and also 25 years after his death. The Gala was previewed by a benefit audience on Thursday, and opened Friday 25 May, with further performances on 26 and 29 May. La Scala's Étoiles Svetlana Zakharova and Roberto Bolle were joined by guests Marianela Nuñez, Germain Louvet, … [Read more...] about Photo Album: Nureyev Gala at La Scala – Zakharova, Louvet, Nuñez, Muntagirov and Bolle (and Nureyev at La Scala facts and figures)
Photo Album: preview of tonight’s opening cast of Manon with Francesca Hayward and Federico Bonelli
Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon is revived at Covent Garden as part of continuing celebrations of MacMillan’s profound impact on British ballet, to mark the 25th anniversary of his death. Tonight's opening cast features Francesca Hayward, Federico Bonelli and Alexander Campbell. Production CreditsChoreography Kenneth MacMillanMusic Jules MassenetOrchestration Martin … [Read more...] about Photo Album: preview of tonight’s opening cast of Manon with Francesca Hayward and Federico Bonelli
Béjart’s Boléro returns to La Scala with Roberto Bolle and others debuting on the red table
Maurice Béjart’s Boléro returns to La Scala in March, with Roberto Bolle dancing the La Mélodie for the first time. The 15-minute work was last seen in the theatre in 2003 when Sylvie Guillem danced the central role.Béjart Ballet Lausanne’s ‘experts’ Elisabet Ros and Julien Favreau will be featured too, as well as three young dancers from La Scala’s company: Martina Arduino, … [Read more...] about Béjart’s Boléro returns to La Scala with Roberto Bolle and others debuting on the red table
A female pas de deux from Royal Ballet dancers Beatriz Stix-Brunell and Yasmine Naghdi
It's relatively rare to see a female pas de deux in classical dance. In 2015, for her farewell tour, Sylvie Guillem asked Russell Maliphant to create a such a duet as she'd never danced with a female partner, so he created Here & After, which she danced all over the world with La Scala soloist Emanuela Montanari. Now, The Royal Ballet's Principal Character Artist Kristen … [Read more...] about A female pas de deux from Royal Ballet dancers Beatriz Stix-Brunell and Yasmine Naghdi