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Sylvie Guillem

Free modern triple bill and Swan Lake over Christmas from Bavarian State Ballet

18 December 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

With a Chance of Rain, Ensemble of the American Ballet Theater © Marty Sohl

In line with the current Covid regulations, the Bayerisches Staatsballett has cancelled all performances up until and including 31 January 2021. However, the company is offering a free streaming … [Read more...] about Free modern triple bill and Swan Lake over Christmas from Bavarian State Ballet

Yasmine Naghdi answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

17 November 2020 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Yasmine Naghdi prepares for Gamzatti, photo by Dasa Wharton

When did you start dancing?Aged 2, on our coffee table at home. Why did you start dancing?To satisfy my urge to move all the time. I really had “ants in my pants”! Which dancer inspired you most … [Read more...] about Yasmine Naghdi answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

Francesco Lanzillotta answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Conductors’ Edition

20 November 2019 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Francesco Lanzillotta © Manuela Giusto 01

Q&A When did you start playing an instrument? I was 6 years old, and I started to study cello. Why did you start playing? My father is a cellist and my mother loves music, so that is why I … [Read more...] about Francesco Lanzillotta answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Conductors’ Edition

In with the old – La Scala returns to Nureyev’s Sleeping Beauty

7 July 2019 by Gramilano 1 Comment

49 The Sleeping Beauty, with Polina Semionova and Timofej Andrijashenko

If there is a ballet that belongs to La Scala, it’s Rudolf Nureyev’s production of The Sleeping Beauty, created for the ballet company in 1966 with Carla Fracci and Nureyev in the main roles. It was … [Read more...] about In with the old – La Scala returns to Nureyev’s Sleeping Beauty

Martina Arduino answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

17 June 2019 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Martina Arduino in Romeo and Juliet, photo Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala

Q&A in italiano When 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 … [Read more...] about Martina Arduino answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

La Scala’s ballet school show shows bold programming, with Forsythe’s signature piece making a debut

11 March 2019 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Présentation @ Rudy Amisano. Teatro alla Scala 2019

“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 … [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

6 March 2019 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Julie Gautier in the Y 40 Pool

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 … [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”

2 October 2018 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Noam Durand in Playlist (Track 1, 2) by William Forsythe © Laurent Liotardo

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 … [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

28 July 2018 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Xander Parish As Armand, Photo By N Razina 01

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 … [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

29 May 2018 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Le Corsaire with Martina Arduino, photo by Brescia & Amisano, Teatro alla Scala 2018

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 … [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)

26 May 2018 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Apollo choreography by George Balanchine© The George Balanchine Trust   Roberto Bolle  Nicoletta Manni Martina Arduino Virna Toppi, photo by  Brescia e Amisano Teatro alla Scala

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, … [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

29 March 2018 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Manon with Francesca Hayward as Manon and Federico Bonelli as Des Grieux ©ROH, 2018, photo by Bill Cooper (2)

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 … [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

28 February 2018 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Bolero   Roberto Bolle © Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala, 2018 01

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 … [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

22 September 2017 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

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 … [Read more...] about A female pas de deux from Royal Ballet dancers Beatriz Stix-Brunell and Yasmine Naghdi

La Scala Ballet’s programme change for the US – with Bolle, Nuñez and Copeland

28 March 2017 by Gramilano 3 Comments

Marianela Nuñez, photo by Carlos Villamayor

The previously announced ballet to be performed at California’s Segerstrom Center by La Scala’s Ballet Company was Mauro Bigonzetti’s Cinderella, a ballet created for the opening of La Scala’s ballet … [Read more...] about La Scala Ballet’s programme change for the US – with Bolle, Nuñez and Copeland

Massimo Murru to play Onegin for one last time? His fans are doing all they can.

1 February 2017 by Gramilano 14 Comments

Massimo Murru, photo by Graziella Vigo

Massimo Murru has always had a very faithful following due to his thoughtful and rigorous approach to every role he has tackled in his career, and his artistic honesty, almost to the point of … [Read more...] about Massimo Murru to play Onegin for one last time? His fans are doing all they can.

István Simon answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

21 January 2017 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

István Simon at Nijinsky's grave

Q&A When did you start dancing? I started when I was 12. Why did you start dancing? I had severe heart rhythm problems and my doctor suggested me to dance as therapy for my disease. He … [Read more...] about István Simon answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

István Simon on the Semperoper Ballett dancing William Forsythe at the Palais Garnier, Paris

3 January 2017 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

In the Middle Somewhat Elevated with Zarina Stahnke, photo by Ian Whalen

William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated was created for the Paris Opera Ballet who have performed it at home and abroad since 1987. The piece entered the repertoire of Dresden’s Semperoper … [Read more...] about István Simon on the Semperoper Ballett dancing William Forsythe at the Palais Garnier, Paris

Syvlie Guillem appears on Italian tv to talk about veganism

3 November 2016 by Gramilano 4 Comments

Indovina chi viene a cena   Sylvie Guillem 1

Opening her fridge and taking out a tin of “Faux Gras” – foie gras for vegans – Sylvie Guillem returns to the public eye in an Italian programme about responsible eating. I was part of that group of … [Read more...] about Syvlie Guillem appears on Italian tv to talk about veganism

Mats Ek retires and pulls the plug on his choreography worldwide

6 January 2016 by Gramilano 8 Comments

Mats Ek presents his last ever piece of choreography tonight until 10 January in Paris at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées on the first stop of his farewell tour. He is 70. The programme presents … [Read more...] about Mats Ek retires and pulls the plug on his choreography worldwide

Sylvie’s last dance: a tribute to Guillem, the artist and her career

30 December 2015 by Gramilano 14 Comments

A tribute by Ioannides Yiannakis In 29 December 1984, after a memorable performance of Swan Lake at the Paris Opera, the great Rudolf Nureyev named an extraordinary 19-year-old étoile. Her name … [Read more...] about Sylvie’s last dance: a tribute to Guillem, the artist and her career

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Ballet’s biggest names come to Milan for 4 days of dance

18 October 2015 by Gramilano 4 Comments

Milan is not like London or New York… there’s not a lot of dance going on. The resident company at La Scala will be performing six titles during the coming season. That’s S-I-X. And there will not be … [Read more...] about Ballet’s biggest names come to Milan for 4 days of dance

Pompea Santoro answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

6 October 2015 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Q&A   in italiano When did you start dancing? In a gym near our house when I was seven-years-old. Why did you start dancing? It was something my mother wanted me to do, and she took … [Read more...] about Pompea Santoro answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

Alessandra Ferri: age doesn’t mean anything, I love to laugh, I love to live

24 August 2015 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Several recent posts on this blog have pondered on dancers' ages: Sylvie Guillem at 50 on her farewell tour; and just the other day I wrote about Carla Fracci returning once more to the stage at 79 … [Read more...] about Alessandra Ferri: age doesn’t mean anything, I love to laugh, I love to live

50th Anniversary of MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet

30 July 2015 by Gramilano 3 Comments

The Royal Ballet 2015/16 Season opens this September with the return of Kenneth MacMillan’s landmark Romeo and Juliet, celebrating 50 years since its première at the Royal Opera House in 1965. It will … [Read more...] about 50th Anniversary of MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet

Ardani Artists 25th Anniversary “If only all Galas could be like this”

23 July 2015 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Sergei and Gaiane Danilian, The Russian couple known by their company name, Ardani Artists, marked their 25th anniversary of dance management, production and promotion with a gala featuring some of … [Read more...] about Ardani Artists 25th Anniversary “If only all Galas could be like this”

Sabrina Brazzo & Co take their all-leather ballet to the Lincoln Center

20 July 2015 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Tonight, at the Lincoln Center in New York, a new Italian ballet will take to the stage which features almost only leather costumes. When the piece made its début in Milan two years ago, I … [Read more...] about Sabrina Brazzo & Co take their all-leather ballet to the Lincoln Center

We may be saying ‘bye’ to the dancer, but certainly not to Sylvie Guillem

8 July 2015 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Bye Life in Progress TEATRO COMUNALE DI MODENA, Choreographer; Mats Ek, Dancer; Sylvie Guillem Composer ;Ludwig van Beethoven (Piano Sonata Op. 111, Arietta; Recording played by Ivo Pogorelich) Set & Costume Designer; Katrin Brännström Lighting Designer

Sylvie Guillem is an extraordinary creature: exuding a special aura yet blessed with the common touch. She has almost always been this way, the ordinary (little or no makeup, bare legs in ballet) … [Read more...] about We may be saying ‘bye’ to the dancer, but certainly not to Sylvie Guillem

Ek, Laguna, Mercy and Linke in Rome: over 200 years of dance experience

23 June 2015 by Gramilano 2 Comments

For two nights from tomorrow in Rome there is the possibility to attend a most unusual dance gala. While there are only four taking part, their ages combined total 266 years. The dancers are Mats Ek, … [Read more...] about Ek, Laguna, Mercy and Linke in Rome: over 200 years of dance experience

Massimo Murru on Roland Petit: he was a great s*****o!

30 March 2015 by Gramilano 4 Comments

We tend to gloss over the negative aspects of colleagues who are no longer with us, and are usually discreet about their shortcomings when they are still alive. It is left to the gutter press to dig … [Read more...] about Massimo Murru on Roland Petit: he was a great s*****o!

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NEWS

New York City Ballet 2023 Spring Season is announced

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

Two new opera recordings to be released by Warner Classics/Erato

Four new Principal dancers for New York City Ballet

LaScalaTv, La Scala’s new streaming platform, is now live

Royal Ballet principal dancer Laura Morera to retire

Pam Tanowitz’s Secret Things, her second world premiere for The Royal Ballet this season

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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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