“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
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