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Virna Toppi

Giorgio Armani at La Scala exhibition opens and the opening of La Scala’s 2025/2026 Ballet Season is dedicated to the designer

17 December 2025 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

The 2021 Welcome Back billboard

Teatro alla Scala is dedicating the opening of its 2025/2026 ballet season to Giorgio Armani, who died in September. Sleeping Beauty opens tomorrow, 18 December 2025, and in the foyer, an exhibition … [Read more...] about Giorgio Armani at La Scala exhibition opens and the opening of La Scala’s 2025/2026 Ballet Season is dedicated to the designer

Review: La Scala Ballet in Pierre Lacotte’s Paquita – a triumph for Nicoletta Manni

24 June 2025 by Gramilano 5 Comments

Paquita - Nicoletta Manni and company, photo Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala 2025

Graham Spicer sees Paquita at La Scala – a tribute to choreographer Pierre Lacotte, who died in 2023, but it was Nicoletta Manni's night. TitlePaquitaCompanyLa Scala BalletVenueTeatro alla Scala, … [Read more...] about Review: La Scala Ballet in Pierre Lacotte’s Paquita – a triumph for Nicoletta Manni

Live stream – Roberto Bolle and Nicoletta Manni in La Dame aux camélias at La Scala

27 September 2024 by Gramilano 2 Comments

15 - La Dame aux camélias - Nicoletta Manni Roberto Bolle, photo Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala (8)

After seven years, John Neumeier’s La Dame aux camélias returns to La Scala’s stage in Milan. The photo album below is of the opening cast on 25 September with Nicoletta Manni as Marguerite Gautier … [Read more...] about Live stream – Roberto Bolle and Nicoletta Manni in La Dame aux camélias at La Scala

Rehearsal photos: Kenneth MacMillan’s L’histoire de Manon at La Scala

6 July 2024 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Rehearsals of Manon - Nicoletta Manni Reece Clarke photo Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala crop

Kenneth MacMillan’s L’histoire de Manon opens at La Scala on 8 July for a short run of seven performances over ten days. Apart from in the UK, the ballet Manon is known as L’histoire de Manon in … [Read more...] about Rehearsal photos: Kenneth MacMillan’s L’histoire de Manon at La Scala

Reece Clarke and Myriam Ould-Braham are last-minute guests at La Scala

27 June 2024 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Reece Clarke in Manon photo by Rachel Hollings

After a spate of injuries during the run of La Bayadère at La Scala, which ended last week, the company has invited two last-minute guests to complete the casting of the Manon performances that begin … [Read more...] about Reece Clarke and Myriam Ould-Braham are last-minute guests at La Scala

[Review] La Scala’s Gala Fracci shows a company in spectacular form

13 May 2024 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Donizetti pas de deux - Alice Mariani, Nicola Del Freo, photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala

Gala Fracci at La Scala has reached its third edition. It was La Scala Ballet’s director, Manuel Legris, who had the idea to stage an annual gala dedicated to the great Italian ballerina who died in … [Read more...] about [Review] La Scala’s Gala Fracci shows a company in spectacular form

Rudolf Nureyev’s Bayadère returns to La Scala with Kimin Kim guesting

11 May 2024 by Gramilano 3 Comments

Timofej Andrijashenko, photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala 2021

Rudolf Nureyev's production of La Bayadère returns to La Scala for 10 performances from 26 May to 21 June, with Kimin Kim making a guest appearance. The company’s new étoile, Nicoletta Manni, will … [Read more...] about Rudolf Nureyev’s Bayadère returns to La Scala with Kimin Kim guesting

[Review] Contemporary dance triple bill at La Scala – Simone Valastro’s spectacular Memento will not be forgotten

25 February 2024 by Gramilano 1 Comment

05 - MEMENTO, photo by Brescia e Amisano (c) Teatro alla Scala

Graham Spicer sees La Scala's "Smith/León and Lightfoot/Valastro" contemporary dance triple bill in Milan TitleSmith/León and Lightfoot/ValastroCompanyLa Scala BalletVenueTeatro alla Scala, … [Read more...] about [Review] Contemporary dance triple bill at La Scala – Simone Valastro’s spectacular Memento will not be forgotten

[Photo Album] Wayne McGregor new work at La Scala: AfteRite + LORE

25 June 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

09 - LORE - Agnese Di Clemente, Timofej Andrijahenko Claudio Coviello, photo Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala

Yesterday, 24 June 2022, was the world premiere of a Wayne McGregor work entitled LORE (to the music of Igor Stravinsky's Les Noces), arriving as a 'sequel' to his work AfteRite (to Stravinsky's Le … [Read more...] about [Photo Album] Wayne McGregor new work at La Scala: AfteRite + LORE

[Review] Balanchine’s Jewels at La Scala shows the company in top-notch form

30 March 2022 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

21 - Emeralds by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust photo Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala

The revival of George Balanchine’s Jewels at La Scala showed the company in top-notch form, finally shedding off the insecurities arising from cancelled premieres, last minutes Covid-related cast … [Read more...] about [Review] Balanchine’s Jewels at La Scala shows the company in top-notch form

[Photo Album] First peek at Balanchine’s Jewels which opens tonight at La Scala

11 March 2022 by Gramilano 1 Comment

16 - Emeralds by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust photo Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala - Alice Mariani Marco Agostino

After eight years, George Balanchine’s Jewels returns to La Scala and runs from 11 to 24 March 2022. Balanchine was inspired by the artistry of jewellery designer Claude Arpels and chose music … [Read more...] about [Photo Album] First peek at Balanchine’s Jewels which opens tonight at La Scala

Countdown to Bayadère – casting and designs for La Scala’s opening

19 November 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Costume design by Luisa Spinatelli (1)

La Bayadère, one of the key ballets in the classical repertoire, premiered in St Petersburg in 1877. Marius Petipa created a perfect harmony between mass scenes and protagonists, and it was the … [Read more...] about Countdown to Bayadère – casting and designs for La Scala’s opening

La Scala’s enthralling Contemporary Evening is a triumph

12 July 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

BIRDS WALKING ON WATER - Mick Zeni and company, photo by Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala (7)

The Contemporary Evening was a triumph, with seven works: a contemporary ‘classic’, some lesser-known pieces, and a new creation. La Scala is finding it difficult to attract audiences back to the … [Read more...] about La Scala’s enthralling Contemporary Evening is a triumph

[Photos and review] La Scala celebrates with its Four Choreographers Evening

10 June 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

CONCERTO DSCH, photo by Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala (8)

Wednesday 9 June was something of a celebration at La Scala with its ballet company returning to perform before a live audience. The current regulations only allow for 500 spectators but being that … [Read more...] about [Photos and review] La Scala celebrates with its Four Choreographers Evening

Ballet Gala from La Scala: Evening of Great Choreographers

2 May 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Paquita - photo by Andrea Tamoni © Teatro alla Scala

The latest gala from La Scala as part of its programming for online streaming videos, and recorded without an audience present in the theatre, is Serata Grandi Coreografi (Evening of Great … [Read more...] about Ballet Gala from La Scala: Evening of Great Choreographers

[Photo Album] La Scala’s ballet company in docuseries and World Dance Day

28 April 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Teatro alla Scala - photo by Sara Busiol 25

Thursday 29 April at 19.00 CET - World Dance Day La Scala will broadcast a complete class with its corps de ballet on World Dance Day, 29 April. Ballet Director Manuel Legris chose to pre-record … [Read more...] about [Photo Album] La Scala’s ballet company in docuseries and World Dance Day

Virna Toppi answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

6 April 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Virna Toppi as Kitri, photo by Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala

Q&A When did you start dancing?Immediately, as soon as I could stand. Why did you start dancing?Because I liked to feel at one with the music. Which dancer inspired you most as a child?No … [Read more...] about Virna Toppi answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition

A Covid-free La Scala to stream its gala ‘A Tribute to Nureyev’

22 March 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Raymonda - Virna Toppi, Nicola Del Freo e il Corpo di Ballo, photo by Brescia e Amisano ©Teatro alla Scala-02

The A Tribute to Nureyev gala from La Scala, was due to be streamed on 28 February, but the recording was cancelled two hours before curtain-up when a weak positive case of Covid-19 was found in one … [Read more...] about A Covid-free La Scala to stream its gala ‘A Tribute to Nureyev’

Tribute to Nureyev – free ballet gala streaming from La Scala

25 February 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Lo schiaccianoci 1979/1980

A strong thread ties Rudolf Nureyev to La Scala, where he was acclaimed not only as a dancer but also as a choreographer. Nureyev has equally strong ties to La Scala Ballet's new director, Manuel … [Read more...] about Tribute to Nureyev – free ballet gala streaming from La Scala

Giselle: free streamed performance from La Scala with two casts

30 January 2021 by Gramilano 2 Comments

Giselle, Act Two, photo Brescia e Amisano © Teatro alla Scala

Giselle will be streamed from La Scala this evening, Saturday 30 January, at 20.00 CET. The ballet was filmed over two days, without an audience, and will be offered to viewers worldwide via the state … [Read more...] about Giselle: free streamed performance from La Scala with two casts

Carla Fracci and Manuel Legris’ Giselle masterclass from La Scala online

20 January 2021 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Carla Fracci 1964 Giselle photo Erio Piccagliani crop

La Scala will stream a new recording of Giselle on 30 January. There will be two casts in the principal roles, including a debut, with eight of the company’s principal dancers and soloists in Yvette … [Read more...] about Carla Fracci and Manuel Legris’ Giselle masterclass from La Scala online

December’s Dancing Times features Manuel Legris, Eleonora Abbagnato, and other delights

29 November 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Manuel Legris - Dancing Times, December 2020

The latest issue of Dancing Times is now on sale. The December 2020 issue ends the year when the magazine celebrated its 110th anniversary, and even with the cancellation of so many shows the world … [Read more...] about December’s Dancing Times features Manuel Legris, Eleonora Abbagnato, and other delights

La Scala welcomes back its stars – season opening 7 December

25 November 2020 by Gramilano 7 Comments

La Scala 7 December 2020

Despite coronavirus restrictions, La Scala will celebrate the opening of its season 2020-2021 – however long or short it may be – on 7 December, the feast of Saint Ambrose, Milan’s saint’s day. The … [Read more...] about La Scala welcomes back its stars – season opening 7 December

La Scala UN documentary-dance gala, tonight at 6pm (CET)

22 October 2020 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Ballet Gala Le Corsaire - Martina Arduino, Marco Agostino and Mattia Semperboni, photo by Brescia e Amisano Teatro alla Scala

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Foundation of the United Nations, Teatro alla Scala, following on the initiative of the Italian Permanent Representation to the United Nations, together … [Read more...] about La Scala UN documentary-dance gala, tonight at 6pm (CET)

Interview with Roberto Bolle – I am more confident now, not just as an artist but also as a person

31 December 2019 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Roberto Bolle’s television specials Danza con me (Dance with Me) which over the last couple of years have welcomed in the New Year with their screenings on 1 January on Italy’s main TV channel, RAI1, … [Read more...] about Interview with Roberto Bolle – I am more confident now, not just as an artist but also as a person

Dancing Times, September edition – with Gramilano’s Danza in Italia column including Woolf Works at La Scala and a Glass triple bill in Rome

28 August 2019 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Dancing Times 2019 09 Danza in Italia

The latest issue of Dancing Times is out tomorrow. In September’s issue, I cover Wayne McGregor’s “amazing” Woolf Works at La Scala with Alessandra Ferri giving a “frighteningly intense” performance … [Read more...] about Dancing Times, September edition – with Gramilano’s Danza in Italia column including Woolf Works at La Scala and a Glass triple bill in Rome

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

Rights group asks for Polunin ballet in Verona’s Arena to be cancelled

15 May 2019 by Gramilano 3 Comments

Sergei Polunin's tattoo of Vladimir Putin on his Instagram account, CREDIT INSTAGRAM

A full-page article in today’s Corriere della Sera, a major Italian newspaper, has the headline: Polunin, the bad boy of dance “is homophobic”. After recent Instagram postings which were widely … [Read more...] about Rights group asks for Polunin ballet in Verona’s Arena to be cancelled

First photos of Wayne McGregor’s Woolf Works at La Scala with Alessandra Ferri, Federico Bonelli and Company dancers

8 April 2019 by Gramilano Leave a Comment

Woolf Works, Tuesday, with Alessandra Ferri and Company, photo by Brescia e Amisano, Teatro alla Scala 2019

These are the first photos of La Scala's restaging of Wayne McGregor's Woolf Works created for The Royal Ballet in 2015. The work was seen again in London in 2017, and in Milan, two of the original … [Read more...] about First photos of Wayne McGregor’s Woolf Works at La Scala with Alessandra Ferri, Federico Bonelli and Company dancers

Roberto Bolle’s Dance with Me on New Year’s Day features Alessandra Ferri

23 December 2018 by Gramilano 1 Comment

Roberto Bolle presenting the new edition of Danza con me 1

Roberto Bolle’s programme Danza con me (Dance with Me) won the Rose D'Or for the Best European Entertainment programme at the 57th edition of the awards in Berlin in September. Not surprisingly, the … [Read more...] about Roberto Bolle’s Dance with Me on New Year’s Day features Alessandra Ferri

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Gramilano newsletter 2019

INTERVIEWS

Hervé Koubi - photo by Véronique Chochon-01

[Interview] Choreographer Hervé Koubi – If we can dance together, we can live together

Roberto Bolle lays himself bare in Vanity Fair: it’s difficult to say “I love you”

LORE - Wayne McGregor in rehearsals - photo Brescia and Amisano © Teatro alla Scala (45)

Breaking the LORE: Wayne McGregor on his new dance work at La Scala

Cris Devil - Trash Dance - Zanini Arte

Interview: Italian artist Cris Devil – creating his artistic world with irony and passion

Anna Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov in cover art for the Romanza album

Interview with Anna Netrebko on her son, his autism and his abandonment by his father Erwin Schrott

Roberto Bolle, photo by Bruce Weber 2008 crop

Dancing Words – Roberto Bolle talks about his new book

The Angel's Share Dido & Aeneas, photo by Kevin Condon 01

Alek Shrader directs Dido & Aeneas in the Catacombs of New York

Yasmine Naghdi prepares for Gamzatti, photo by Dasa Wharton 16

Interviews with 3 Royal Ballet principals: Nuñez, Cuthbertson, Naghdi

G-100x100

GRAMILANO

Graham Spicer, aka 'Gramilano', is a writer, director and photographer based in Milan. He was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy. His articles have appeared in various publications from Woman's Weekly to Gay Times, and he wrote the Danza in Italia column for Dancing Times magazine. Graham was the historical advisor on Codice Carla, the 2023 documentary on Carla Fracci.

Graham also works as a dance photographer, and his photos have appeared in books, theatre programmes, and magazines, including Dancing Times, Dance Spirit and Ballet2000, as well as all the major Italian newspapers.

He is a member of the Dance Section of The Critics’ Circle.

Since 2022, Gramilano has been pleased to welcome guest authors: Paul Arrowsmith, Donatella Bertozzi, Georgina Butler, Kathrina Farrugia-Kriel, Jonathan Gray, Marina Harss, Ann Haskins, Lily Hyde, Marta Mele, Matthew Paluch, Jann Parry, Lucía Piquero, Graham Watts, Deborah Weiss, and Lydia Wharf.

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