Karen Kain will retire as Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada in January 2021 and will be named Artistic Director Emeritus. She has been the company’s Artistic Director since 2005. Toronto Life once said, Under the reign of Karen Kain, The National Ballet of Canada has flowered into one of the most thrilling companies in the world. Kain is the longest-serving … [Read more...] about Karen Kain to Retire as Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada
William Forsythe
English National Ballet’s 70th Anniversary Gala at the London Coliseum
As part of its 70th anniversary season, English National Ballet will celebrate its history with three gala performances at the London Coliseum on 17 and 18 January 2020. The gala performances celebrate the many dancers, choreographers, artists, musicians, artisans, technicians and audience members who, over the company’s 70 years, have been part of the English National Ballet … [Read more...] about English National Ballet’s 70th Anniversary Gala at the London Coliseum
The Mayor of London opens English National Ballet’s new home in East London
English National Ballet’s purpose-built new home in Canning Town East London, was officially opened last night by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and is now open to the public. English National Ballet’s new 8639 sq metre (93,000 sq ft) home houses a production studio with a fly tower, seven full-sized studios, state-of-the-art wardrobe and medical facilities as well as public … [Read more...] about The Mayor of London opens English National Ballet’s new home in East London
Eleonora Abbagnato: Rome Opera Ballet is at an international level through my enthusiasm and dedication
Of course, it was not a simple path and fraught with difficulties, which put everyone to the test, but which allowed the theatre to achieve undeniable results. After the surprising accusations from the unions representing the dancers at the Rome Opera Ballet about Eleonora Abbagnato’s bad behaviour, she has decided that it is time to speak out and put forward her side of the … [Read more...] about Eleonora Abbagnato: Rome Opera Ballet is at an international level through my enthusiasm and dedication
Rome Opera Ballet presents a Philip Glass Evening featuring a new work with Eleonora Abbagnato and Friedemann Vogel
Rome Opera Ballet presents a Philip Glass Evening, which opens 29 March 2019, and features a new work with the company’s director, Eleonora Abbagnato, and guest artist Friedemann Vogel. The programme offers Benjamin Millepied’s Hearts and Arrows, Jerome Robbins’s Glass Pieces, and Nuit Blanche, a new piece by Sébastien Bertaud with designs by Christian Dior Couture. Abbagnato … [Read more...] about Rome Opera Ballet presents a Philip Glass Evening featuring a new work with Eleonora Abbagnato and Friedemann Vogel
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
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”
Dancing Times, August 2018 out now – including latest Danza in Italia column
The latest Dancing Times magazine is now on sale. The August 2018 issue contains my latest Danza in Italia column with thoughts on the new Le Corsaire by Anna-Marie Holmes at La Scala, with company dancers Nicoletta Manni, Timofej Andrijashenko, Martina Arduino and Mattia Semperboni. The theatre also dedicated a series of evenings to Rudolf Nureyev to mark the 80 years since he … [Read more...] about Dancing Times, August 2018 out now – including latest Danza in Italia column
Meeting Alice Bellini, winner of English National Ballet’s People’s Choice Award 2018
Alice Bellini, who graduated from The Royal Ballet School last year, has won this year’s People’s Choice Award at the annual Emerging Artists competition held by English National Ballet to promote its new talent. The People’s Choice Award is voted for by audience members so represents how an artist communicates with the public. This is my first season with English National … [Read more...] about Meeting Alice Bellini, winner of English National Ballet’s People’s Choice Award 2018
Interview with ENB Principal Isaac Hernandez : I’m dreaming of seeing real change
It was a strange feeling that all the work a person can do in their lifetime, seven days a week of dedicating your life, goes out the window and is not even mentioned, is put aside for a headline. It was shocking. Is that how quickly it goes? English National Ballet Lead Principal Isaac Hernandez is talking about recent suggestions that his romantic involvement with the … [Read more...] about Interview with ENB Principal Isaac Hernandez : I’m dreaming of seeing real change