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Attended five very different evenings this last week (21st - 28th March). First up was a trip to Islington, and Kidd Pivot’s Assembly Hall at Sadlers Wells. Dancing whilst lip synching to spoken words almost a Crystal Pite speciality. The decision by committee ruthlessly exposed, and throw in some superb solos/duets, plus Crystal’s astonishing way of moving groups of dancers around the stage, added up to an intriguing evening (apart from a break for a technical hiccup, which broke the mood rather, just as things were getting properly weird!) Next was a slide down into the Linbury to see Sydney Dance Company, with their triple bill Ascent. Loved the short opening piece by AD Rafael Bonachela, the near continuous flow of the two couples of dancers was fascinating, as they filled the space, and veritably bounced off each other. Bonachela came on in the 10mins pause to charmingly introduce the company and thank all involved etc, whilst they changed the flooring/set for ‘The Shell, A Ghost, The Host & The Lyrebird’ (ch Marina Mascarell, plus her dancers). What we saw was as baffling as the title, with people swinging around on ropes, attached to torn flags/sails. I assume they were doing it right, as none were left marooned in the light rig above. Loved the score/forest soundscape (where the Lyrebird made its presence known) but apart from the odd solo, disliked this piece. After the interval (much needed to unscramble brainbox) came Anthony Hamilton’s Forever and Ever. The choreography was stunning and compelling, as the dancers stripped away layers (literally, in most cases, with costumes under costumes) with some couples ‘twinned’ in synchronicity for example - but the ‘music’ was just horrible. The opening solo to blissful silence (I came to relaise very shortly) seemed rather tagged on and as well as she danced it, I felt than an intro of 10-15 seconds would have sufficed. If I see it again, I will enjoy it even more with earplugs Perhaps the quiet highlight of the week for me was at The Place (near Euston) for Mark Bruce’s Frankenstein. After an appetiser of 6 short dances to Mark’s own music (grouped as 'Liberation Day') as a sort of intro to the six dancers (how lovely to some good contemporary dancing to actual music), came a short (50mins) retelling of the Frankenstein tale. Jonathan Goddard was at his most mesmeric as the Monster, though perhaps the star of the show was Guy Hoare’s lighting (despite a technical hiccup - am I a Jonah or something?) allowing maximum use of the space. Came away wishing I had at least one more ticket Wednesday was back to ROH for the MacMillan triple. Charmed by Dances concertante once again, stunned by Sarah Lamb in Requiem, sat out DD in the Floral Hall. (plenty already been said about this bill) Thursday was Sadlers Wells for ENB’s Carmen (ch Johan Inger). Minju Kang as Carmen looks like a star in the making, and surely won’t be a First Artist for long. Found the piece rather episodic, and not particularly emotional or passionate. The movable pillars that acted as scenery seemed more animated at times, than some of the choreography There were moments (mainly when Kang was on stage), but also an awful lot of rolling on the floor or walking about. And Francesca Velicu as ‘The Boy’ ?? The score wrapped around snippets of Bizet’s monumental tunes was well done I thought. Kept feeling there was a great work trying to get out, but it never quite made it. Enjoyable evening though, all told. This week was like recapturing my adventures when I first started to get into dance, when I went to almost everything I could. Sadly though, these days will now need a rest for 2-3 days! (Thank you Easter!)

TodayTix currently has discounted tickets on sale for midweek performances: 27/3, 28/3, 2/4, 3/4 & 5/4

Run time: 2 hours 15 minutes, including a 20 minute interval. The Coliseum is ready to welcome you 75 minutes prior to the performance, with bars open on every floor. Please note: The Coliseum is a cashless venue

Okay, hoping this works (to some extent: posts on another thread indicate that the casting links may not be live yet). The thread also indicates some new hirings we may not have been aware of before. We’re excited to announce principal casting for all existing repertoire works returning in the upcoming Season: Akram Khan’s Giselle, Wayne Eagling’s Nutcracker, Mary Skeaping’s Giselle, and Derek Deane’s Swan Lake in-the-round. Casting for each of these productions is detailed below and on each production page on our website. We can’t wait to share these performances with you! Akram Khan's Giselle 19 – 21 Oct 2023, Palace Theatre Manchester 26 – 28 Oct 2023, Bristol Hippodrome Akram Khan's groundbreaking production returns to Manchester and Bristol for the first time since its inaugural tour in 2016, having astounded audiences across the world. The title role of Giselle will be danced by Lead Principals Fernanda Oliveira and Erina Takahashi, and Junior Soloist Emily Suzuki*. Albrecht will be performed by Lead Principal Aitor Arrieta, First Soloist James Streeter, and Junior Soloist Henry Dowden*. The role of Hilarion will be danced by First Soloist Ken Saruhashi, Soloist Erik Woolhouse, and Junior Soloist Victor Prigent*. Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis, will be performed by Lead Principal Emma Hawes*, and First Artists Isabelle Brouwers and Angela Wood*. Daily casting can be viewed online via the links below. *debut in role in this production View casting Learn more Nutcracker 29 Nov – 2 Dec 2023, Mayflower Theatre Southampton 14 Dec 2023 – 7 Jan 2024, London Coliseum Wayne Eagling's festive classic will light up the stage again this winter, touring to the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton before returning to the London Coliseum. Clara/Sugar Plum will be performed by Lead Principals Emma Hawes, Shiori Kase, Sangeun Lee*, Fernanda Oliveira and Erina Takahashi, Guest Artist Laurretta Summerscales, First Soloists Julia Conway and Katja Khaniukova, Soloist Precious Adams*, and Junior Soloists Ivana Bueno and Francesca Velicu. Nephew/Prince will be danced by Lead Principals Aitor Arrieta and Francesco Gabriele Frola, First Soloists Gareth Haw*, Daniel McCormick and Ken Saruhashi, Soloists Fernando Carratalá Coloma, Skyler Martin*, Lorenzo Trossello and Erik Woolhouse, Junior Soloist Vsevolod Maievskyi*, and First Artist Edvinas Jakonis*. The role of the Nutcracker will be portrayed by First Soloists Daniel McCormick and Junor Souza, Soloist Skyler Martin, Junior Soloists Henry Dowden, Noam Durand*, Rentaro Nakaaki and Victor Prigent*, and First Artists Matthew Astley, Miguel Angel Maidana* and Eric Snyder*. Dr Drosselmeyer will be performed by First Soloists Fabian Reimair, Junor Souza and James Streeter, Junior Soloist Henry Dowden, and First Artist Giorgio Garrett. Daily casting can be viewed online via the links below. *debut in role in this production View casting Learn more Mary Skeaping's Giselle 11 – 21 Jan 2024, London Coliseum Mary Skeaping's heartbreaking Romantic masterpiece will return to the London Coliseum for the first time since 2017. The title role of Giselle will be danced by Lead Principals Emma Hawes*, Shiori Kase*, Sangeun Lee*, Fernanda Oliveira and Erina Takahashi, and First Soloist Katja Khaniukova. Albrecht will be performed by Lead Principals Aitor Arrieta* and Francesco Gabriele Frola*, First Soloists Gareth Haw* and Ken Saruhashi, Soloist Fernando Carratalá Coloma*, and Junior Soloist Vsevolod Maievskyi*. Hilarion will be portrayed by First Soloists Fabian Reimair, Junor Souza* and James Streeter, Soloist Erik Woolhouse*, Junior Soloist Henry Dowden*, and First Artist Giorgio Garrett*. Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis, will be danced by First Soloist Alison McWhinney, Soloist Precious Adams*, Junior Soloists Anna Nevzorova* and Emily Suzuki*, and First Artists Jung ah Choi and Angela Wood*. Daily casting can be viewed online via the links below. *debut in role in this production View casting Learn more Swan Lake in-the-round 12 – 23 Jun 2024, Royal Albert Hall Derek Deane's spectacular in-the-round production of the enduring classic returns to the splendour of the Royal Albert Hall in summer 2024. The dual roles of Odette/Odile will be performed by Lead Principals Emma Hawes*, Sangeun Lee* and Fernanda Oliveira, and Guest Artist Laurretta Summerscales. Prince Siegfried will be danced by Lead Principals Aitor Arrieta* and Francesco Gabriele Frola*, First Soloist Gareth Haw*, and Soloist Lorenzo Trossello*. The role of Rothbart will be portrayed by First Soloists Fabian Reimair, Junor Souza and James Streeter. Daily casting can be viewed online via the links below. *debut in role in this production View casting Learn more

The TodayTix App has stalls and first circle seats at £35. Other offers may be available.

Hi, I’m 15 years old (born in September so I’m almost 16). I am in year 10 now and will be auditioning for colleges in year 11. Recently I have been attending lots of associate program auditions; I was accepted into ballet boost seniors but rejected to enb and csb. I still have my rambert audition tomorrow. I am not sure what to do as csb is my dream college (realistically. I’d LOVE rbs but I’m not sure if I’m talented enough so my dad told me to reduce my expectations, and I chose csb. I’ve done lots of research and it seems like the perfect school for me). I’m a bit heartbroken as I’m not sure what to do now, I have about 6 months before the audition for the college, and if I can’t make it into the associates, I’m not sure how I’ll make it to the college. They don’t respond with feedback either, so there’s no way to know what I need to work on in this limited time too. Does anyone have any advice? What do colleges look for? And especially csb and enb. I’ve tagged my top schools, however I will be audition for a few others, but they include musical theatre which isn’t me so I’d prefer the tagged schools. I’ve just taken my intermediate RAD exam too (literally yesterday) and have already been training in advanced 1 for a while. Thank you so much for any advice you can give, I’m a little stressed and overwhelmed right now 😅

Ive just noticed that TodayTix is offering discounts of up to 52% on Créature ad part of London Theatre week. I think today may be the last day of the offer.

Casting for Bristol and Southampton appears to be up (though you might have trouble getting the page to load correctly, as I did). https://www.ballet.org.uk/production/raymonda/#cast-section

E-mail from ENB - not going to cut/paste the whole thing as takes up far too much space but you get the idea.... Mods...I couldn't find this anywhere else but please move if appropriate ENB at Home: Ballet on Demand and BalletActive Classic titles available to rent and view on demand + online dance and fitness class subscriptions Throughout 2020, we have connected with hundreds of thousands of dance lovers all over the world via our ENB at Home programme of online classes and ballet streams. We are thrilled to announce the launch of a brand new ENB at Home online platform, which will allow us to engage further with our global community and reach new ballet fans everywhere. With Ballet on Demand, you can now rent some of our best-loved titles, including Akram Khan's Giselle, La Sylphide, Dust, and Le Corsaire, and watch them from home! (Rent for three days from £4.99 – no subscription needed ) Ballet on Demand will also host our digital season of short films commissioned specifically for the camera, with choreography by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Russell Maliphant, Yuri Possokhov, Stina Quagebeur and Arielle Smith. These unique dance-film collaborations are unlike anything we've previously done and will premiere throughout November and December. BalletActive takes our online classes to an entirely new level! Subscribe today to take ballet, contemporary and yoga classes with an exciting team of instructors, including Company ballet masters and mistresses. Designed for at-home participation, this is a fitness subscription you'll look forward to using!

headline is 15% off all upcoming productions: Triple Bill, Raymonda, Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Creature plus generous discounts on digital platform services. https://www.ballet.org.uk/blog-detail/world-ballet-day-2022/?utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MAR_GP_WorldBalletDay_221102&utm_content=version_B

After a 2 year delay the long-awaited première of Creature, Akram Khan’s new production dances tonight at Sadlers Wells. I, for one, am very excited.

Official London Theatre have just emailed me an offer for Weds, Thurs & Sunday performances of this programme. Book online to receive 33% off. Promo Code OLT21

Seat AA10 £60 Any takers?

Details can be found here.

I enjoyed a lot of the movement in this piece; those velvety, sumptuous fondue transitions that had a quality of liquid (or stringy mozzarella) that seemed to ripple. I wasn't quite sure of the narrative, if there was one, which sort of left a gap for me. Was I watching nature? Why can't we have more of the shaggy things? What was the meaning or do I have to create one by engaging with the dance in some way?

This was interesting but not as accessible to me as Broken Wings. More visceral overall and colder. Definitely choreography I want to understand and appreciate more.

I'm new to ballet in middle life. I don't know much about it and only have a few weeks of trying it out (Baroque dance is more my thing, but only have a few years experience). Anyway, someone pointed me to ENB's watch party of Broken Wings this week. I'd thought I'd give it a go but wasn't sure what to expect. But wow, I mean WOW!. Moving, comic, sad and sometimes disturbing - completely blown away by it and want to watch it again. But can't! Just very cool and gets me to want to explore more.

Hello, Looking for know how and advice! My son will start y11 in Sept 2019, looking to apply for upper schools for sept 2020. It’s make or break year, and the threat of loss of identity if he doesn’t make it is looming large. His dream is ELmhurst, we will also apply to ENB and Central. He does not want to do a course that is more modern or contemporary. Does anyone have any advice, about the audition process, or what other options there are? We live in London which helps. Are there other options?

I took 2 children aged 7 and 5 to a performance of ENB's My First Ballet: the Sleeping Beauty at Richmond Theatre. They loved it - so job well done. I didn't love it quite so much although I love the concept of these ballets. The ballet was narrated throughout, which was excellent and it also mirrored the mime happening on stage, which I really appreciated. Not sure any of the children did, but never mind. I learned quite a lot about mime. The story of the Sleeping Beauty was changed quite significantly. No spinning wheel (old fashioned I assume), so Aurora is pricked by a rose, not a spindle. This negates the need for the Rose Adagio (as she would have been pricked), but a version of that dance was still presented, but not to the right music! Surely if you are introducing children to the Sleeping Beauty ballet, the most famous dance of all should be represented with the right music which is so famous and so beautiful. Nothing nasty really happens, so Carabosse turns into a good fairy, and the kiss to wake Aurora up is turned into a hug. Oh well, nice for children to think the world is a happy place. The quality of the dancing did not overwhelm but the dancers deserve great credit for keeping their concentration through a noisy audience experience.

The announcement has dropped and he is (a) Ballet Master of the ENB: https://www.ballet.org.uk/people/renato-paroni-de-castro/

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! From Facebook: Nancy Osbaldston, for those unfamiliar with her, won ENB's Emerging Dancer award in 2013 and is properly amazing. Of course, I wish her all the best at her new company. May her career go from strength to strength.

And the press release: English National Ballet Nutcracker / Swan Lake / Manon London Coliseum 13 December 2018 – 20 January 2019 www.ballet.org.uk This Winter, English National Ballet presents three critically acclaimed productions, Nutcracker, Swan Lake and Manon, at the London Coliseum. The company today announces Principal Casting for performances of Nutcracker and Manon, and, an additional performance of Manon. Tamara Rojo, Artistic Director of English National Ballet said: “I’m thrilled that we’re able to give our London audiences as many chances as possible to see this wonderful production by putting on an additional performance. It's also a great opportunity for them to experience the remarkable talent shining across the whole Company, who have all really enjoyed bringing Manon to life." English National Ballet presents Manon, and also Swan Lake, at the London Coliseum in January 2019 following performances of both productions on tour in the UK this Autumn. Famous for its dramatic, challenging and expressive choreography, Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon features some of the most demanding and fulfilling roles in ballet. Manon is accompanied by Jules Massenet’s haunting music performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. English National Ballet’s hugely successful production of the timeless classic, Swan Lake, choreographed by Derek Deane with music performed live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic, will bring some of the most iconic scenes in ballet, and Tchaikovsky’s glorious score, to London audiences once again. Continuing its Christmas tradition of presenting a Nutcracker production every year since 1950, English National Ballet’s Nutcracker returns this festive season, following sold out performances in 2016 and 2017. Over 100 dancers and musicians bring to life the popular Tchaikovsky score featuring the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Waltz of the Flowers, performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. Principal Casting Nutcracker (in the order of Clara, Nephew, Nutcracker) Thursday 13 December Rina Kanehara, Jeffrey Cirio, Fernando Carratalá Coloma Friday 14 December (mat) Fernanda Oliveira, James Forbat, Daniel McCormick* Friday 14 December Erina Takahashi, Isaac Hernández, Aitor Arrieta Saturday 15 December (mat) Katja Khaniukova, Ken Saruhashi, Erik Woolhouse Saturday 15 December Shiori Kase, Francesco Gabriele Frola*, Fernando Carratalá Coloma Sunday 16 December (mat) Fernanda Oliveira, James Forbat, Daniel McCormick Tuesday 18 December (mat) Begoña Cao, Aitor Arrieta, Junor Souza Tuesday 18 December Alina Cojocaru, Francesco Gabriele Frola, James Forbat Wednesday 19 December (mat) Katja Khaniukova, Ken Saruhashi, Erik Woolhouse Wednesday 19 December Rina Kanehara, Jeffrey Cirio, Fernando Carratalá Coloma Thursday 20 December (mat) Begoña Cao, Aitor Arrieta, Junor Souza Thursday 20 December Shiori Kase, Francesco Gabriele Frola, Daniel McCormick Friday 21 December (mat) Francesca Velicu, Ken Saruhashi, Erik Woolhouse Friday 21 December Jurgita Dronina, Joseph Caley, Skyler Martin Saturday 22 December (mat) Erina Takahashi, Isaac Hernández, Aitor Arrieta Saturday 22 December Alina Cojocaru, Francesco Gabriele Frola, James Forbat Sunday 23 December (mat) Jurgita Dronina, Joseph Caley, Skyler Martin Wednesday 26 December (5pm) Shiori Kase, Francesco Gabriele Frola, Daniel McCormick Thursday 27 December Erina Takahashi, Isaac Hernández, Aitor Arrieta Friday 28 December Alina Cojocaru, Francesco Gabriele Frola, James Forbat Saturday 29 December (mat) Rina Kanehara, Jeffrey Cirio, Fernando Carratalá Coloma Saturday 29 December Jurgita Dronina, Joseph Caley, Skyler Martin Sunday 30 December (mat) Francesca Velicu, Ken Saruhashi, Erik Woolhouse Manon (in the order of Manon and Des Grieux) Wednesday 16 January Alina Cojocaru and Joseph Caley Thursday 17 January (mat) Jurgita Dronina and Isaac Hernández Thursday 17 January Begoña Cao and Aitor Arrieta Friday 18 January (mat) Emma Hawes and Rupert Pennefather Friday 18 January Erina Takahashi and Jeffrey Cirio Saturday 19 January (mat) Alison McWhinney and Francesco Gabriele Frola Saturday 19 January Jurgita Dronina and Isaac Hernández Sunday 20 January (mat) Alina Cojocaru and Joseph Caley *Debut in role Casting for Swan Lake to be announced in due course. Casting is subject to change. Please see www.ballet.org.uk for up-to-date casting. ENDS For further information about English National Ballet and to book tickets visit www.ballet.org.uk. Please note performance details are subject to change. Notes to Editors Alongside performances, English National Ballet will host a range of workshops and events throughout the Winter, aimed to provide a gateway into the world of ballet. Activities include on-stage workshops for all ages, Live Drawing, Family Events, and behind-the-scenes talks. For more details, see www.ballet.org.uk/whats-on/ Listings information for 2018 Winter Season: Nutcracker London Coliseum Thursday 13 December – Sunday 30 December 2018 Press night: Thursday 13 December, 7.30pm Box Office: 020 7845 9300 or www.ballet.org.uk/nutcracker Swan Lake London Coliseum Thursday 03 January – Sunday 13 January 2019 Press night: Thursday 03 January, 7.30pm Box Office: 020 7845 9300 or www.ballet.org.uk/swanlake Manon London Coliseum Wednesday 16 January – Sunday 20 January 2019 Press night: Wednesday 16 January, 7.30pm Box Office: 020 7845 9300 or www.ballet.org.uk/manon About English National Ballet English National Ballet has a long and distinguished history. Founded in 1950 as London Festival Ballet by the great English Dancers Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin, it has played a major role in the growth and history of ballet in the UK. Today, English National Ballet is renowned for taking world-class ballet to the widest possible audience through its national and international tour programme, offsite performances at festivals including Glastonbury and Latitude, its distinguished orchestra English National Ballet Philharmonic, and being a UK leader in creative learning and engagement practice and delivery, building innovative partnerships to deliver flagship programmes such as English National Ballet’s Dance for Parkinson’s. Under the artistic directorship of Tamara Rojo, English National Ballet has gained new acclaim as it introduces innovative new works to the Company’s repertoire while continuing to honour and reinvigorate traditional ballet.

ENB kicked off their national tour of Swan Lake last night in Liverpool. It was pretty much full house (= cacophony of rustling papers etc!) but despite distractions it was a nice performance. Jurgita Dronina/Isaac Hernandez/James Streeter took the leads. I enjoyed the performance but overall it didn't get me emotionally this time. The swans were really good very well drilled and the corps de ballet in Act 1 and 3 were also very good. I think Rothbart and the swans were the best bit last night, and I must mention the 2 dancers who replaced Ken Sarasuhi they were both great and I really enjoyed watching them. Junor Souza was in the show but only in Act 3. Sadly Dronina ran out of puff with her fouettes so we didn't quite get the full 32. (I know I'm sorry I count!) The music was beautifully played I thought and it sounded great from my seat in the Circle and thankfully drowned out some of the background noises from those rustlers! I am sure Janet will write a better review than I - I am just about to leave to go down south but just wanted to post a few curtain call photos.

Date is June 11 and the London Coliseum is the venue. Booking here.

Principal casting for The Sleeping Beauty at the London Coliseum in June is now on the ENB Website https://www.ballet.org.uk/production/sleeping-beauty/#cast-section Wednesday 6 June, 7.30pm Alina Cojocaru* and Joseph Caley* Thursday 7 June, 2pm Erina Takahashi and Aitor Arrieta* Thursday 7 June, 7.30pm Maria Alexandrova*† and Aaron Robison* Friday 8 June, 7.30pm Alina Cojocaru and Joseph Caley Saturday 9 June, 2.30pm Jurgita Dronina* and Isaac Hernández* Saturday 9 June, 7.30pm Erina Takahashi and Aitor Arrieta Tuesday 12 June, 7.30pm Maria Alexandrova† and Aaron Robison Wednesday 13 June, 7.30pm Erina Takahashi and Aitor Arrieta Thursday 14 June, 2pm Alina Cojocaru and Joseph Caley Thursday 14 June, 7.30pm Jurgita Dronina and Isaac Hernández Friday 15 June, 7.30pm Maria Alexandrova† and Aaron Robison Saturday 16 June, 2.30pm Shiori Kase* and Cesar Corrales* Saturday 16 June, 7.30pm Jurgita Dronina and Isaac Hernández *Debut in role with English National Ballet †Guest Artist