MrZee

Castings were posted on the ENB website earlier today. Here's the link: https://www.ballet.org.uk/production/swan-lake/#cast-section

Many thanks to Alison for pointing out that jury members of a prestigious international competition like the Benois will have varying levels of professional and personal connections with contestants. It is disheartening that some posters, presumably having no direct knowledge of the voting process under discussion, would lodge accusations of unethical behaviours. Indeed, it is not uncommon for judges, to avoid conflict of interest allegations, to recuse themselves in the affected vote. Absent first-hand, factual information on this year's Benois competition, is it fair to assert "if you are on the jury, you vote"? Congratulations to ALL winners!!!

For Sale: Two tickets to Royal Ballet's "Insights: Swan Lake and Me" at Clore Studio on 6 June at 6:00pm. Tickets are 10 GBP each, and we would prefer to sell them as a pair. Can meet at Opera House to deliver tickets on 6 June, shortly before the event.

McGregor has choreographed six pieces for the Royal (not counting Acis) since Chroma. Has any of those pieces been "picked up" by another ballet company?

Travelled from London to watch ast night's show at Southampton, and our efforts paid major dividends. The performance was spectacular . . . Tamara as Medora was her usual divine self, Vadim as Ali displayed virile power, and Guest Mathew Golding as Conrad showed off his handsome best. Soloists (especially the lovely Lauretta Summerscales) and corps in top form and, as most prior posters have stated, the scenery and costumes are top-notch. Will try to see the show again (and again) at the Coliseum in January. Highly, highly recommend this ballet to anyone interested in enjoying a great time watching excellent dancing!

We echo all the bravos and kudos for your amazing effort!! Quick question: Does pressing the "Print" icon on your schedules result in an Excel spreadsheet document with the wonderful information you've compiled?

"When compiling the list they list UK companies first, European companies next and then the rest of the world depending on the distance from London!" Regarding the foregoing explanation on the list's order, neither Sarasota, Florida, nor Denver, Colorado, is farther away from London than San Francisco, California.

Thanks, Janet, for sharing that the news about Jose's new position was relatively widespread before my post. I was mererly repeating what is common knowledge among some (many?) who're interested in ballet developments at Covent Garden and its environs. As for MAB's invitation to comment on Jose's experience, I prefer not to take the bait. My earlier post on Jose was meant strictly as a tribute to his dancing talents, as well as to express my disappointment that he was so under-utilised in recent years at the RB. It is quite disappointed that my well-intended sentiments have seemingingly been hijacked to repeat a debate on the ENB Board's decision to change artistic leadership at that company.

It saddens us greatly to learn that we will no longer be able to enjoy Jose's amazing technique and stage charisma at Covent Garden anymore. In addition to the many roles he brilliantly performed as noted in prior posts, we will add his breathtaking (both for him and for the audience) performance as the Bronze Idol in La Bayadere. We certainly understand that an Artistic Director's casting decisions embrace many factors and reflect her subjective assessment of who is "right" or "wrong" for each part. But, in recent years, we have searched high and low for a rational reason to explain Jose's absence in many, many roles that he could have performed very well (and, in our opinion, often mcuh better than those who were actually casted). In the end, we audience members were deprived of magical moments that Jose could have contributed to our cultural appreciation. We join others in wishing him every success in his future endeavours. He will be an outstanding Balletmaster and, unquestionably, a valued member of Tamara's artistic team at ENB!!