Sim

I agree, although I don't necessarily agree that the name Shimmer and Shine is cringeworthy: after all, that is what they are hoping to get their students to do. It did make me smile that the name of the teacher is that of a jewel that shimmers and shines! And I am reading the book from the point of view of a very young person (10 years old), in a day and age where kindness, inclusivity, diversity and everyone being a winner in their own way are the norm. When I was a child, many moons ago, I was always told that hard work would pay off. Sometimes it's true, sometimes it isn't. But I am glad I was told that, even if it turned out not to be the case. If no child is told to work hard to achieve their dreams, then none of them would. We don't all achieve our dreams; probably more don't than do, but it's a life lesson and you just have to deal with it and do other things, no matter how deep your disappointment is. But to shatter those illusions in a book for children would be quite cruel, I think. As Aruna said, the descriptions of a ballet class, and why things are done the way they are (even a reminder to drink water to keep hydrated) will be very helpful and interesting for little readers who are interested in learning ballet. I wish Yasmine and Chitra the very best of luck with this book and those to follow.

And then take a photo and share it with the group!

I will be there tonight and on Saturday afternoon and I cannot wait to see these two dance together again, especially in this ballet.

James and Ryo have both posted on social media that they are having surgery today. James is having his knee cartilage 'cleaned up' and Ryo looks like he is having ankle surgery (just a guess as he hasn't specified). James has confirmed that his season his over. I wish them both well and hope that their surgeries are successful. James is hoping to be back for a full 24/25 season. I do hope so; he has been much missed this year (although he has managed a few appearances).

There’s a lovely interview with Yasmine Naghdi in today’s Times, wherein she discusses (amongst other things) what it’s like to dance Swan Lake on a live broadcast, and the technical challenges of the role of Odette/Odile. See today’s links…the article is there with a share token so is accessible to all. She has also posted it on Instagram.

Done.

Ditto.

I think she would make a wonderful Juliet so I hope that she is given the chance next season.

Yes, but other dancers have dashed in when their nights were already underway and didn't get champagne. Or given just a couple of hours' notice to substitute, and didn't get champagne. I think it's a lovely gesture and I would like to think that going forward it would be accorded to other dancers who do the same thing.

Door piano??!! Autocorrect?!

Yes, absolutely deserved. I'm just wondering if this is a new thing to thank last-minute subs on behalf of the RB?

Gosh, that sounds so disturbing. I hope it didn't ruin everyone's night, including the ROH staff. Back to happier things....is that Kevin in the photo giving the champers to FH and MS? If so, what a lovely gesture of thanks. I wonder if other last-minute subs get given the same if it is a House gift?

I have been griping about black tights in ballet for years. I seem to remember that Nureyev tried to avoid them as often as possible as he wanted everyone to see his legs (but of course!).

I agree. I don't remember ever having seen a version of SL in the past 60 years where Siegfried has less to do than he does here!!

I remember seeing a version of SL many years ago (can't remember which company) where Siegfried's body is being carried out of the water (perhaps by Benno) as the curtains open to the prologue music. At the end, therefore, he and Odette are united in death. I don't believe in any kind of life after death, which is why I love the ending where there is eternal life after death. It gives me hope, even though I believe it would never happen. It is, after all, just a fairytale....and the music says to me that there is this redemption. They have defeated evil, and their reward is to go to a better place together for all eternity. I'll take that.

More's the pity, as I think all of your suggestions are excellent!

Clearly I wasn’t referring to after he has been knocked unconscious. That shouldn’t have happened in the first place.

I didn't say anywhere that he triumphs. I just said that he should fight. I would hope that with the imminent prospect of the death of someone you love, you would fight to try to avoid it happening, irrespective of whether you are male or female. I did mention further upthread that I like the 'girl power' aspect of the swans getting their revenge on VR. But I would like it more if Siegfried had put up a good fight, then gone over the rocks to join Odette, then let the swans finish off VR. Nothing to do with 'macho' fights, all to do with fighting for someone you love.

I love things about Act IV: the pdd, the beautiful swans, the way the swans slowly leave the stage during the pdd, the atmospheric lighting. What I dislike about the act is that Siegfried is consigned to the floor for much of the last part. He should be up, fighting VR ! Nor do I like the ending (my preference is for them both to die, then reunite in the apotheosis for eternity, as in Dowell's version), although I think I'm getting used to it.

Or, you just might not have liked it simply because you didn't like it! It's allowed!

How wonderful that she will perform with ABT on that stage again!

This is appalling, but not surprising. It's merely a reflection of where our society is right now. Bravo Wigmore Hall for being so brave.

Should've gone to Specsavers....! 🤓

Probably for her TikTok or Instagram page...

Links – Thursday, 11 April 2024 Review – Australian Ballet, Carmen (Inger), Sydney Opera House, Jansson J. Antmann,Limelight Review – Ballet Oregon, Mixed Bill, Portland, Amy Leona Havin, Oregon Arts Watch Review – Chou Kuan-Jou, Tomato, Taipei, Helen Davidson, The Guardian Review – Ballet Embody, Dance Mosaic, Synergy Space, Maryland, Justin Rustle, MD Theatre Guide Review – Astana Opera Ballet Company, Dreams Come True Gala, Aibarshyn Akhmetkali, The Astana Times Preview – Northern Ballet, Three Short Ballets, Staff, Gramilano Preview – Dance Theater of Harlem Celebrates 55th Anniversary at City Center, NYC, Zita Allen, New Amsterdam News Preview – Grand Kyiv Ballet, Giselle, Los Angeles, Staff, Beverly Press Preview – Joffrey Ballet to Give Free Show in Chicago in June, Stephi Wild, Broadway World Preview – International Ballet Company, Mixed Bill, Majorca, Majorca Daily Bulletin Preview Video - South Carolina Ballet, The Elvis Ballet, Koger Center, Intisar Faulkner, WISTV Article - They Said Ballet Isn’t for Men, Anthony Madu, Newsweek Article – Why Natalie Portman’s Portrayal in Black Swan Still Angers Dancers, Neville Naidoo, Movie Web News – Sarasota Ballet’s New Season Announcement, Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald Tribune Feature – Adult Ballet Intensive Courses (USA), Lindsay Martell, Pointe Magazine Feature – Study Shows Music and Dance Help Alleviate Parkinson’s Symptoms, Staff, Times of India Finally, the feelgood bit at the end: News/Video – Youcef Belouazani Wins Under 19 Irish Dancing World Championship, Belfast Live