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Hey everyone,I've just recently come along Dance Masterclass, they say it's an online ballet academy. Interestingly, they have Daniil Simkin whom I am a big fan of as a teacher 😄 he has a class on pirouettes. And also Polina Semionova! So I was wondering if some of you already subscribed and how your experience was? Best Nicolas

Define "suitable"? If he hasn't done a lot of open work they'll be a shock to the system, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Depends on the spirit in which he's likely to take being a bit out of his depth. Some kids will take it to heart, some will laugh it off. A one off like that is an experience, not a serious learning thing. I'd happily chuck our 13 year old who's about the same level (in theory) into something like that, but he's done a lot of non-curriculum work now, and wouldn't have much excuse for being out of his depth.

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.

I think they streamed it last year but it was only available live (through Facebook?) and it was the middle of the night for anyone based in Europe.

Oh no! Well done Mum!

Ahh yes, I see. That makes a lot of sense @taxi4ballet I think you're right, that there's a dearth of regular, progressive syllabus-style classes for adult beginners. If you could cope with Zoom, I'd recommend Hannah Frost's beginners classes at Pineapple (which has a great Zoom set up) - she does the same exercises over several weeks, so you can learn the choreography. She does a very good absolute beginners class, I think, and is really welcoming to complete beginners. You can find her on Instagram. I love her classes - she's demanding but funny and sympathetic.

Haven't they streamed it already, or was it only an extract?

Perils of being a graduate. Getting lost when out and about auditioning. If my darling DD had managed to lose her sense of direction in London I could understand. But nope, my darling DD managed to get lost between her airport hotel and the terminal at 5.55am this morning in Gatwick. Calling mum for help! Mmm. My mummy skills are pretty good but that one failed me completely. Resulted in missing the flight! 12 hrs later just about to board next flight home. Bless ‘em all. 😏.

I do have impingements, both age-related and physique-related as well! I've started an 'adult beginners' class, but the teacher changes things every week and we never seem to do the same exercise twice and I never get to the point where I can remember anything. I don't know, but I find it really difficult to do something different every time and I don't think I'm making any progress, so maybe a syllabus class might suit me better really. Which is why I started looking for the Silver Swans classes.

Some teachers at Pineapple & Danceworks are happy to take competent young people. Check the studio websites to see which teachers will take children between 12 and 16. Or ring those studios.

Yes, yes, yes! Excellent point @taxi4ballet I'll be working till I'm 68 I think, on current calculations. I'm lucky - my local studio offers adult dance classes mostly in the evenings, although not Silver Swans. However, I'm not that bothered about Silver Swans - no offence to anyone taking or teaching that programme, but I'd rather do a straightforward ballet class, and adjust for myself whatever my ageing body can't manage - although luckily, I have no age-related impingements. Whether that will be the case in a decade when I'm 70, I don't know! 🤣 And I'm also lucky in that my local in-person teacher runs a very good Absolute Beginners ballet class, so any adult can join and learn. It's a very open ethos at the studio (although I wish there were more advanced classes, but hey ho, we can't have everything).

Pineapple has kids' open classes on a Saturday. Their standard open classes are really aimed at adults, and wouldn't recommend anything than a class designated for beginners (which in London open class terms, typically is pitched around the Grade 5 level) unless he is used to a lot of unset work, as they tend to move fast, and additionally not all teachers will let under 18s join. Adam Pudney's beginner class might be a good fit, lovely guy, and I've seen kids in his class before. Anna du Boisson's General class is often attended by her younger vocational students, though I've never taken it myself.

PRESS RELEASE Fertile Ground presents Myths & Dreams North East Tour 14 - 29 October 2021 www.fertileground.org.uk/2021-22programme “An entertaining and engrossing evening of dance.” British Theatre Guide This October, the North East of England’s touring dance company, Fertile Ground, presents Myths & Dreams at Dance City, Newcastle (14 Oct), The Arts Academy, Sunderland (21 October) and The Maltings, Berwick (29 Oct), with more dates in 2022 to be announced shortly. Combining dance, film and digital sculpture, this captivating programme features works by four of the most exciting and innovative choreographers working today, performed by a cast of emerging dancers from across the North East. Opening the bill is Labyrinth by Artistic Co-Director Renaud Wiser. This inter-disciplinary work is inspired by the myth of the Minotaur and sees the dancers immersed in and respond to a virtual environment created by sculptor Marie Lelouche. Also in the programme is a stage adaptation of Artistic Co-Director Malgorzata Dzierzon’s film Somnium. Created during the pandemic, Somnium looks to capture and express our dreams, memories, anxieties and desires at this time of change, in a collaboration with filmmaker Filipe Alcada and composer Oliver Oates, commissioned by Dance City. Completing the programme is Plubel by rising European choreographers Fabritia D'Intino and Clémentine Vanlerberghe. A finalist in Boris Charmatz’s Danse Élargie competition and performed at Sadler’s Wells in 2019, Plubel is a hypnotic piece that finds individuality within the corps de ballet and questions how the female figure is represented in dance. Founded in 2013 Fertile Ground is dedicated to talent development and retention in the North East and North of England. It aims to nurture, challenge and inspire a new generation of dance artists and to develop and present world class dance to people across the North. The Company’s vision is to make the North East of England the place to dance. Alongside Myths & Dreams there will be an opportunity for audiences to experience the virtual sculptures featured in Labyrinth, to witness their full scale and beauty before watching the dancers interact with the digital sculptures on stage. Listings Fertile Ground Myths & Dreams www.fertileground.org.uk Dance City, Newcastle Thursday 14 October 2021 at 7.30pm Tickets: https://www.dancecity.co.uk/performance/165299/myths-and-dreams-fertile-ground/ The Arts Academy, Sunderland Thursday 21 October 2021 at 7pm Tickets: The Maltings, Berwick Friday 29 October 2021 at 7pm Tickets: https://www.maltingsberwick.co.uk/whats-on/fertile-ground-myths-and-dreams/ Social Media Handles: Instagram: @fertileground.dance Facebook: @fertileground Twitter: @fertilegroundNE Notes to editors Credits: Title: Labyrinth Choreography: Renaud Wiser in collaboration with dancers Performed by: Esmée Halliday, Ellie Marsh, Lila Naruse, Beth Veitch Sculptor and Designer: Marie Lelouche Creative Technologist: Florent Berthaut Lighting Design: Christopher Swain Title: Somnium Concept: Małgorzata Dzierżon Choreography: Małgorzata Dzierżon in collaboration with dancers Performed by: Esmée Halliday, Ellie Marsh, Lila Naruse, Beth Veitch Film director: Filipe Alcada Music: Oliver Coates Lighting Design: Christopher Swain Director of Photography: Fabio Calascibetta Editing and grading: Filipe Alcada John Antony Thadicaran Trailer and photography: Filipe Alcada Title: Plubel Choreography: Fabritia D’Intino & Clémentine Vanlerberghe Performed by: Esmée Halliday, Ellie Marsh, Lila Naruse, Beth Veitch Music: Federico Scettri Lighting Design: Violaine Burgard with Pierre Staigre Photography: Hubert Helleu Supporters credits Fertile Ground 2021/2022 programmes are funded by the Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grants, Dance City, Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, Three Monkies Trust, Scops Arts Trust, Didymus CIO, Barbour Foundation, Leche Trust and the Percy Hedley 1990 Charitable Trust and developed with support from Dance City, Sunderland College and Newcastle College. Somnium is a Dance City 2021/22 Commission.

Press Release: Thursday 23 September 2021  New shows announced at Sadler’s Wells   Sadler’s Wells’ second cohort of Young Associates - Olive Hardy, Vidya Patel, John-William Watson and Magnus Westwell - present the first live performances of their work, following the success of their short films released on Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage earlier this month. The mixed bill in the Lilian Baylis Studio this November showcases the distinct and diverse creative voices of these young artists as they embark on their careers as choreographers. Looking ahead to spring 2022, hit Bee Gees musical Saturday Night Fever is presented at Peacock Theatre, while Gandini Juggling joins the London International Mime Festival line-up in January. Two ballroom shows from Johannes Radebe and Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice, stars of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, are also announced. They join the previously announced show from Strictly’s Aljaž Skorjanec and Janette Manrara at Peacock Theatre in spring 2022. Tickets for newly announced events are on public sale from Monday 4 October at 10 am via www.sadlerswells.com. Booking opens to members from Friday 1 October.    Young Associates LILLIAN BAYLIS STUDIO Mixed Bill Tuesday 23 – Wednesday 24 November    Tickets: £15   This Mixed Bill introduces audiences to the next generation of choreographers, with the first live performances of work by Sadler's Wells' second cohort of Young Associates; Olive Hardy, Vidya Patel, John-William Watson, and Magnus Westwell. This evening of dance showcases the distinct and diverse creative voices of these young artists as they embark on their careers as choreographers. Supported by the Garfield Weston Foundation and the Noël Coward Foundation London International Mime Festival LILIAN BAYLIS STUDIO Gandini Juggling    WORLD PREMIERE LIFE                           Wednesday 12 – Saturday 15 January    Tickets: £20 Under 16’s: £12 LIFE is a new work from masters of contemporary  circus, Gandini Juggling, based on the innovative choreography of Merce Cunningham. Following the success of Smashed, Gandini Juggling’s tribute to another iconic choreographer, Pina Bausch, Sean Gandini and company co-founder and director Kati Ylä-Hokkala have created a work firmly rooted in the Cunningham universe. The result is a captivating and fresh work from pioneers of contemporary juggling – turning a skill into a thrilling and theatrical artform.  LIFE features an original soundscore from Pulitzer Prize winning American composer, cellist and vocalist, Caroline Shaw.  Saturday Night Fever  PEACOCK THEATRE Tuesday 1 February – Saturday 26 March 2022 Tickets: £18-£75 Experience the bestselling Bee Gees soundtrack live on stage in this spectacularly reimagined music and dance extravaganza. Saturday Night Fever returns to London’s West End for 8 weeks only as part of a national tour throughout 2022. Follow the story of Tony Manero as he embarks on a reckless yet thrilling road to dancing success. It’s a homage to the 1977 John Travolta classic with more drama, more music, and hot new choreography which is sure to have you dancing in the aisles. Featuring songs from the bestselling movie soundtrack of all time, including the Bee Gees’ Stayin’ Alive, How Deep Is Your Love, Night Fever, Tragedy and More Than a Woman as well as 70’s favourites Boogie Shoes, Disco Inferno and many more. Johannes Radebe PEACOCK THEATRE Freedom Friday 1 – Saturday 2 April    Tickets: £18 - £65   Strictly Come Dancing sensation and international champion, Johannes Radebe, comes to the Peacock Theatre for the London premiere of his debut tour, Freedom. This is a celebration of the dances that you love, with Johannes’ signature flair and energy. From ballroom to Latin, the company will perform to classic dance arrangements, South African rhythms and party anthems. Johannes will take you on his journey from growing up in South Africa, to travelling the world, winning competitions and starring in Strictly’s most memorable numbers. Anton & Giovanni PEACOCK THEATRE Him & Me Saturday 18 June – Sunday 19 June Tickets: £18 - £65 Get ready for a night out with two of Strictly Come Dancing’s professional dancers and their unforgettable tour, Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice – Him & Me!  Showcasing their unrivalled rapport, they are bringing audiences a collaboration of dance, song and light-hearted fun, joined by a world class cast of dancers and singers. The Ballroom King and the Jive Master bring you Him & Me, produced by Strictly Theatre Co. and directed by Alan Burkitt. This performance may contain haze, smoke, pyrotechnics and flashing lights. Covid Safety    In order to help artists, audiences and staff members to feel safe and enjoy these performances, Sadler’s Wells has introduced a series of safety measures and is closely following all UK Government guidance in presenting these events. Ticket bookers will be sent full information about all coronavirus safety measures in advance of the performance, so that they may plan accordingly and feel as secure as possible during their visit. These guidelines are also available on Sadler’s Wells’ website via the following link, which we keep updated with the latest information, as soon as we have it. If these performances are unable to be presented due to changes to the UK Government’s coronavirus restrictions, customers will be contacted as soon as possible and given the option to receive a full refund. Sadler's Wells, alongside all companies performing in upcoming events, have also followed recommended UK Government protocols in order ensure the safety of all artists and crew involved by creating performances in a covid-secure environment.     Sadler’s Wells Sadler's Wells is a world-leading dance organisation. We strive to make and share dance that inspires us all. Our acclaimed year-round programme spans dance of every kind, from contemporary to flamenco, Bollywood to ballet, salsa to street dance and tango to tap. We commission, produce and present more dance than any other organisation in the world. Since 2005, we have helped to bring close to 200 new dance works to the stage, embracing both the popular and the unknown. Each year, over half a million people visit our three London theatres - Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Lilian Baylis Studio and Peacock Theatre. Many more attend our touring productions nationally and internationally or explore our digital platforms, including Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage. In 2023 we’re opening a fourth London venue in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Sadler’s Wells’ new space will house a 550-seat mid-scale theatre, as well as facilities for a choreographic centre and a hip hop theatre academy. Supporting artists is at the heart of our work. We have associate artists and companies, which nurture some of the most exciting talent working in dance today. We host the National Youth Dance Company, which draws together some of the brightest young dancers from across the country. Sadler’s Wells Breakin' Convention runs professional development programmes to champion and develop the world’s best hip hop artists, as well as producing, programming and touring groundbreaking hip hop performances. Around 30,000 people take part in our learning and engagement programmes every year. We support schools local to our theatres in Islington and Stratford, designing experiences for children and young people to watch, explore and critically engage with the arts. We also run Company of Elders, a resident performance company of dancers aged over 60 who rehearse with renowned artists to make new work for public performances locally, nationally and internationally. Sadler’s Wells is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.

Like many people on this forum, I have not particularly been following what Polunin has been doing of late but from what you report, Fiona, his foundation would seem to be doing some good work.

That would make an interesting stream.

It is absolutely beyond my comprehension why people do not want to be vaccinated! I hope it doesn't disrupt the show.

This sounds like a very sensible approach, Waverley. I agree that the standard of pastoral care and fair, age/skeletally-appropriate teaching is vital, as well as academics. Looking back, I wish I had remembered that despite how small the ballet world is, and despite the omnipresence of the constant, if unspoken mantra, “you’re lucky to be here”, if I wouldn’t have tolerated behaviours by an academic school, I shouldn’t have tolerated them by a ballet school. If you can - and this applies to any full-time ballet school - get as many first-hand experiences from other parents as you can, via DM if preferable, and go with your gut feeling.

Yes, it’s been reported that three of the pro dancers are refusing to be vaccinated and “would rather leave the show” than get their jabs. A BBC spokesperson has denied the claims. If there’s any truth in it, it could cause logistical difficulties if, for example, the three in question are all male or all female, because if I remember rightly, there are only three professionals without a partner this year; two women (Luba Mushtuk and Jowita Przystal) and one man, Cameron Lombard. Let’s hope there are some vaccinated dancers in reserve, just in case!

I'll probably be shot down for saying this but here goes! It seems to me that styles of dance, particularly for men, have changed somewhat. Dancers like Bonelli, Campbell, have a rather more elegant style than some like Sambe, Corales,whose dancing seems to be to be rather more ' flashy ' - very exciting to watch, but quite different to dancers like Campbell. I found it very interesting to watch them both in DAAG. Quite different, both enjoyable - just a case of individual preference. Perhaps Muntagirov manages to combine both styles! I should add that my poor mobility means I can only see RB dancers so my views are a bit limited.

Would they be suitable for a boy of RAD IF standard?

Pineapple have open ballet classes particularly most days in the afternoon, would recommend Emma Northmore’s classes and Roland also

A 13 year old male student of mine is flying with his mum to London next week for a few days. Does anyone know of a drop in class he can take or anywhere that would allow him to watch a boys' class? He has a Covid recovery certificate. I've recommended that they do a tour of the opera house. Any other suggestions? Would the RAD centenary exhibit at the V & A interest him? They will be staying in the Covent Garden area, lucky them! Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

The professional dancers, I think. I don't know what's been arranged as a result.

Isn't there something in the background about a couple of non-vaccinated people? I haven't heard details, so have no idea whether they are professional dancers or celebs. (I seem to know fewer celebs with each passing year!)