Pas de Quatre

Or do they have more a more exciting repertoire, and better productions of the classics?

Even if you do categorise it thus, my point was that the pirates and slavers plundered along the coast of East Africa.

The ballet Le Corsaire is set in Arabia which is East Africa, thousands of miles away from West Africa and the transatlantic slave trade.

Sadly people trafficking and modern slavery still exists in many parts of the world.

Old fashioned remedy, wet the heel of the tights using a small spray bottle. If this is not enough put the damp heel in the rosin box. Then put on the shoes. This should make the satin stick. Some people prefer to put the shoes on first and then wet the shoe heel from the outside.

I have just watched up to the famous pas de trois, usually pas de deux for Galas. It is a very jolly production with some fabulous dancing! The filming is from one fixed camera which pans in and out and follows the movement across the stage. Feels more like a simple record rather than a professional production with multi camera angles and cutting between shots. I rather like it as you don't get frustrated by missing bits. Would recommend it!

Thanks for posting this.

Are you only looking at UK schools, or are you interested in European ones too?

Possibly because it is only part of the documentation? There is are legitimate reasons in genealogy to get copies of various peoples birth certificates, but it is also supposed to be a way false identities are created.

I think the problem with birth certificates is that anyone can buy a copy of a birth certificate, not just the person named on it!

There is a piece in The Times here is the link, but it may be paywall protected.Times Article Gergiev

I remember feeling very short changed the first time I saw Giselle without an opening ballet, late 1960s. Someone correct me if I am mistaken, but I don't think they had the music for Peasant Pas de Deux in those days either as the pas de deux, or reworked as other choreography.

They do have an Adults class, but it may not be at a suitable time for you. Why not simply ask, they are very approachable people.

Have a look at Bristol Russian Ballet School. Excellent teaching!

Aren't there some similar costumes in Jazz Calendar?

Nothing surprises me anymore! Some 12 years ago a friend confided in me how distressed she was by the performance her daughter did as part of her A level drama course. The girl had to simulate masterbation on stage. As she was only 17 at the time I would have thought this contravened all sorts of child protection laws. Possibly wouldn't happen now.

I think it wonderful that the Royal visit has been so well publicised. It is obvious that it is not just a duty call, but a real personal pleasure for them. This could be of lasting benefit helping to make ballet fashionable again amongst the "great and good", and lead to more sponsorship/do actions to RB and maybe other companies too.

Great news. Interestingly the ballet companies listed for her dance and conducting experience are those where Aaron Watkins also had experience so he probably knows her well.

That's interesting, I loved Mark Bruce's Dracula, so look forward to Frankenstein!

I don't know when or why this was changed. It was actually known as a "Giselle" arabesque, the upper body leans forward so that it is the same level as the lifted leg, with the head beside the upper leading arm and eye line down. It is meant to re-create the idea of drifting mist in the forest. Too often the line of Wilis with upright backs looks like a row of ducks in a shooting gallery. With regard Giselle & Albrecht's lifts, the impression for the audience should be that he is catching her before she floats away rather than he is lifting her.

They are two different steps. The corps de ballet crossing the stage in arabesque, are what I know as "shunts". They are moving on bent knee travelling forward not up, the aim being to keep the body and arabesque leg level as if on a conveyor belt. Rarely achieved. The same step is used for the diagonals of 4 swans in Act 2 of Swan Lake. The step Giselle is doing is a temps levé (hop) in arabesque, straightening the leg as she become airborne, gently supported/lifted by Albrecht. In some versions this is a series of supported small grand jetés.

Please elaborate Jamesrhblack, I thought I knew all the terminology, both correct and 'ballet slang', but cow hop step is a new one to me!

They are divided into two age groups, with a different list of solos they can chose from which are age appropriate. Winners from the younger group are offered scholarships by renowned schools for further Vocational training, whereas older winners are offered an apprenticeship year in companies.

No I disagree, a new company should be employing their own dancers. There are few enough full time job opportunities as it is.

I have seen the different versions of Swan Song and prefer 3 men.