Jan McNulty

And also covered in the Links today:

Congratulations to all the nominees!

The press release was issued for release at 8am this morning but I was doing the links and then I was busy. PRESS RELEASE: The 24th National Dance Awards - #NDA24 Announcement of Nominations The Dance Section of the Critics’ Circle is pleased to announce the short-listed nominations for the National Dance Awards (#NDA24). The qualifying period for performances was between 1st January and 31st December 2023. The short-listed nominees are taken from nominations made by the members of the Dance section of the Critics’ Circle. In total there were 311 companies, choreographers, performers and other creative artists nominated, from which the short-listed nominees are: DANCING TIMES AWARD FOR BEST MALE DANCER William Bracewell Paris Fitzpatrick Francesco Gabriele Frola Brandon Lawrence Vadim Muntagirov BEST FEMALE DANCER Sara Baras Jemima Brown Fumi Kaneko Tiler Peck Aishwarya Raut STEF STEFANOU AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING COMPANY Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Birmingham Royal Ballet Nederlands Dans Theater New Adventures The Royal Ballet BEST MID-SCALE COMPANY Acosta Danza Ballet Black Ockham’s Razor Scottish Dance Theatre ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company BEST INDEPENDENT COMPANY Drew McOnie Company Pett I Clausen-Knight Russell Maliphant Dance Company Seeta Patel Dance Tiler Peck & Friends BEST CLASSICAL CHOREOGRAPHY Sara Baras for Alma for Compañia Sara Baras/The Flamenco Festival David Dawson for Four Last Songs for English National Ballet William Forsythe for The Barre Project for Tiler Peck & Friends Wayne McGregor for Untitled, 2023 for The Royal Ballet Seeta Patel for The Rite of Spring for Seeta Patel Dance BEST MODERN CHOREOGRAPHY Kyle Abrahams for Are you in Your Feelings? for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre Drew McOnie for Nutcracker for Drew McOnie Company Kristen McNally for The Limit at The Royal Opera House Crystal Pite and Simon McBurney for Figures in Extinction (1.0) for Nederlands Dans Theater Pam Tanowitz for Song of Songs for Pam Tanowitz Dance EMERGING ARTIST AWARD Nicole-Lily Baisden, musical theatre artist Jordan James Bridge, dancer and choreographer Eric Pinto Cata, artist, Birmingham Royal Ballet Joshua Junker, choreographer, The Royal Ballet Sae Maeda, soloist, The Royal Ballet OUTSTANDING FEMALE MODERN PERFORMANCE Cordelia Braithwaite as Juliet in Romeo + Juliet for New Adventures Jemima Brown in Surge for Tom Dale Company Aditi Mangaldas in Forbidden for Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company Dada Masilo as the Chosen One in The Sacrifice for Dance Consortium Constance Stamatiou in Cry for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre OUTSTANDING MALE MODERN PERFORMANCE Harry Alexander in how did we get here? for Julie Cunningham & Company Paris Fitzpatrick as Romeo in Romeo + Juliet for New Adventures Yannick Lebrun in Dancing Spirit for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre Liam Mower as Edward Scissorhands for New Adventures Charlie Stemp as Bobby Child in Crazy for You OUTSTANDING FEMALE CLASSICAL PERFORMANCE Sara Baras in Alma for Compañía Sara Baras in the Flamenco Festival Isabela Coracy as Nina Simone in NINA: By Whatever Means for Ballet Black Mercedes de Cordoba in Si, Quiero in the Flamenco Festival Fumi Kaneko as Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty for The Royal Ballet Tiler Peck in Turn it Out for Tiler Peck and Friends OUTSTANDING MALE CLASSICAL PERFORMANCE Gareth Haw in Four Last Songs for English National Ballet Ryoichi Hirano as Espada in Don Quixote for The Royal Ballet Brandon Lawrence in Liebestod for Birmingham Royal Ballet Sooraj Subramaniam in The Rite of Spring for Seeta Patel Dance Joseph Taylor as Gatsby in The Great Gatsby for Northern Ballet OUTSTANDING CREATIVE CONTRIBUTION Carlos Acosta for the concept of Black Sabbath – The Ballet for Birmingham Royal Ballet Cormac Begley, musician/concertina player in MÁM for Teaċ Damsa Ravi Deepres, visual artist for UniVerse: A Dark Crystal Odyssey for Studio Wayne McGregor Cassie Kinoshi, composer for Nutcracker for Drew McOnie Company & England on Fire for the Balletboyz Kate Shipway, pianist at The Royal Opera House There are also awards for Best Dance Film and Best Short Dance Film and the nominees in these categories will be announced at the beginning of May. The winners will be announced at a live lunchtime ceremony to be held at The Coronet Theatre on Monday, 3rd June. The Critics’ Circle is grateful to Anda Winters and the team at Coronet Theatre for their unstinting support. The event will also play host to the De Valois Award for Outstanding Achievement for which there are no prior nominations. Although there was a wide spread of nominations covering a record 29 separate companies (+1 from 2022), The Royal Ballet once again tops the list with a total of 11 nominations (down from 14 in 2022), followed by Birmingham Royal Ballet and New Adventures (5 each) and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the Flamenco Festival and Tiler Peck and Friends (4 each). Announcing the nominations, the Chair of the National Dance Awards, Graham Watts OBE, said: “This is the best year yet for the diversity of nominations across the dance sector with a rich list from flamenco, south Asian dance, dance and musical theatre as well as the usual plethora of nominees from ballet and contemporary dance; all spread over a record number of companies.” The National Dance Awards have been organised by the Dance Section of the Critics’ Circle in each year of this Millennium to celebrate the vigour and variety of Britain’s thriving dance culture. They are presented by the Dance Section of the Critics’ Circle, which brings together over 60 dance writers and critics. They are the only awards given by the body of professional dance critics in the UK. The National Dance Awards will be sponsored this year by Marquee TV, Harlequin Floors, Stef Stefanou, International Arts and Cultural Projects Ltd, Tendu, the Ballet Association, London Ballet Circle, The L&M Trust, Lee McLernon, Danza&Danza International, Celeste Fenichel, Fern Potter and others to be announced. The Awards Committee wishes to express grateful thanks to our sponsors, without whom the event would not be possible; to the body of dance critics across the UK for giving their time to ensure the best possible list of nominees; and, above all, the companies, choreographers and performers for providing such a rich variety of choice. To discuss opportunities to sponsor the National Dance Awards contact the Chairman, Graham Watts on graham@g-watts.com or +44 (0) 7710 057252. For further information contact: Graham Watts – Chairman - +44 (0) 7710 057252 - graham@g-watts.com; Fabiana Jaramillo – Executive Secretary - uknationaldanceawards@gmail.com Deborah Weiss – Secretary - dnightingaleweiss@gmail.com Note: The National Dance Awards Committee is: Debra Craine (Deputy Chair), Sarah Crompton, Maggie Foyer, Lynette Halewood, Donald Hutera, Josephine Leask, Bruce Marriott, Emily May, David Mead, Graham Watts OBE (Chair), Deborah Weiss (Secretary) and Lyndsey Winship twitter: @NatDanceAwards Instagram: @national_dance_awards Facebook: National Dance Awards ENDS

Hello @banksy and welcome to the Forum!

Links - Thursday 18 April, 2024 Review - Pacific Northwest Ballet, The Seasons’ Canon, Seattle: Rich Smith, The Stranger Review - Aakash Odedra & Aditi Mangaldas, Mehek, London: Rachel Nouchi, Britihsh Theatre Guide Review - Hong Kong Dance Company, The Legend of Lanling, Hong Kong: Natasha Rogai, South China Morning Post News - San Francisco Ballet reveals 2024-25 season: Graham Spicer, Gramilano Stephi Wild, Broadway World Preview - Northern Ballet, Romeo and Juliet, London: Teresa Guerreiro, Culture Whisper Preview - BRB2, Carlos Acosta’s Classical Selection, UK Tour: Staff, Theatre Weekly Preview Feature - Southern California Ballet, Coppelia, San Diego: Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union Tribune Gallery - Ballet Theatre of Maryland, Sleeping Beauty rehearsal, Annapolis: Stephi Wild, Broadway World Interview - Eric Gauthier, AD Gauthier Dance ahead of his company’s visit to Toronto: Staff, Ludwig Van In Conversation - Maria Khoreva, Mariinsky Ballet, Part 2: Jerry Hochman, Critical Dance Book Feature - The Swans of Harlem highlights 5 pioneering Dance Theater of Harlem ballerinas: Martha Anne Toll, Pointe Magazine Featurette - Ava May Llewellyn, Birmingham Royal Ballet: Chloe Harcombe, BBC News - Anjali Dance Company announces choreographer Gary Clarke as Company Champion: Steve Orme, British Theatre Guide News - Aspen Santa Fe Ballet announces summer season: Staff, Aspen Times News - Hundreds of ballet dancers go on tippy toes simultaneously to break Guinness World Record at NYC’s Plaza Hotel: Georgett Roberts & Natalie O’Neill, NY Post

PRESS RELEASE 17 April 2024 CARLOS ACOSTA’S BRB2 BEGINS SECOND UK TOUR WITH A NEW GLOBAL COHORT OF FIRST-CLASS EMERGING BALLET DANCERS ALL 2023 BRB2 MEMBERS TO JOIN BRB COMPANY AS ARTISTS In Spring 2023, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s (BRB) Director, the world-renowned Carlos Acosta, launched BRB2 - a new initiative through which BRB pro-actively seeks out some of the best young ballet graduates from across the globe. Announced today, after 12 months with BRB2, all five original members of the 2023 cohort will join the Birmingham Royal Ballet Company as Artists at the end of the current season. They are: Jack Easton, Frieda Kaden, Maïlène Katoch, Mason King and Oscar Kempsey Fagg. Now, after a hugely successful inaugural tour in 2023, BRB2 hits the road again with further performances of Carlos Acosta’s Classical Selection, a mixed programme of balletic highlights chosen by Acosta himself, visiting some venues for the first time. Opening in Cheltenham, the tour then visits Poole, Northampton, Canterbury and Peterborough. BRB2’s visit to Canterbury will mark the first time Birmingham Royal Ballet has performed in the city. BRB2 features some of the brightest young stars in the ballet world, hailing from the UK, USA, Ukraine, France, Germany, New Zealand and Australia, and offers a unique opportunity for audiences to be the first to see ballet’s elite rising stars on stage. In this second year the original cohort, who are all joining the main Company as Artists from this Autumn, are joined by five new members of the company selected by Carlos Acosta and Assistant Director Dominic Antonucci. They are: Ariana Allen (UK / Royal Ballet School), Alisa Garkavenko (Ukraine / Princess Grace Academy), Thomas Hazelby (UK / Royal Ballet School), Alexandra Manuel (USA / Royal Ballet School) and Alfie Shacklock (UK/Australia / Royal Ballet School). Alisa Garkavenko trained at Kyiv State Ballet School and Vaganova Ballet Academy in Ukraine. When Russia declared war on Ukraine, Alisa was offered refuge at Monaco’s Princess Grace Academy before joining BRB2. Alisa said: “I think it is really important to have junior companies like BRB2 because this kind of company, they are giving the opportunity to young dancers to show their talent. It’s an incredible experience.” BRB2 is a magnet for the best UK and international talent, providing extensive training and professional experience, sending developed, professional dancers back into the dance sector and providing role models for the next generation. The two-year performance programme provides vital employment for the next generation of exceptional ballet dancers (aged 18-22) to transition from training into jobs at BRB or other leading ballet companies, impacting the dance sector worldwide. BRB2 dancers have danced alongside the main Company, with many from last year’s cohort performing pivotal roles in the current repertoire, including the world premiere of Black Sabbath - The Ballet, The Nutcracker and the current UK tour of The Sleeping Beauty. The music for End of Time and Dying Swans will be performed live by Jeanette Wong (Head of Piano) and Antonio Novais (Principal Cellist). Jeanette will also perform two solo piano pieces by Ravel to accompany a brand-new duet, titled Mirrored, choreographed especially for BRB2 this year by Will Tuckett. Carlos Acosta said: “Everyone was so delighted with how the inaugural year of BRB2 went. It's been a great year, watching the inaugural group of dancers grow and develop, and to welcome the second intake join and quickly establish themselves as vital members of the Company. Many BRB2 artists are already taking important roles in the current The Sleeping Beauty tour (over 41 shows this Spring) and I cannot be more thrilled that all of the initial intake will be joining the Company full-time at the end of this season. It's not just about talent spotting though! My Classical Selection is a brilliant evening of ballet whether you are an established fan or looking for a way to discover what ballet is all about.” BRB’s First Soloist, Kit Holder, will again lead BRB2 as Artistic Coordinator, he said: “Last year’s inaugural BRB2 tour was a huge success and set the bar very high both technically and artistically. It’s been wonderful to support the development of these young dancers who are already becoming seasoned professionals and I’m really pleased that our initial cohort will all be staying on to continue their careers as full members of Birmingham Royal Ballet. I am excited to watch their careers continue to develop and I’m proud to have helped propel them on to continuing success. I’m also excited by the new dancers who have joined us this season to begin their professional careers and I look forward to showcasing the talents of all of these young artists with audiences across the country in the spring.” The programme for the 2024 UK tour includes the world premiere of Mirrored, a wholly new duet created by William Tuckett for BRB2. Further pas de deux include Frederick Ashton’s Rhapsody - premiered at The Royal Ballet in 1980 by Mikhail Baryshnikov and Lesley Collier; August Bournonville’s most famous ballet La Sylphide; the love duet from Swan Lake - probably the most famous pas de deux in ballet; Carlos Acosta’s take on Fokine’s The Dying Swan which features two dancers instead of one (hence The Dying Swans plural) and is double the usual length; Marius Petipa’s Diana and Actaeon pas de deux; Ben Stevenson’s End of Time set to Rachmaninov's gloriously melancholic Sonata in G Minor (3rd movement). In the second half Gustavo Mollajoli’s A Buenos Aires celebrates the spirit of tango to music by Astor Piazzolla; the iconic Edith Piaf’s Je ne regrette rien choreographed by Ben Van Cauwenbergh, whose Jacques Brel-inspired humorous gala piece Les Bourgeois will also feature. Acosta’s choreography for the Carmen pas de deux promises to raise the temperature with Bizet’s heat-seeking score. Will Tuckett’s new duet Mirrored will captivate audiences before Jorges Garcia’s Majisimo closes out the programme, performed to Massenet’s music from Le Cid. See listings information for full tour details. Listings information Everyman Theatre Cheltenham Fri 10 May 7.30pm; Sat 11 May 2pm & 7.30pm The Lighthouse Poole Sat 18 May 2.30pm & 7.45pm Northampton Royal and Derngate Sat 25 May 2.30pm & 7.30pm Marlowe Theatre Canterbury Wed 29 May 2.30pm & 7.30pm New Theatre Peterborough Sat 1 June 2.30pm & 7pm Programme (subject to change) Rhapsody – pas de deux Choreography: Frederick Ashton Music: Sergei Rachmaninov, Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini La Sylphide – Act II pas de deux Choreography: August Bournonville Music: Herman Lovenskiold Swan Lake – Act II pas de deux Choreography, Marius Petipa, Lev Ivanov, Sir Peter Wright Music: Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky The Dying Swans Choreography: Carlos Acosta (after Michel Fokine and Michel Descombes) Music: Camille Saint-Saens Diana and Actaeon – pas de deux Choreography: Marius Petipa, Agrippina Vaganova Music: Cesare Pugni End of Time – pas de deux Choreography: Ben Stevenson Music: Sergei Rachmaninov, Cello Sonata in G Minor (3rd movement) Interval A Buenos Aires Choreography: Gustavo Mollajoli Music: Astor Piazzolla, Primavera Portena Je ne regrette rien Choreography: Ben Van Cauwenbergh Music: Edith Piaf's Je ne regrette rien (Dumont/Vaucaire) Les Bourgeois Choreography: Ben Van Cauwenbergh Music: Jacques Brel’s Les Bourgeois Carmen Choreography: Carlos Acosta Music: George Bizet – Shchedrin Mirrored Choreography: Will Tuckett Music: Maurice Ravel Majisimo Choreography: Georges Garcia Music: Jules Massenet (from Le Cid) Notes to Editors Birmingham Royal Ballet Based at Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Royal Ballet is the United Kingdom’s leading touring ballet company performing a range of traditional, classical and heritage ballets as well as ground-breaking new works with the aim of encouraging choreographers of the future. The Company’s Director since January 2020 is the internationally renowned Carlos Acosta. Birmingham Royal Ballet standardly performs at Birmingham Hippodrome for approximately ten weeks of the year and the remainder of the year tours throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. On average, the Company performs around 100 shows a year nationally and internationally.

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Changing perceptions of the creative and artistic potential of people with learning disabilities in the UK and beyond. ANJALI DANCE COMPANY APPOINTS BRITISH DANCE ARTIST AND CHOREOGRAPHER GARY CLARKE IN BRAND NEW COMPANY CHAMPION ROLE Following the appointment last year as Artists in Residence at their new home at Déda, the Creative Centre for Dance, Contemporary Circus and Outdoor Performance in Derby, Anjali Dance Company is delighted to announce acclaimed British Dance Artist and Choreographer Gary Clarke as its new Company Champion with immediate effect. Established in 1995, Anjali Dance Company has guided people with learning disabilities to establish themselves as dance artists in their own right and has helped to change perceptions of the creative and artistic potential of people with learning disabilities in the UK and beyond. Gary, the first artist to take-up this newly created role, is currently Artistic Director of Gary Clarke Company, one of Art’s Council England’s new NPO’s, touring extensively both nationally and internationally. Gary has previously worked with Anjali Dance Company choreographing Beethoven, the company’s last tour, which formed part of the GENIUS double bill. The work toured nationally and internationally to 18 venues, reaching 4+ live audiences, 712 workshop participants and a digital audience of 136.5K. Commenting on his appointment Gary said “'I am thrilled to be collaborating with Anjali Dance Company as their new Company Champion as they step into an exciting phase of development. “Inclusivity, visibility and diversity is an integral part of our sector growth, and I believe Anjali is at the forefront of breaking down barriers for dance and disability. The company's rigour, professionalism, artistic flair and integrity are all qualities of which we can learn from as we aim to grow into a more progressive and well-rounded industry.” Gary has created stage and site-specific work for a number of companies and organisations including The National Theatre, Opera North, Sky Arts, Akademi, Hull City of Culture and the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He has also worked as a movement specialist on several large-scale feature films including World War Z, and The Mummy. His performance credits include work with Lea Anderson’s The Cholomondeleys & The Featherstonehaughs, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, Lloyd Newson’s DV8 Physical Theatre, Sadler's Wells Productions, Phoenix Dance Theatre and Candoco Dance Company. In 2017, Gary was appointed as an Honorary Fellow at The Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Gary has received a multitude of awards for his work including a UK Theatre Award for Achievement in Dance (COAL), A Critics Circle National Dance Award (COAL), A Herald Angel Award (the Troth) and The Brian Glover Memorial Award. Gary added “My time working with Anjali has always been a rich and enlightening experience and something I deeply treasure as a developing dance artist. My contact with the company continues to broaden my thinking, push my artistry and deepen my understanding. I am honoured to be a part Anjali’s bright and prosperous future.” Anjali Dance Company’s Director Alex Henwood said “We are very excited to welcome Gary as Company Champion, his skills and commitment will be a great asset to us which will help drive the artistic vision of the company.” Working with Alex, Gary’s initial focus will be to support Anjali dancers with their career development, offering opportunities for shadowing and observing, and facilitating wider artistic possibilities within the industry. Gary is currently working with Anjali dancer Nick McKerrow as Nick develops his choreographic practice through his current Arts Council England, Developing your Creative Practice, award. Nick will be visiting Gary in the studio as Gary creates his new company work DETENTION. Gary is also supporting Anjali’s three Research and Development choreographers, Chisato Minamimura, Rebecca Namgauds and Joe Garbett, over the next 6 months whilst they work with the dancers in the studio, to ensure a successful and collaborative process with the company. For further information on Anjali Dance Company and their work please go to www.anjali.co.uk/ Notes to Editors Anjali Dance Company is a leading dance company that celebrates the extraordinary creative potential of people with learning disabilities. We guide them as creative artists, supporting them to demonstrate their extraordinary talents and excellent creative abilities. Established in 1995, we create and perform original work, in collaboration with world-class choreographers, with high production values. Our dancers are treated with utmost respect as artists who happen to have learning disabilities, not as people with learning disabilities who happen to dance. Anjali’s dancers have performed at venues throughout the UK, including the Royal Festival Hall, Sadler’s Wells, the Royal Opera House in London and at venues in Europe and Mexico. Anjali’s 2017 & 2019 original double bill Genius, choreographed by Gary Clarke and Lea Anderson MBE was performed live nationally and internationally in 19 venues, with a digital audience of 136.4k. International links: Anjali has an ongoing seven-year partnership with Buró Cultural in Mexico, which led to international tours, presentations, and the development of a company of learning-disabled dancers in Mexico modelled on Anjali.

And the press release: Press Release Tuesday 16 April 2024 Lynne Charles appointed as Artistic Director of English National Ballet School English National Ballet School is delighted to announce that internationally renowned dancer, teacher, and creator of 4Pointe, Lynne Charles has been appointed as its new Artistic Director, taking up the position in September 2024. Her 35-year international dance career saw her perform with Hamburg Ballet for 12 years, where she was the muse for many of John Neumeier’s creations, and with Bejart Ballet Lausanne, the Ballet National Roland Petit de Marseille, and as a Principal Guest Artist with English National Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet. As the creator and teacher of 4pointe, a somatic and mindful method of working on pointe, Lynne has taught at companies including English National Ballet, Hamburg Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, as well as Royal Danish Ballet School and San Francisco Ballet School. She has also worked as a coach with professional dancers. Of her appointment, Lynne Charles said: “I am delighted to be taking up the role of Artistic Director of English National Ballet School. Over the course of its history ENBS has cemented itself as one of the leading centres for dance training in the world, and it is a privilege to build on this and help produce dancers that are ready to meet the challenges of today. “It is my belief that formal classical ballet training is essential for every dancer to begin their career, and it is my ambition to further develop the syllabus at ENBS to produce well rounded dancers that go on to enjoy successful careers with the top ballet companies in the UK and internationally. “I also plan for ENBS to become the home of 4pointe and be used as a unique tool to enhance the teachers' training and students' education, as well as continuing the programme's far-reaching impact on teachers outside of the School.” Amanda Skoog, Executive Director of English National Ballet School said: “I am thrilled Lynne will be joining ENBS as Artistic Director. Her wealth of experience as both teacher and dancer will mean our students are better placed than ever to establish themselves as world-class dancers. Her experiences in both America and Europe will give ENBS a specific point of difference and open many doors to the School and our students. I look forward to working alongside Lynne and our dedicated teaching faculty as we continue to make ENBS one of the world’s most celebrated centres for classical ballet training. James Mee, Chair of the Board of Governors of English National Ballet School added: “On behalf of the Board I am delighted to welcome Lynne as our new Artistic Director. Lynne’s distinguished career will give ENBS a unique voice in the world of ballet training. I would also like to take this opportunity once again to thank Viviana Durante for her exceptional artistic leadership, vision, and passion over the last five years. Aaron S. Watkin, Artistic Director of English National Ballet said: “I am thrilled that Lynne Charles will be the new Artistic Director of English National Ballet School. Lynne will bring a wealth of knowledge as a renowned ballerina and a world class dance educator. I look forward to continued collaboration with English National Ballet School under her direction.” For over 35 years English National Ballet School has been at the forefront of classical ballet training. Through its full-time Senior School, it trains almost 100 dancers from around the world to fulfil their potential and become exceptional artists. As Artistic Director, Lynne will lead on the artistic vision of the ENBS, setting the standard, style and methodology of the training and development of its students, as well as being responsible for the creation of student performance opportunities and other projects. Lynne will officially take up the role of Artistic Director in September 2024. She succeeds Viviana Durante, who announced at the beginning of the year that she would be stepping down in the summer to pursue other opportunities. Notes to Editors About English National Ballet School English National Ballet School prepares the finest young ballet dancers for a lifetime of achievement, providing world-class training, education, pastoral care and performance opportunities. We provide our students with the confidence, creativity and skills for a career as a professional dancer with the major international companies, and for a future beyond performing. We aspire to be the school of choice for the next generation of ballet artists and to pioneer the future of dance education. www.enbschool.org.uk About Lynne Charles Lynne Charles completed her training at Harkness House for Ballet Arts, the School of American Ballet and the American Ballet Theater School in New York City. As the creator and teacher of 4pointe, a somatic and mindful method of working on pointe. Lynne has taught 4pointe at English National Ballet, Hamburg Ballet, Badisches Staats Theater, Ballet am Rhein Dusseldorf, Les Ballet des Monte Carlo, Royal Danish Ballet, Bundes Jugend Ballet Hamburg, San Francisco Ballet, as well as Royal Danish Ballet School, San Francisco Ballet School and Folkwang University of the Arts. She also works as a coach with professional dancers from around the world. Find out more at www.4-pointe.com Lynne began her dancing career with American Ballet Theater 2nd Company and Geneva Ballet, before joining Hamburg Ballet in 1974. During her 12 years at the company, John Neumeier created multiple roles for her in his ballets The Legend of Arthur, The Sleeping Beauty, As You Like It, Petrushka, Giselle, Firebird, The Age of Anxiety and more. She also danced in Bejart Ballet Lausanne, the Ballet National Roland Petit de Marseille (Scheherazade (created for her), Coppelia, L’Arlesienne, Puss in Boots, The Devil in Love, Nutcracker) and as a guest with Birmingham Royal Ballet, Malmo Ballet in Sweden, Columbia City Ballet in the USA, and Aalto Ballet Essen (Germany). Danced as a Guest Artist with ENB between 1991-1995, performing lead roles in Natalia Makarova’s Swan Lake, Ben Stevenson’s Four Last Songs, George Balanchine’s Symphony in C, John Cranko’s Onegin and The Taming of the Shrew, Rudolf Nureyev’s Romeo & Juliet, and Harald Lander’s Etudes Lynne Charles has worked as a Ballet Mistress, Guest Ballet Mistress and Guest Teacher in companies around the world, including Hamburg Ballet, Ballett am Rhein Düsseldorf, San Francisco Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet, Les Ballet de Monte Carlo, Ballet Im Revier, National Ballet of China, Houston Ballet, Alonso King’s Lines Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet, and more. She has also created works for Finnish National Ballet, National Ballet of China, Slovenian National Ballet, Dortmund Ballet, Aalto Ballet Essen, Royal Danish Ballet School, Badische Staats Ballet and more. Between 2014 and 2019, she was professor of Classical Ballet at the Folkwang University.

I would much prefer it if you shared the links forum rather than the link! We do like to encourage people to at least look through the links. To share a specific post click on the three dots in the top right hand corner and select share. The URL comes up in a box. Copy it and paste it into the thread you want to show it in.

Hello @Chira and welcome to the Forum!

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Links - Wednesday 17 April, 2024 Review - Aakash Odedra & Aditi Mangaldas, Mehek, London: Louise Levene, FT Reviews - Australian Ballet, Carmen (Inger), Sydney: Deborah Jones, Follow Spot Geraldine Higginson, Dance Australia Review - Pacific Northwest Ballet, The Seasons’ Canon, Seattle: Melody Datz Hansen, Broadway World Reviews - Queensland Ballet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Brisbane: Michelle Potter, ... on dancing Denise Richardson, Dance Australia Review - West Australian Ballet, La Bayadère, Perth: Deborah Jones, Follow Spot Review - Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Snow White, Ottawa: Courtney Castelino, Broadway World Review - International Draft Works, London: Maggie Foyer, Seeing Dance Review - Elixir Festival, triple bill, London: Graham Watts, Gramilano Preview - Martha Graham Dance Company, American Legacies (mixed programme), New York: Caedra Scott-Flaherty, NY Observer Preview - Ballet BC, For Ever (mixed programme), Vancouver: Staff, Stir Preview - The Australian Ballet School presents its 60th anniversary showcase, Sydney: Staff, Aussie Theatre Preview - Jefferson Dancers, Annual Spring Concert, Portland: Jean Zondervan, Oregon Arts Watch Feature - Cathy Marston, AD Zürich Ballet, talks about her new ballet Atonement: Laura Cappelle, FT Feature - Why are we still watching La Bayadère: Jo Pickup, Arts Hub Feature - Hay as happiness, beauty and freedom at Joffrey production of 'Midsummer Night's Dream’: Neil Steinberg, Chicago Sun Times Feature - Ballerina graduates from University of Alabama: Tehreem Khan, UAB News - Lynne Charles to lead English National Ballet School: Graham Spicer, Gramilano Stephi Wild, Broadway World Georgia Luckhurst, Stage

Dreadfully sad news. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68824189

It's about Michael Jackson. A simple google search brings up loads of links from when it opened in America in 2022.

For immediate release: Monday 15 April 2024 La Ruta wins Best New Dance Production at the Olivier Awards Last night, Gabriela Carrizo took home the Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production for La Ruta, presented at Sadler’s Wells as part of a triple bill by Nederlands Dans Theater - NDT1. Gregory Maqoma and Thuthuka Sibisi’s Broken Chord, Seeta Patel’s The Rite of Spring, and Time Spell by Michelle Dorrance, Jillian Meyers and Tiler Peck as part of Turn it Out with Tiler Peck and Friends completed the nominees in the Best New Dance Production category, all of which received their UK premieres at Sadler’s Wells last year. Jonzi D was also nominated in the Outstanding Achievement in Dance Award for his artistic direction of Breakin’ Convention Festival 2023, the annual international hip hop dance theatre festival that takes place at Sadler’s Wells Sir Alistair Spalding CBE, Artistic Director and Co-CEO of Sadler’s Wells, said: “Congratulations to Gabriela Carrizo who won the Best New Dance Production award for La Ruta. Gabriela took our audiences into an utterly unique world in La Ruta for NDT – she creates such vivid dreamscapes full of menace and humour in equal measures. We’re thrilled that the category this year reflected the breadth of work that we present here at Sadler’s, from Bharatanatyam to tap, dance theatre to Xhosa and contemporary African styles. This wouldn’t be possible without the support of our generous donors including Brenda Leff and the Blavatnik Family Foundation, so we are extremely grateful for their continued support, which enables us to demonstrate the diversity and richness of the art form.” We’re also delighted that our dear friend, colleague, and inspirational leader Jonzi D was recognised at this year’s Olivier Awards for his huge contribution to hip hop dance theatre with a nomination in the Outstanding Achievement in Dance category. Last year, Breakin’ Convention Festival marked its 20th anniversary with its biggest celebration to date at Sadler’s Wells, spearheaded by Jonzi D and Michelle Norton. We’re delighted to be working on our next enterprise, Academy Breakin’ Convention, with Jonzi, Niquelle LaTouche and the Breakin’ Convention team, which will open at Sadler’s Wells East as part of East Bank. This will continue to recognise the importance of, and platform, hip hop in the wider dance ecology by nurturing and developing young talent. The future is bright.” Gabriela Carrizo, winner of the Best New Dance Production said: “It is with great honour that I receive this award. Special thanks to Emily Molnar, Artistic Director of NDT, the incredible dancers of NDT1, the talented NDT1 technical crew, Louis-Clément da Costa, Raphaëlle Latini, Amber Vandenhoeck, Tom Visser, Francesca Caroti and Peeping Tom. I would like to thank Sir Alistair Spalding from Sadler’s Wells for his support and for bringing La Ruta to London. This award is for all of you, may we continue creating and dreaming together!” Brenda Leff, Sadler’s Wells’ Trustee and Co-Chair of its Development Council: “Dance has always been my passion and it’s a genuine thrill and pleasure to be supporting Sadler’s Wells, making it possible for them to present works that are recognised at prestigious award ceremonies such as the Oliviers. World-leading productions of this quality are an essential part of a great cultural institution and I know from my experience in the US just how much of a difference philanthropy can make. I’m proud to support the talented and visionary creators making work for Sadler’s Wells, and always look forward to many wonderful occasions in the theatre shared by the passionate audiences”. Sadler’s Wells is a registered charity which relies on voluntary support from individuals and organisations to deliver its world-class, award-winning, international programme. Donors make a big difference to Sadler’s Wells’ future as the organisation moves to expand in critical areas. In addition to the recent major gift which has enabled the launch of the new Rose Choreographic Prize and Rose Choreographic School, American philanthropists Brenda and Alexander Leff have pledged £1m over five years to support dance makers and Sadler’s Wells’ artistic programme. The Blavatnik Family Foundation also generously supports major presentations at Sadler’s Wells Theatre including Tiler Peck, NDT and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. These gifts are among the largest ever given to Sadler’s Wells. About 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 more than 200 new dance works to the stage, embracing both the popular and the unknown. Our acclaimed productions tour the world. Since 2005 we’ve produced 64 new full-length works and performed to audiences of more than two million, touring to 51 countries.   Each year, over half a million people visit our three London theatres - Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Lilian Baylis Studio and Peacock Theatre. Millions more attend our touring productions nationally and internationally or explore our digital platforms, including Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage. Sadler’s Wells East In 2024 we’re opening a fourth London venue in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Sadler’s Wells East will house a 550-seat mid-scale theatre, as well as facilities for the new Rose Choreographic School and the hip hop theatre training centre, Academy Breakin’ Convention. Sadler’s Wells East joins the rich cultural heritage of Stratford, opening in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park as part of the East Bank development alongside the BBC, UAL’s London College of Fashion, UCL and the V&A. Sadler’s Wells East will support artist development and training, and the creation of new work. It will build the infrastructure for dance and make it accessible to more people. Sadler’s Wells East will house a flexible theatre presenting a wide variety of dance performances. Community will be at the heart of Sadler’s Wells East with a large open foyer that can be used by everyone as a meeting or performance space. There will also be dance studios and world-class dance facilities for dancemakers to train, create and rehearse productions. Supporting artists 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.    Learning and community links 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.   www.sadlerswells.com   Stay up to date with everything Sadler’s Wells on social media    Facebook: @SadlersWells    Twitter: @Sadlers_Wells    Instagram: @sadlers_wells    YouTube: Sadler’s Wells Theatre

Thanks for the update Michelle.

Media release: 15 April 2024 ELMHURST BALLET COMPANY TO PERFORM ‘MODE’ A mixed bill of dance in London and Birmingham as Elmhurst celebrates 20 years in Birmingham in 2024. New and established dance repertory showcases graduate students of Elmhurst Ballet Company. Mode includes Wayne McGregor’s FAR: the sixth project as part of an ongoing relationship with Studio Wayne McGregor. Elmhurst Ballet Company, the graduate year performance strand of Elmhurst Ballet School presents Mode at the Shaw Theatre, London on Saturday 11 May and Elmhurst Studio Theatre, Birmingham on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 May 2024. The Elmhurst Ballet School initiative, now in its sixth iteration, prepares students for life after school. Like professional dance companies, members take daily ballet class, work with established artists, and deliver outreach sessions in schools in their final year. To bring Mode to the stage, a range of eminent individuals and organisations have passed their dance experience and knowledge on to the 19-strong company. The students have worked collaboratively with Neil Fleming Brown, a Company Wayne McGregor artist to learn FAR. Since its premiere in 2010, FAR has toured the world, picking up accolades for McGregor's ever-insightful vision. Conceived and choreographed by Wayne McGregor, this piece draws inspiration from the Age of Enlightenment and the 18th Century French philosopher Diderot’s seminal encyclopaedia. The work marks the sixth project between Elmhurst Ballet School and Studio Wayne McGregor in a relationship that enables students to explore multi award-winning Wayne McGregor’s cutting-edge choreography and creative process. In the year that Elmhurst Ballet School celebrates 20 years in its current home in Birmingham, the school has collaborated with Birmingham City University’s School of Fashion and Textiles, whose Fashion Design students have meticulously designed and crafted the costumes for new piece À la Mode. Showcasing the fantastic designs of the BCU students, À la Mode takes audiences on a journey across three dance genres- jazz, ballet, and contemporary – all infused with a runway-inspired ambiance. The Company will also dance one of the most celebrated pieces in all of classical ballet when they take on The Kingdom of the Shades from Marius Petipa's La Bayadère. From the first performance in St Petersburg in 1877, the ballet was hailed by contemporary critics and audiences alike as one of Petipa's masterpieces. Members of the graduate company will also be showcased in Fête Galante by Michael Corder- a demanding original work for the company involving a divertissement of varied, classically structured dances in six short movements that reference the styles of 18th century court dances. Another new piece, The Invitation by Sandrine Monin, explores the feelings of a collective pulse of anticipation and the pursuit to grasp a moment in time. An excerpt from Spartacus by Yuri Grigorovich; Keeping the Faith, a new jazz piece by Elmhurst teacher Cris Penfold; and Geōmantía by Scarlett Brass, an Elmhurst Ballet Company artist, complete the programme. Elmhurst Ballet Company members in 2024 are: Lucie Apicella-Howard, Scarlett Brass, Ellis Gilbert, Imogen Hart, Nicholas Hepher, Amy Hickey, Marlo Kempsey-Fagg, Mandy Kwan, Monica Langlois, Victoria Lavalle Mendoza, Yuna Nomura, Gabriele Pitzanti, Nicole Rutter, Hana Sato, Zara Scott, Ida Sorensen, Isabella Streckfuss, Pietro Vittoria, and Kiera Wilkinson. ENDS Elmhurst Ballet Company in Mode in May 2024: Saturday 11 May at 2.30pm & 7.30pm The Shaw Theatre, LONDON Tickets: www.shaw-theatre.com // 020 7666 9037 Friday 17 May at 7pm & Saturday 18 May at 7pm Elmhurst Studio Theatre, Elmhurst Ballet School, BIRMINGHAM Tickets: www.elmhurstballetschool.org/en/whats-on/events/ Notes to Editors About Elmhurst Ballet School Elmhurst Ballet School is a world-renowned centre of dance excellence in association with Birmingham Royal Ballet, which trains young dancers aged 11-19. Celebrating its 100th birthday in 2023, the school was founded in Camberley, Surrey in 1923 and relocated to Edgbaston in Birmingham in 2004. The school aims to nurture individuality through dance training, academics and health & wellbeing and guide students to become independent, collaborative, and versatile artists. Elmhurst's dance training is delivered by current and former dance professionals. The training is enhanced by the association with Birmingham Royal Ballet, an ongoing relationship with Studio Wayne McGregor, and many visiting choreographers and dance artists work collaboratively with the students during the school year. Elmhurst’s exceptional training opportunities is available to young dancers regardless of their financial, social, or cultural backgrounds. Although Elmhurst is an independent school, 89% of students benefit from UK Government support or in-house bursaries to train at the school. Recent graduates are working with companies across the UK and internationally including Birmingham Royal Ballet, New Adventures, Northern Ballet, Scottish Ballet, and the Royal Ballet. Wayne McGregor CBE is President of the school, and Carlos Acosta CBE and Dame Merle Park are listed amongst the school’s Vice Presidents. Elmhurst Young Dancers’ Programme provides weekend pre-vocational training in Birmingham, Manchester, Plymouth, and Sunderland. A new Research and Performance Department is the first in the world to support evidence-based practice in a vocational dance school setting. www.elmhurstballetschool.org Social media: Twitter: @ElmhurstBallet Instagram: @elmhurstballetschool Facebook: elmhurstballetschool

https://kglteater.dk/en/shows?f-type=ballet

That's the one Jane! Thanks

Hello @Howard Bromley and welcome out of the lurking shadows!

Hello @Twinkletoesmama and @DancemumK and welcome to the Forum!

For immediate release PRESS RELEASE Date: 11/04/24 Benesh Movement Notation to train young dancers in Frederick Ashton’s repertoire Image by Martin Bell. The Royal Academy of Dance’s Benesh International has collaborated with The Frederick Ashton Foundation and Royal Ballet School on a new project where Ashton’s choreographies will be taught to young dancers through Benesh Movement Notation (BMN). Students will learn variations from Ashton’s works including Les Rendezvous, The Dream and Les Patineurs. Speaking of the news, Melanie Simpkin, Head of Benesh International says: “This project serves to highlight the use of Benesh Movement Notation in a new and holistic way of training young dancers and introduce them to repertoire at a young age. Benesh Movement Notation is such a valuable tool, not only in the preservation of the repertoire but also as a teaching resource. This project will also serve to introduce notation both to young dancers early in their training, and also to teachers who will quickly learn to see the benefit of teaching from a score rather than from a historical text or video.” Benesh International is the home of Benesh Movement Notation. Devised by Rudolf and Joan Benesh, and first published in 1956, Benesh Movement Notation is a written system for recording human movement. It is most widely used in the recording and restaging of dance works. Benesh International supports the dance profession by preserving choreographic copyright, training the next generation of choreologists, and supporting the Benesh Movement Notation community. Formerly the Benesh Institute, since 1997 Benesh International has been incorporated within Royal Academy of Dance. The notation of each of these choreographies are part of a resource pack for teachers on the Royal Ballet School’s Affiliate Training Programme. Dance teachers will have access to written materials in accompanying resource packs including notated scores of each variation, recorded using Benesh Movement Notation, plus online footage of répétiteurs from The Ashton Foundation coaching students and using the BMN scores as a teaching tool. For more information on Benesh International visit: https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/benesh-international-benesh-movement-notation/ Notes to Editors About the Royal Academy of Dance Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the most influential dance education and training organisations in the world with a strong global membership in 85 countries. Established in 1920 to improve standards and re-invigorate dance training, the Academy helps and encourages its teachers to perfect their teaching skills and pass on this knowledge to their students. There are currently over 1,000 students in full-time or part-time teacher training programmes with the Academy and each year the examination syllabus is taught to thousands of young people worldwide, with around a quarter of a million pupils per year going on to take RAD exams.

Hello @Becca_19 and welcome to the Forum!

The rules in England changed quite some years ago. For other reasons I was googling the other day and it is allowed to do part time work from the age of 13 as long as it complies with fairly strict criteria and does not infringe on your education.

Hello @davy jones and welcome to the Forum!