Jan McNulty

PRESS RELEASE English National Ballet’s 75th Season Announced View the trailer for English National Ballet’s 75th Season here: World premiere of English National Ballet’s new production of Nutcracker choreographed by Artistic Director, Aaron S. Watkin and Arielle Smith The Forsythe Programme to be performed at Sadler’s Wells, featuring the world premiere of a new work created for English National Ballet by William Forsythe Akram Khan’s Giselle returns to London for the first time since 2019 English National Ballet marks its 75th Season with a free, 10-day digital celebration Extensive programme of Engagement work offered alongside performances English National Ballet is thrilled to announce plans for its 75th Season, running from September 2024 - June 2025. Featuring two world premieres, a Company premiere and the return of audience favourites, English National Ballet’s 75th Season celebrates tradition whilst forging innovation - an ethos that has shaped the Company’s rich history and will inspire its future. Artistic Director of English National Ballet, Aaron S. Watkin, said: “In this, English National Ballet’s 75th Season, we will be celebrating the myriad ways that ballet can excite, entertain, and inspire. Be it the renewal of a beloved classic with our new Nutcracker, cherished revivals, or a return to the ground-breaking works of Akram Khan and William Forsythe – this is a season that showcases the many wonderful things that ballet can offer. I am thrilled that English National Ballet continues to attract world-class creative talent. I can’t wait to have Arielle Smith and William Forsythe back in our studios to create work and I know our dancers will be inspired by their presence. Finally, its hugely important to me that we welcome as many people as possible to celebrate our 75th Season with us. I am therefore delighted that we will be presenting a free digital celebration that will enable us to connect with ballet fans and new audiences alike, all around the world.” Having been seen by over 156,000 people in 10 countries and 16 cities around the world, Akram Khan’s Giselle opens English National Ballet’s 2024/2025 Season with a return to London (Sadler’s Wells) for the first time since 2019. In this acclaimed reimagining of the iconic ballet, Khan tells a story of love, betrayal, and redemption. The production features an imposing set designed by Academy Award-winner Tim Yip and a powerful score by Vincenzo Lamagna. Offering audiences the opportunity to see two versions of one of the great Romantic ballets in the same season, Mary Skeaping’s Giselle, will also be performed, touring to the Liverpool Empire and Manchester’s Palace Theatre in the autumn, before returning to the London Coliseum in January 2025. With its beautiful classical language and thoughtful staging, this Giselle features some of ballet’s most dramatic scenes and otherworldly images. Christmas 2024 will see the world premiere of a new production of the classic festive ballet, Nutcracker, choreographed by English National Ballet’s Artistic Director Aaron S. Watkin and Olivier Award-winning choreographer Arielle Smith. The production will take audiences on a fantastical adventure as they join Clara on her journey of discovery, from Edwardian London to the Land of Sweets & Delights. Nutcracker is bought to life by exquisite dancing, spectacular new costumes and sets by Dick Bird, lighting by Paul Pyant, and Tchaikovsky’s instantly recognisable score played live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. English National Ballet’s Artistic Director and joint choreographer of Nutcracker, Aaron S. Watkin, said: “Nutcracker holds a special place in English National Ballet’s history and in the hearts of our audiences. The Company has performed a version of it every year since it was founded in 1950 and it is an honour to be working with Arielle and Dick, to bring new magic and wonder to this much-loved ballet.” Continuing the Company’s commitment to UK touring and sharing world-class ballet with the widest possible audience, Nutcracker will receive its world premiere at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre before performances at the London Coliseum. For the first time, English National Ballet will present a relaxed performance of Nutcracker, at the London Coliseum on 9 January 2025. The creation of this new production has been made possible by Charles Holloway, Lead Supporter of Nutcracker. In spring 2025, English National Ballet returns to Sadler’s Wells, London, with The Forsythe Programme, a triple bill showcasing highlights of master choreographer, William Forsythe’s, broad catalogue of work. Combining ballet classicism and athleticism with the music of Barry White, Natalie Cole and Khalid to name just a few, audience favourite, Playlist (EP) returns alongside New Suite, an arrangement of eight earlier pas de deux set to scores by Händel, Berio and Bach, presented by English National Ballet for the first time. Completing the programme is the world premiere of a new work created for the Company in which Forsythe takes inspiration from the 2nd movement of Prokofiev’s piano concerto number 3 in C major Opus 26; “Tema con Variazioni”. For younger audiences, English National Ballet and English National Ballet School revive My First Ballet: Swan Lake at Sadler’s Wells’ West End venue, the Peacock Theatre, in April 2025. The perfect introduction to the artform, this is a specially adapted version of the world’s most iconic ballet. Featuring choreography by Antonio Castilla, English National Ballet’s Repetiteur, and with a narrator to guide the audience, the production is accessible to children aged three upwards. The run will also include a relaxed performance as part of the My First Inclusive Ballet outreach programme as well as a series of on-stage family workshops. In summer 2025, English National Ballet continues its investment in Emerging Talentprogrammes with the launch of Choreo Labs – a supportive and inspiring environment for Company dancers to develop their skills and explore new choreographic ideas. Open to dancers across the Company, the series will culminate with an in-house sharing session. Choreo Labs is part of English National Ballet’s future commitment to create a wider Emerging Talent performance programme, which will bring together its existing Emerging Dancer event and Choreo Labs. To mark English National Ballet’s 75th Season, a free, 10-day digital celebration will be presented in June 2025. Showcasing English National Ballet’s past, present and future, ENB@75 will feature performance excerpts filmed especially in the Company’s in-house Holloway Production Studio as well as interviews, archive footage and exclusive behind-the-scenes insight. Recognising the important role digital content plays in engaging and inspiring new audiences, English National Ballet offers this as a free to view event. This will be an inclusive opportunity for online audiences around the world to celebrate with the Company at this significant moment in its history. 2024/2025 marks Music Director, Maria Seletskaja’s, first full season in post. Alongside Principal Guest Conductor, Gavin Sutherland, Seletskaja will conduct English National Ballet Philharmonic for performances of Akram Khan’s Giselle, Mary Skeaping’s Giselle and Nutcracker. Also conducting performances of Nutcracker are Daniel Parkinson and Kingsley Lin. With its extensive Engagement programme for 2024/2025, English National Ballet continues to be a leader in creative health and learning and participation practice. The Shared Ground Space Scheme and co-curated Ideas Incubation Labs provide valuable platforms for artist development and support. Alongside this, English National Ballet’s Dance for Parkinson’s, an evidence-based programme delivered nationally via six hub partners, and Dance for Dementia, offer creative health interventions that contribute to better health and well-being through artistry, creativity and community. Insights into the creative industries continue to be offered through our schools programme, Ballet Explored, and there will be celebrations of co-created dance from our youth companies and community performance groups through Re-Play, an annual sharing platform at English National Ballet’s studios. Following its launch in February 2024, the Company’s Ballet Club for children, young people and families resident in Newham, east London, also returns for the 2024/2025 season. Ballet Futures, English National Ballet’s talent pipeline project to incentivise children from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds (African Diaspora, Caribbean, South Asian and South East Asian heritage) to participate in professional training, continues throughout 2024/2025. Now with over 30 students across five schools nationally, this year will see the inclusion of further performance opportunities for the programme’s participants. English National Ballet’s plans for international touring will be announced in due course. On-sale Information: Mary Skeaping’s Giselle and Nutcracker open for priority booking to Friends/ Members on Friday 16 February 2024, with general booking open from 21 February 2024. Tickets for Arkam Khan’s Giselle will be available in spring 2024 and for The Forsythe Programme and My First Ballet: Swan Lake in autumn 2024. Listings Information: (URLs will be live from 2pm, Thursday 15 February) Akram Khan’s Giselle Sadler’s Wells, London Wednesday 18 - Saturday 28 September 2024 www.ballet.org.uk/khan-giselle Mary Skeaping’s Giselle Liverpool Empire Wednesday 23 October – Saturday 26 October 2024 www.ballet.org.uk/giselle Mary Skeaping’s Giselle Manchester Palace Theatre Wednesday 30 October – Saturday 02 November 2024 www.ballet.org.uk/giselle Nutcracker WORLD PREMIERE Mayflower Theatre, Southampton Thursday 28 November – Saturday 30 November 2024 www.ballet.org.uk/nutcracker Nutcracker London Coliseum Thursday 12 December 2024 – Sunday 12 January 2025 www.ballet.org.uk/nutcracker Mary Skeaping’s Giselle London Coliseum Wednesday 15 January – Saturday 18 January 2025 www.ballet.org.uk/giselle The Forsythe Programme (including a WORLD PREMIERE) Sadler’s Wells, London Thursday 10 April – Saturday 19 April 2025 www.ballet.org.uk/forsythe My First Ballet: Swan Lake The Peacock Theatre, London Thursday 17 April – Saturday 26 April 2025 www.ballet.org.uk/myfirstballet ENB @75: A Digital Celebration June 2025 www.ballet.org.uk / ENB’s YouTube Notes to Editors English National Ballet is a National Portfolio Organisation supported by Arts Council England. Ballymore is Principal Building Partner of English National Ballet. English National Ballet is an Associate Company of Sadler’s Wells. Cunard is Production Sponsor for The Forsythe Programme and UK Tour Week Production Sponsor for performances of Giselle by Mary Skeaping. Charles Holloway is the Lead Supporter of Nutcracker. The Wigoder Family Foundation is Principal Benefactor of The Forsythe Programme. The New Work Fund is kindly supported by Ceri & Doug King, Fatima & Mark Grizelle and other supporters who wish to remain anonymous. English National Ballet’s Dance Health programme is supported by Tower Hamlet's Mayor's Community Fund, Derrill Allatt Foundation, D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, The Vandervell Foundation, Linbury Trust, City Bridge Trust, G&K Boyes Charitable Trust and Backstage Trust. About English National Ballet English National Ballet has a long and distinguished history. Founded in 1950 as London Festival Ballet by the great English dancers Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin, it has been at the forefront of ballet’s growth and evolution ever since. English National Ballet brings world class ballet to the widest possible audience through performances across the UK and on eminent international stages; its distinguished orchestra, English National Ballet Philharmonic; its digital platforms Ballet on Demand and BalletActive; being a UK leader in creative learning and engagement practice, building innovative partnerships to deliver flagship Dance Health interventions such as Dance for Parkinson’s and Dance for Dementia, and through talent development initiatives including ENBYouthCo and Ballet Futures which looks to create a more diverse and inclusive future for the artform. English National Ballet continues to add ground-breaking new works to its repertoire whilst celebrating the tradition of great classical ballet, gaining acclaim for artistic excellence and creativity. 2019 saw the Company enter a new chapter in its history with a move to a purpose-built state-of-the-art home in east London, allowing a renewed commitment to creativity, ambition, and connection to more people, near and far, than ever before. About Ballymore Ballymore: 40 years of forward thinking Ballymore is a leading property developer with a multi award-winning portfolio of some of Europe’s largest and most transformative urban development projects. Our projects are defined by their vision, originality and commitment to quality and we are driven to set new, lasting standards in design, creativity and architecture. Every place we create has a unique personality inspired by its location, history, people and culture, nurtured through strong relationships with our expert partners and those we develop with local communities. We enliven areas well before the first foundations are laid and we remain long after the last brick is in place to ensure our customers are well looked after and the communities continue to thrive. Our landmark developments in the UK span the breadth of Greater London, from our new riverside communities in Royal Wharf, London City Island and Embassy Gardens, where we have transformed underused land into lively new neighbourhoods, over to Brentford where we are reconnecting the High Street with the waterfront and revitalising the town centre. In Ireland, we develop homes across a number of counties and have established Dublin Landings as a new commercial centre at North Wall Quay. We are also working in partnership with Diageo and CIE to design and deliver mixed-use developments at the Guinness brewery and Connolly Station in Dublin.

Thursday 15 February 2024 Sadler’s Wells announces full line up for Elixir Festival this April including performances, workshops, artist talks, and films Elixir Festival takes over Sadler’s Wells for two weeks this April with a series of performances, workshops, talks, and films that challenge perceptions around dance and ageing. With works from iconic international artists alongside performances from dancers drawn from local communities in north and east London, the festival asks how do we express our changing bodies and minds as we grow and age? Elixir includes work from artists from 12 countries including Senegal, France, Canada, USA, Germany, UK, Belgium, Tunisia, Sweden, Australia, India, and Spain. Elixir Festival kicks off with a triple bill in Sadler’s Wells Theatre, which features the London premiere of Sadler’s Wells co-production common ground[s] - a duet between the ‘mother of contemporary African dance’ Germaine Acogny and longtime Pina Bausch collaborator Malou Airaudo. The mixed bill also includes a world premiere by Ben Duke a trio for two dancers and a tortoise, commissioned by Sadler’s Wells. Louise Lecavalier’s Blue – a solo adapted from selected sections of her work, So Blue will complete the evening. In the Lilian Baylis Studio, there will be an exchange between Sadler’s Wells Company of Elders & ZooNation Youth Company, Dance On Ensemble present a recreation of Merce Cunningham’s iconic work Story, Mohamed Toukabri performs an intergenerational duet with his mother, and Susan Kempster and Charlotta Öfverholm look into how we view our own bodies as we age in an intimate double bill. Front of House, Christopher Matthews brings an exploration of queer desire later in life. In addition to the live performances, Sadler’s Wells presents a programme of six artist led workshops for older professional and non-professional dancers. Germaine Acogny teaches her Acogny technique, Susan Kempster explores the connection between dance partners. Charlotta Öfverholm investigates self expression in the body with her Age on Stage workshop, which is renowned in Europe. Julene Robinson focuses on the evolution of Jamaican dance forms and Jamaican folk movements. Swing Patrol hosts a workshop in the popular dance style. Company of Elders & ZooNation Youth Company host a brand new intergenerational hip-hop dance theatre workshop. There are two free talks by the choreographers Christopher Matthews and Aakash Odedra, who share their artistic vision and process with audiences. The Mehek Live Symposium, led by Aakash Odedra Company shares their journey and findings on working collaboratively with the community. Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage presents the Elixir Festival Cinema Club in the Fox Garden Court Cafe, a free showcase of films by internationally acclaimed artists including 5 newly commissioned films, with Louise Lecavalier, Aditi Mangaldas, CharlottaÖfverholm, Germaine Acogny, Malou Airaudo, Paco Peña and more. These films are also available on Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage. For the closing weekend of Elixir Festival, Get into Dance Festival invites local community groups from Islington and east London to perform in the Lilian Baylis Studio and the innovative Posh Club hosts an event featuring Azara, Pink Suits, Don One and Posh Club x Dance Club. Sadler’s Wells Learning & Engagement Producer, Christopher Haddow said, 'It's a privilege to work on a festival like Elixir that showcases renowned international artists side-by-side with people who love to dance and live right in our local neighbourhoods. This two-week programme reaches across generations, borders, bodies and genre. Elixir Festival shares a message creatively that dance is for everyone -- through performances, workshops, exhibitions, specially-commissioned films and panel discussions.' About the performances, workshops and artist talks: Germaine Acogny & Malou Airaudo / SADLER’S WELLS THEATRE Louise Lecavalier / Ben Duke UK & WORLD PREMIERE Mixed Bill: common ground[s] / Blue / New Sadler’s Wells commission by Ben Duke Wednesday 10 April Tickets: £15 - £45 The Festival begins with a mixed bill including performances by Germaine Acogny & Malou Airaudo, Louise Lecavalier and the world premiere of a new work by Ben Duke, commissioned by Sadler’s Wells. common ground[s] is performed and inspired by the lives of two renowned dancers and, above all, women, mothers and grandmothers. Germaine Acogny, “the mother of contemporary African dance” and founder of École des Sables comes together with Malou Airaudo, who worked closely with Pina Bausch, performing leading roles in many of her early works. This duet has travelled the world in a double bill with the Pina Bausch Foundation, École des Sables and Sadler’s Wells Production of Bausch’s The Rite of Spring and is now performed in London for the first time after being cancelled due to the Covid pandemic. Louise Lecavalier, former principal dancer of the Montreal-based company La La La Human Steps in the 1980s-90s, presents Blue – a solo adapted from selected sections of her work, So Blue. Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Lost Dog Ben Duke, is creating a new work, a trio for two dancers and a tortoise specially commissioned for the Festival. common ground[s] is a Pina Bausch Foundation, École des Sables and Sadler’s Wells Production The new work by Ben Duke is a Sadler’s Wells commission Workshop - Acogny Technique – Modern African Dance with Germaine Acogny Thursday 11 April 10:30 – 12 pm Studio C, Sadler’s Wells Tickets: £7 Germaine Acogny’s workshop is based on modern African dance utilising her own Acogny Technique in this rare chance to participate in a workshop with one of the pioneers of contemporary African dance. Christopher Matthews SADLER’S WELLS FOYER & THE KAHN Act 3 Wednesday 10 April 4.30pm – Mezzanine Wood Thursday 11 April 5pm – Kahn Tickets: Free admission Act 3 is the final instalment in a trilogy of works by choreographer, performer and visual artist Christopher Matthews. Continuing his studies of intimacy between two figures, Act 3 is an exploration of queer desire in later life, and considers queer masculinity in dance, desire, body image and working-class dance histories. Working with a cast of collaborators aged 60 and above - whose desire was forbidden in their youth - Act 3 considers what it means for these feelings to be hidden. Referencing Kenneth Macmillan’s Bedroom Pas de deux from Romeo and Juliet, the performance unfolds on a mattress, combining surreal visuals with an everyday setting to blur the lines between fantasy and reality. Act 3 is inspired by queer modernism and the work of photography collective PaJaMa. This collective created scenes of magical realism, featuring New York’s young bisexual or gay artists, dancers, and writers in the 1930s and 1940s. A Sadler’s Wells Co-commission Artist Talk - Christopher Matthews Dorfman Room Thursday 11 April 11 – 12:30 pm Free admission Choreographer, performer and visual artist Christopher Matthews discusses his new work Act 3 with choreographer and academic Nicola Conibere. The work is the final instalment in a trilogy of works by Matthews, which considers queer masculinity in dance, desire, body image and working-class dance histories. Continuing his studies of intimacy between two figures, Act 3 is an exploration of queer desire in later life. Mohamed Toukabri LILIAN BAYLIS STUDIO The Power (of) The Fragile Thursday 11 April Tickets: £15 In The Power (of) The Fragile, Mohamed Toukabri invites Latifa, his mother, with him on stage. After being apart for several years, they find each other again in the theatre. Latifa always dreamt of being a dancer; Mohamed made it his profession. The Power (of) The Fragile reflects on what a mother and son relationship can look like, on what it means to be home and to go away. Susan Kempster LILIAN BAYLIS STUDIO & Charlotta Öfverholm UK & WORLD PREMIERE Double Bill: MOTHER & In A Cage Of Light Friday 12 April Tickets: £15 Susan Kempster and Charlotta Öfverholm explore the physicality of different bodies, and how we view our own bodies as we age in an intimate double bill. MOTHER Comissioned by Sadler’s Wells, the world premiere of an intergenerational duet that invites the audience to question intimacy and who we are to each other. Susan Kempster explores the intimate physical connection that two very different bodies can create on stage. In A Cage Of Light In this UK premiere Charlotta Öfverholm looks at our relationship with our own bodies through the lens of a mature dancer, featuring live music, powerful movement and bold characters. MOTHER is a Sadler’s Wells commission Workshop - Age on Stage with Charlotta Öfverholm Thursday 11 April 12:30 – 2 pm Studio C, Sader’s Wells Tickets: £7 Charlotta Öfverholm’s Age on Stage workshop is for anyone over 65 years old, working with her unique movement technique that defies age. The workshop requires no prior dance experience and is about exploring movements and self-expression in the body. Workshop – Improvised partnering with Susan Kempster Thursday 11 April 2:30 – 4 pm Studio C, Sadler’s Wells £7 Susan Kempster explores finding true pleasure in connecting with a dance partner. The workshop will be based on one of the main methods of devising Kempster’s duet piece (part of the performance schedule for Elixir Festival), Mother. Kempster will introduce her signature way of working, with dancers interlinked, finding joy in allowing oneself to relinquish the need to control the situation and enjoy the journey it takes you on. Company of Elders & ZooNation Youth Company LILIAN BAYLISSTUDIO The Exchange WORLD PREMIERE Saturday 13 April Tickets: £15 The Exchange directed by ZooNation Youth Company’s Artistic Director Chaldon Williams explores evolving perspectives, telling stories of our past, present and future selves through dance styles influenced by hip hop culture. Sadler’s Wells Company of Elders for older adults aged 60+ from the local community comes together with the groundbreaking storytellers of ZooNation Youth Company, made up of young dancers aged between 10 and 20 years. Prior to the performance, there will be a film screening of a documentary following the process of making the work commissioned by Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage. The performance will be accompanied by a chance to join the dancers on stage in a post-performance jam. Supported by the Mohn Westlake Foundation Workshop - Company of Elders x ZooNation Youth Thursday 18 April 10:20 – 12 pm Studio C, Sadler’s Wells Tickets: £7 Company of Elders & ZooNation Youth Company will be hosting a brand new intergenerational hip-hop dance theatre workshop based on The Exchange, the brand new intergenerational hip-hop dance theatre piece created by Company of Elders and ZooNation Youth Company. Like the show itself, this workshop will be for dancers from all generations (age 10 – 65 and above). Led by ZooNation Youth Company's Artistic Director Chaldon Williams. Dance On Ensemble LILIAN BAYLIS STUDIO Story, A Re-Imagining & Never ending (Story) Wednesday 17 April Tickets: £20 Berlin’s Dance On Ensemble brings together dancers over the age of 40 with internationally-renowned choreographers to create work that presents their diverse and rich lived experience on stage. They close the Festival with a recreation of an iconic work by Merce Cunningham with Story, a Re-Imagining and present Mathilde Monnier's Never ending (Story), a direct response to Cunningham's work. Originally choreographed in 1963, Merce Cunningham’s Story was never the same show twice. The dancers were able to make choices about their movements, while a new set was constructed for each performance using material found in or near the theatre. Dance On Ensemble draws from archival materials to re-imagine the piece for a new generation with Story, a Re-Imagining. As a further exploration of Cunningham’s Story, Dance On Ensemble asked poet David Antin to respond to the work with an improvised poem Never ending (Story). This poem is the starting point for a piece that explores how movement and thought come together. Workshop - The Evolution of Jamaican Dance form by Julene Robinson Thursday 18 April 12:30 – 2 pm Studio C, Sadler’s Wells Tickets: £7 Julene Robinson explores the evolution of Jamaican dance forms and Jamaican folk movements. Participants will explore old Jamaican folk movement forms such as Kumina, Dinki Mini and Ska and how those movements were impacted by the culture and music, to become what it is today. Workshop - Introduction to Swing Dancing with Swing Patrol Thursday 18 April 2:30 – 4 pm Studio C, Sadler’s Wells Tickets: £7 Swing Patrol host workshops, lessons and social events across London celebrating this ever-popular dance style. Swing dancing and the accompanying jazz music has its roots in African American and Black culture. Artist Talk - Mehek Live Symposium Dorfman Room Friday 12 April 1:30 – 3 pm Free admission For the project Mehek Live, dance organisations Aakash Odedra Company and Moving Together are collaborating to run events with 450 older people from community settings. Elixir Festival hosts the Mehek Live Symposium, which is a way for these artists to share the learnings and experiences garnered throughout this collaborative journey and an opportunity to showcase other examples of artistic excellence that embody the power of community collaboration in creating art that speaks to the heart. About Elixir Cinema Club Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage presents the Elixir Festival Cinema Club, a showcase of films with internationally acclaimed artists including Louise Lecavalier, Aditi Mangaldas, Charlotta Öfverholm, Germaine Acogny, Malou Airaudo, Paco Peña and more. The screenings will be held in The Kahn at Sadler’s Wells, and will last around 50 minutes, admission is free but booking is required. Friday 12 April showings at: 3:15 pm – Closed event for attendees of Mehek symposium 4:15 pm – Closed event for attendees of Mehek symposium 6:45 pm Friday 19 April showings at: 3:30 pm 6:15 pm About the Community Engagement initiatives Get Into Dance Saturday 20 April Through the Get into Dance programme, the communities Sadler’s Wells work with share their time, talent and creativity through weekly dance programmes led by a range of professional dancers. For the closing weekend of the festival, Get into Dance Festival invites Sadler’s Wells community groups to perform in the Lilian Baylis Studio. This will be accompanied by an exhibition of photographs of the programme, by Camilla Greenwell. Posh Club Friday 19 April The Posh Club is a social, dancing and showbiz event, a day club for older people which emphasises dressing up, regular access to live performance, social connectivity and intergenerational volunteering. A smaller scale version of the event will be presented on the Mezzanine Wood at Sadlers Wells for an invited audience of regular Posh Club members who have not visited Sadler’s Wells before. Hosted by Azara, and starring dynamic dance duo Pink Suits, Birmingham’s finest crooner Don One and the in-house dance troupe Posh Club x Dance Club. Elixir Festival is co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union as part of DANCE ON, PASS ON, DREAM ON NOTES TO EDITORS Listings Information Elixir Festival Sadler’s Wells Theatre & Lillian Baylis Studio, EC1R 4TN From Wednesday 10 April 2024 Tickets: £15 - £45 Ticket Office: 020 7863 8000 or www.sadlerswells.com Germaine Acogny & Malou Airaudo / Louise Lecavalier / Ben Duke Mixed Bill: common ground[s] / Blue / New Sadler’s Wells commission by Ben Duke Sadler’s Wells Theatre, EC1R 4TN Wednesday 10 April Tickets: £15 - £45 Ticket Office: 020 7863 8000 or www.sadlerswells.com Christopher Matthews Act 3 Wednesday 10 April – Sadler’s Wells Front of House, Mezzanine Wood Thursday 11 April – Sadler’s Wells Front of House, Kahn Tickets: Free admission Ticket Office: 020 7863 8000 or www.sadlerswells.com Mohamed Toukabri The Power (of) The Fragile Lilian Baylis Studio, EC1R 4TN Thursday 11 April Tickets: £15 Ticket Office: 020 7863 8000 or www.sadlerswells.com Susan Kempster & Charlotta Öfverholm Double Bill: MOTHER & In A Cage Of Light Lilian Baylis Studio, EC1R 4TN Friday 12 April Tickets: £15 Ticket Office: 020 7863 8000 or www.sadlerswells.com Company of Elders & ZooNation Youth Company The Exchange Lilian Baylis Studio, EC1R 4TN Saturday 13 April Tickets: £15 Ticket Office: 020 7863 8000 or www.sadlerswells.com ­ Dance On Ensemble Story, A Re-Imagining & Never ending (Story) Lilian Baylis Studio, EC1R 4TN Wednesday 17 April Tickets: £20 Ticket Office: 020 7863 8000 or www.sadlerswells.com All extra activity can be booked here: https://www.sadlerswells.com/elixir-festival-2024/ 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   

Press release Thursday 15 February 2024 Dance for Ukraine The London Palladium Sunday 18 February 2024 at 6.30pm lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/dance-for-ukraine Ivan Putrov’s second gala in support of his home country Ukraine, ahead of the anniversary of the war Featuring former Bolshoi Ballet superstar Olga Smirnova, making her first UK performances since leaving Russia in protest at the onset of the war Stars of The Royal Ballet Marianela Núñez, Martthew Ball and William Bracewell, and soloists from Ukrainian National Ballet to also perform Funds raised will support the arts in Ukraine, with a new production for Ukrainian National Ballet of Ashton’s La Fille mal gardée, the first British ballet to enter its repertoire Tickets on sale now “…the most passionate display of dance that I have witnessed and the most meaningful." The Daily Telegraph on Dance for Ukraine Ukrainian born dancer and former star of The Royal Ballet Ivan Putrov today announces Dance for Ukraine at The London Palladium on Sunday 18 February 2024, following the success of 2022’s gala that raised over £160,000 net for the Disaster Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Bringing together a cast of international ballet stars, this year’s Dance for Ukraine comes ahead of the second anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion and ongoing war. This special benefit gala will raise much needed funds to support young artists with grants towards their training. Additionally proceeds will be go to make a new ballet production for Ukrainian National Ballet of Sir Frederick Ashton’s La Fille mal gardée. Featuring over 15 pieces performed by leading dancers from Dutch National Ballet, English National Ballet, The Royal Ballet, Ukrainian National Ballet and more, the evening will also include a performance by the ROH Songs for Ukraine Chorus conducted by Ukrainian/Canadian conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson. Selected repertoire and casting for Dance for Ukraine at The London Palladium After the Rain Choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon Performed by Marianela Nuñez & Lukas B. Brændsrød Asuka Choreographed by Asami Maki after Akiko Tachibana Performed by Yuuri Hidaka & Tomoharu Yonekura Carmen Suite Choreographed by Alberto Alonso Performed by Olga Smirnova & Denys Matvienko Dying Swan Choreographed by Mikhail Fokine Performed by Olga Smirnova Forest Song (pas de deux) Choreographed by Vakhtang Vronsky Performed by Olga Golytsia & Volodymyr Kutuzov Gloria (pas de trois) Choreographed by Kenneth MacMillan Performed by Minju Kang, Joseph Taylor & Lorenzo Trossello Gopak from Taras Bulba Choreographed by Rostislav Zakkharov Performed by Volodymyr Kutuzov La Fille mal gardée (pas de ruban) Choreographed by Frederick Ashton Performed by Sabīne Strokša & Philip Fedulov Le Corsaire (pas de trois) Choreographed by Marius Petipa after Joseph Mazilier Performed by Marianna Tsembenhoi, Luca Acri & Vladyslav Bosenko Metamorphosis Choreographed by David Dawson Performed by Sangeun Lee & Gareth Haw Preliwd - World Premiere Choregraphed by Andrew McNicol Performed by William Bracewell Two x Two Choreographed by Russell Maliphant Performed by Grace Jabbari & Ivan Putrov Further repertoire and casting to be confirmed. Subject to change. Of Dance for Ukraine, Ivan Putrov said: “It is a privilege for us in the UK to bring a little light, hopefully, to the people of Ukraine. I am thankful to all the artists, creatives and organisations that have donated their services to this cause, and I am proud Olga has chosen to come to our gala in support of Ukraine and make her first appearance in London since leaving Russia. It has always been a dream of mine to bring La Fille mal gardée to Ukraine and I am thrilled it will become the first British ballet to enter the repertoire of Ukrainian National Ballet for audiences to enjoy for years to come.” Nobuhiro Terada, Artistic Director of Ballet at the of the National Opera House of Ukraine said: “Despite this terrible war, we are continuing to perform and are striving to keep the spirits of our dancers and our audiences high. I can’t imagine a more inspiring way to do this than to add this most delightful and heart-warming gem of British ballet to our repertoire. We are hugely grateful to all of those working to make this possible. We send our thanks and gratitude to Jean Pierre Gasquet, for his generosity, to all of the artists taking part and, of course, to the audience for their support.” Internationally renowned dancer Ivan Putrov was born in Kyiv, Ukraine and trained at The Kyiv State Choreographic Institute before moving to The Royal Ballet School. Following his training he joined The Royal Ballet and was promoted to Principal after just three seasons. Throughout his career he has danced lead roles in all the classics on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, winning numerous awards for his performances. The first Dance for Ukraine, held at the London Coliseum in 2022, was directed by Ivan Putrov and the international ballet star Alina Cojocaru, who trained in Kyiv. The gala featured a huge range of world-renowned dancers and sold out within 48 hours, raising much needed funds to support those in desperate need following the onset of the war. Dance for Ukraine is produced by the charity Inspiration in Motion (Charity number 1167669), that promotes dance and the performing arts, with a particular focus on commissioning and supporting new dance works, as well as looking for opportunities to broaden audiences for dance and support education and training.

Thanks for your review @Irmgard, so beautifully expressed. @FionaM I often seem to differ from other people's opinions!!

From looking at IG so has Beatrice with Tzu-Chao.

Hello @Kate Eastwood and welcome out of the lurking shadows!

Hello @NonStopDance and welcome to the Forum! I've added a couple of extra tags (and discovered that I have been spelling accommodation incorrectly for donkeys years!). If you click on the tags you will get a list of similar threads that may contain useful information.

Ray Young                                  OUT Lilian Baylis Studio Thursday 25 & Friday 26 April 2024 Tickets: £17 Ticket Office: 020 7863 8000 or www.sadlerswells.com © Glodi Miessi Ray Young’s award-winning duet OUT comes to the Lilian Baylis Studio from Thursday 25 – Friday 26 April 2024. OUT defiantly challenges homophobia and transphobia while reclaiming dancehall and celebrating social dance culture. Embracing personal, political, and cultural dissonance; this act of interdisciplinary self-expression smashes through normativity, summoning voices and re-enacting movements in an exhilarating mash-up of remembrance and re-invention. OUT carves out a new kind of space from which to reimagine, reclaim and celebrate aspects of Caribbean culture from a queer perspective.   Created by performance maker Ray Young, OUT won the 2017 South East Dance A Space to Dance Brighton Fringe Award and was nominated for the 2017 Total Theatre & The Place Award for Dance.  The 2024 restaging of OUT is performed by Azara Meghie and Bambi Jordan Phillips and features lighting design by Nao Nagai, set design by Naomi Kuyck-Cohen, sound design by Naomi Jackson and costume design by Mia Maxwell. Esma Allman is Assistant Director, Nandi Bhebhe Movement Director and Nussatari Movement Consultant. Ahead of OUT coming to the Lilian Baylis Studio, Ray Young said “I am extremely excited to be bringing OUT back in 2024, the themes in the work resonate more now than ever before. As queer people we are still living in a world in which it is contentious for us to dare to thrive in our bodies, this is doubly so for our trans siblings whose lives are often under threat from the simple act of living authentically. Surely being able to do this is nonnegotiable. I’m over the moon and hugely privileged to be working with Bambi Jordan Philips and Azara Meghie. Two phenomenal queer performances artists who will step into the work as performers for this iteration of OUT. It is amazing to be kicking off the year with this project!” Rob Jones, Sadler’s Wells Associate Artistic Director said “When I first saw OUT, I was completely mesmerised and shook to the core. The way this work irreverently takes up space and pushes forward an important conversation is a gift. I am beyond excited to welcome Ray Young’s latest iteration of this work to the Lilian Baylis Studio. Both Azara Meghie and Bambi Jordan Phillips are incredible performers in their own right, who are breathing new life into this powerful production. Bring on the dancehall, lasers, pink dance floor and the oranges.” OUT was created with kind support from Arts Council England, The Marlborough Theatre, The Yard Theatre, IBT, Leicester Curve, South East Dance and Greenwich University. The 2024 restaging of the work has been supported by Cambridge Junction and Sadler’s Wells. Relaxed and Audio Described performance with accompanying Touch Tour on Friday 26 April Listings Information Ray Young                                  OUT Lilian Baylis Studio Thursday 25 & Friday 26 April 2024 Tickets: £17 Ticket Office: 020 7863 8000 or www.sadlerswells.com Cast and creative team Creative Director: Ray Young Assistant Director: Esme Allman Performers: Azara Meghie & Bambi Phillips Jordan Producer: Steph Be with Jenna Mason Production Manager: Anna Smith 2024 Production Movement Director: Nandi Bhebhe Movement Consultant: Nussatari Lighting Design: Nao Nagai Set Design: Naomi Kuyck-Cohen Sound Design: Naomi Jackson Sound Engineer: Vincent Robinson Costume Design: Mia Maxwell Assistant Costume Designer: Kyara Chapman Production Dramatherapist: Wabriya King Access Assistants: Mable Cable & Francis Slip Original Co-Creator and Performer: Dwayne Antony 2019-20 Performer and Additional Devising: marikiscrycrycry Original Outside Eye: Joseph Mercier Original Dramaturgical Support: Martin Hargreaves About Ray Young Ray Young is a transdisciplinary performance artist, experience maker, and writer, widely recognized for their groundbreaking work at the forefront of activism, queerness, race, and neurodiversity. Their practice is centered around creating a safe space for those who exist at the intersection of multiple realities, through collaboration and resistance to traditional forms. In recent years, Ray’s work has been focused on exploring and shedding light on notions of rest, care, and recovery in art, particularly as it pertains to the experiences of neurodivergent artists. Ray has been working towards creating a more holistic practice that draws together art, nature, and technology, as they seek to challenge traditional capitalist ideologies of production that prioritize speed and productivity over creativity, care, and wellness. Ray’s work has been presented widely across the UK, including in London, Cambridge, Brighton, Leeds, and Edinburgh, as well as internationally including Portland, Mexico City, and Venezuela. Their groundbreaking contributions to the field of performance art have earned them numerous awards and accolades, and their work continues to push boundaries and challenge conventional notions of what art can be and do. About AZARA Azara is a multi-disciplinary artist that likes to share personal politics on sexuality, gender, racism, classism and homophobia through live art and film using poetry, breakdancing and theatre. Throughout Azara’s developing career, Azara has worked with a variety of artists such as playwright Roy Williams, Company 3, Coral Messam and Freddie Opoku-Addaie. Azara has also performed in The Shakespeare’s Globe production I, Joan, The Dog Show at The Pleasance and the five star Talawa show, Run It Back at Fairfield Halls. Azara’s show Just Another Day and Night, received a four star review from The Guardian and has been shown at Ovalhouse, The Lowry, & The Place amongst other venues across London. Azara really enjoys creating work that unites a desire for introspection within the audience and themself, but through that a celebration of individuality should reign supreme. About Bambi Jordan Phillips Bambi Jordan Phillips is a creative producer, movement artist and model interested in driving artistic work for social change. Bambi quickly became a cornerstone of the London Ballroom Scene, where she is a part of the iconic, Unforgettable House of Revlon and Mother of the Kiki House of Laveaux. Bambi believes in Voguing as a form of social activism - a direct connection to trans embodied ancestry. She creates work that explores identity and the deconstruction of learned ideas of gender, sexuality, desire and race. As movement director, theatre includes: As You Like It (The Globe Theatre) Sundown Kiki Reloaded (Young Vic) Sound of the Underground (Royal Court Theatre) Sundown Kiki (Young Vic). As choreographer, theatre includes: Marie Laveaux (Stanley Arts). like the water (raze collective commission). As a dancer, orchestral concerts include: A Christmas Gaiety (Royal Albert Hall). Years and Years (o2 arena). As dancer, music videos include: Love Me More (Sam Smith), Frankenstein (Rina Sawayama). As choreographer & performer, film includes: 'By Earth Sea and Air, The heart wants what the heart wants (Adham Faramawy); Life Cycles Of Rainbows (India Sky). As producer: The Black Obsidian Ball, at Rivoli Ballroom (part of We Are Lewisham, presented by Lewisham Council & the Albany as part of the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2022). As model: Gareth Pugh, British Vogue, Marc Jacobs, Noki, Dr Marten, Benefit Cosmetics, Hemsley London, Aldo, Schuh, Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Chloe Baines, Killa, Dazed, Fader, Coach. 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   

PRESS RELEASE 13/02/2024 Royal Academy of Dance launches ballet classes for the cancer community in partnership with Fireflies Classes taught by Natalie Hall Natalie Hall and RAD teacher Poppy Barnes with the ballet class participants. Image credit: Royal Academy of Dance Royal Academy of Dance launches ballet classes for the cancer community in partnership with Fireflies Fitness Suitable for both beginners and experienced dancers, classes provide a safe space to connect with others in a similar situation Participating in weekly ballet classes after a cancer diagnosis has numerous benefits that can support reduction of stress and improved confidence. The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) has launched ballet classes for the cancer community. Classes are taught by cancer advocate and RAD teacher Natalie Hall and are delivered in partnership with her fitness company, Fireflies Fitness, for people who have or have had cancer. Classes, which are free of charge and for all abilities, are taught at RAD’s HQ in Wandsworth, London and provide a safe space to escape for cancer patients to meet and connect with others in a similar situation. Class teacher Natalie Hall is a Registered Teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance who received her cancer diagnosis in 2019. Since completing active treatment she studied to become a Personal Trainer and a Level 4 Cancer Exercise Specialist so that she could share the vital benefits she experienced when moving and staying active through cancer. Commenting on the importance of providing classes like these for the cancer community, Natalie Hall said: “Learning to dance and joining the Fireflies and Royal Academy of Dance family has brought love, light and joy to the lives of the beautiful participants of our Ballet for the Cancer Community classes. The physical and mental benefits of dancing and moving through cancer are endless. What is just as beneficial is the emotional support the group offers to each other. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is dark but it is that darkness that enables us to shine even brighter than ever.” Class participant Mel said: “We hold each other. Even though it's not a talking therapy or art therapy, it is therapy. We support each other. We're in tune to each other's movements, emotions - it's really lovely. The classes are helping with mental health, and my balance and memory have improved.” Participating in weekly ballet classes after a cancer diagnosis has numerous benefits that can support: A reduction in side effects A better quality of life Faster recovery times A reduced risk of recurrence Cancer-related cognitive impairment The improvement of mood and reduction of stress, and improved confidence. The RAD’s ballet for cancer classes are in partnership with Fireflies, Natalie Hall’s not-for-profit fitness company which she founded for the cancer community. She provides fitness support for the body and mind and hopes to offer an improved quality of life from the day of diagnosis and beyond through her work. For information on classes at the RAD visit: https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/dance-with-us/our-dance-school-in-london/ballet-for-the-cancer-community-with-the-royal-academy-of-dance-in-partnership-with-fireflies/ For more information about Fireflies, visit: www.firefliesfitness.org Notes to Editors 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. www.royalacademyofdance.org

PRESS RELEASE 12 February 2024 PRODUCTION IMAGES RELEASED FOR BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET’S THE SLEEPING BEAUTY INCLUDING MALE DANCER, GABRIEL ANDERSON'S DEBUT IN THE ROLE OF CARABOSSE DAME DARCEY BUSSELL DBE COACHES DANCERS Gabriel Anderson as Carabosse in Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty - credit Tristam Kenton SIR PETER WRIGHT’S CLASSIC STAGING OPENS A UK WIDE TOUR IN SOUTHAMPTON ALSO VISITING BIRMINGHAM, SALFORD, SUNDERLAND, PLYMOUTH, BRISTOL AND LONDON GABRIEL ANDERSON DEBUTS IN THE ROLE OF CARABOSSE, THE FIRST TIME A MALE DANCER HAS DEBUTED THE ROLE IN THE COMPANY FOR 34 YEARS YU KURIHARA AND BEATRICE PARMA MAKE THEIR PRINCESS AURORA DEBUTS WITH COACHING BY DAME DARCEY BUSSELL DBE 2024 MARKS 40 YEARS OF SIR PETER WRIGHT’S BELOVED PRODUCTION ALINA COJOCARU TO GUEST STAR IN SELECT PERFORMANCES AT LONDON’S SADLER’S WELLS TICKETS FOR ALL VENUES ON SALE AT BRB.ORG.UK Following a sell-out success with one of the most talked about theatrical events of 2023 with Black Sabbath - The Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet has returned to the stage with one of the Company’s most beloved classics, Sir Peter Wright’s sumptuous staging of The Sleeping Beauty. Marking the production’s 40th anniversary year, the 2024 UK tour opened last week at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton where the production played until Saturday 10 February. The tour then continues to Birmingham Hippodrome (21 Feb-2 Mar), The Lowry, Salford (7-9 Mar), Sunderland Empire (14-16 Mar), Theatre Royal, Plymouth (20-23 Mar), Bristol Hippodrome (18-20 Apr) and London’s Sadler’s Wells (24-27 Apr). At select performances on the tour, the role of the villainous Carabosse will be danced by Gabriel Anderson, marking the first time a male dancer has debuted in the role of Carabosse with BRB for 34 years. Other notable male dancers who have danced the role in the Company’s history include previous BRB Director, Sir David Bintley back in 1986. Dame Darcey Bussell DBE has been joining BRB in the studio during the rehearsal process, coaching dancers who will be taking on some of the ballet's most iconic roles such as Princess Aurora - following in the footsteps of Dame Darcey herself. Coached by Dame Darcey, Yu Kurihara and Beatrice Parma will make their debuts as Princess Aurora during the UK tour. For full casting information and performance dates visit brb.org.uk/castsheets. The acclaimed Royal Ballet and English National Ballet Principal, Alina Cojocaru will return to the London stage for special guest star performances at Sadler’s Wells at evening performances on both Thursday 25 April and Saturday 27 April 2023. Throughout her illustrious career, Alina Cojocaru has received acclaim for her performances in classic roles such as Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Giselle and, perhaps most famously, Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty - for which she won the Critics' Circle Dance Award for Outstanding Female Classical Performance in 2017. Alina is a regular guest artist with the Hamburg Ballet as well as appearing with companies across the globe. In 2020, she presented her own programme “Alina at the Wells” at Sadler's Wells. Alina Cojocaru presented and performed in La Strada, a new ballet based on Fellini’s cinematic masterpiece, at Sadler’s Wells in January this year. The 2024 tour of The Sleeping Beauty follows on from the 2023 UK tour of Sir Peter Wright’s Swan Lake -BRB’s most successful spring tour to date, having been seen by over 53,000 people. Last seen on UK stages over six years ago, The Sleeping Beauty continues Birmingham Royal Ballet’s legacy of presenting the acclaimed heritage classics and celebrating the beloved work of its founder, Sir Peter Wright. The Sleeping Beauty is the fourth of Sir Peter Wright’s productions to be presented by the company since autumn 2022, following Coppélia, The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. The acclaimed Royal Ballet Sinfonia performs Tchaikovsky’s glorious score live, with designs by Philip Prowse and lighting design by Mark Jonathan. Sir Peter Wright said: “I find it hard to believe that this tour marks the 40th Anniversary of The Sleeping Beauty. This has always been the most opulent of ballets, but Philip Prowse’s incredible design created a unique fairy tale world (with almost 30 fairy character tutus alone!) that allows dancers to really inhabit some of classical ballet’s most famous roles.” Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet Carlos Acosta said “I am thrilled to be reviving Sir Peter Wright’s production of The Sleeping Beauty in the Spring of 2024. The Company is excited to be delighting audiences once more with this definitive version of one of the great classical ballets, welcoming people of all ages to our performances throughout the UK. "I am also honoured that the acclaimed Principal Ballerina, Alina Cojocaru, will be joining the Company for selected performances at London’s Sadler’s Wells, sharing her celebrated interpretation of the role of Princess Aurora." Listings: Southampton Mayflower Theatre 8–10 February 2024 Birmingham Hippodrome 21 February–2 March 2024 The Lowry, Salford 7–9 March 2024 Sunderland Empire 14–16 March 2024 Theatre Royal Plymouth 20–23 March 2024 Bristol Hippodrome 18 - 20 April 2024 Sadler’s Wells, London 24 - 27 April 2024 Choreography: Peter Wright, Lev Ivanov, Marius Petipa Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Production: Peter Wright Designs: Philip Prowse Lighting: Mark Jonathan 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 100 shows a year nationally and internationally. The Royal Ballet Sinfonia The Royal Ballet Sinfonia is Birmingham Royal Ballet’s permanent orchestra, it is also Britain's busiest ballet orchestra. The Sinfonia also plays frequently for The Royal Ballet and other leading ballet companies, including performances withParis Opéra Ballet, New York City Ballet, Australian Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, the Kirov, Norwegian Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and La Scala Ballet. Alina Cojocaru Born in Bucharest, Alina trained in Kiev for seven years before joining the Royal Ballet School in 1997. Upon completion of her training, six month later, she returned to Kiev, to join the company as a principal dancer. A year later she joined the Royal Ballet Company (November 1999) and at the end of the season she was promoted to Soloist. On 17 April 2001 Sir Anthony Dowell promoted Alina to the rank of principal dancer after her performance of Giselle. Alina performed as a Leading Principal Dancer with the English National Ballet from 2013 until 2020. She continues to perform as a guest artist with companies worldwide, and is a regular guest with the Hamburg Ballet. Alina has organized Gala's in Romania and in London (Hospice of Hope) over the last few years. In February 2012 Alina premiered her Alina Cojocaru - Dream Project, in Tokyo, Japan, which she directed and staged, while performing along side friends and colleagues from the Tokyo Ballet, Hamburg Ballet, ENB and Royal Ballet. Alina's second Dream Project took place in July 2014 and 3rd in February 2020. In 2015 Alina presented a charity Gala at the Lincoln Center NY. In 2020 she presented her own programme “Alina at the Wells” at the Sadler's Wells Theatre in London. Repertory includes: Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Giselle, Princess Aurora and Princess Florine in Sleeeping Beauty, Julie in Liliom, Marguerite Gautier in Lady of the Camellias, Vera and Natalya in A Month in the Country, Kitri in Don Quixote, Olga and Tatiana in Onegin, Cinderella, The Sugar Plum Fairy and Clara in Nutcracker, Titania in Dream, Titania and Hippolyta in a Midsummer nights dream, Ballerina in Etudes, Nikiya in Bayadere, Diamonds in Jewels, Marguerite in Marguerite and Armand, Symphonic Variations, Mary Vetsera in Mayerling, Manon, La Sylphide, In the Night, Las Hermanas, Swanilda in Coppelia, Nina in Seagull ,Scenes de Ballet, Gong, Masquerade, Polyphonia, Symphony in C, Chloe in Daphnis and Chloe, Lise in Fille Mal Gardee, Student in The Lesson, Duo Concertant, The Leaves Are Fading, Other Dances, Voices of Spring, Beyond Bach, Tombeaux, Ondine, Virtiginous Thrill Of Exatitude, Fest Polonaise, Stars and Stribes, Raymonda act 3, Flames of Paris, Medora in Le Corsaire, Flower Festival, Napoli act 3, Grand Pas Classique, Tjakovski Pas de Deux. Musorgski Waltz, Dances at a Gathering, Dying Swan, Rushes, Two Footnotes, Chroma, Bird as a Prophet, No Man's Land, Sylvie in In the Middle somewhat Elevated, Spring and Fall, Approximate Sonata, Des Knaben Wunderhorn and Mahler 5th and many more. Created Roles includes: Musketeer and Valse (Rubina Alla Davidovna), Swanilda(Anatolyi Shekera's Coppelia), Ad infinities (Vanessa Fenton), There where she loves (Christopher Wheeldon), This House will Burn (Ashley Page), Les Saisons(David Bintley), Two Footnotes, Bird as a Prophet, Rushes(Kim Brandstrup), Engram and Chroma(Wayne McGregor), Les Lutins and La Sylphide (Johan Kobborg), Julie in John Neumeier's Liliom, Laura in John Neumeier’s Glass Menagerie, 24 Preludes (Alexei Ratmansky), Solveig in John Neumeier's Peer Gynt, Giselle in Akram Khan's Giselle, Second Breath (Russell Maliphant) and others. As a Guest Artist: She appears with the Kirov Ballet, Paris Opera, Bolshoi Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Hamburg Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet, Hungarian National Ballet, Viena State Opera, Zurich Ballet, National Ballet of Portugal, La Scala, Nacional Ballet Of Cuba, Teatro Colon, National Ballet of Romania, South African Ballet Theater, Kremlin Ballet, Sarasota Ballet, Zagreb Ballet, NBS, The Tokyo Ballet, New National Ballet Company, Zurich Ballet Company. Galas with Hamburg Ballet, La Scala Ballet, National Ballet Of China, Ballet Basel, National Ballet of Latvia, Munich Ballet, Dortmund Ballet, National Ballet of Finland, Morphoses Company, The 10/11/12/13 and 14th World Ballet Festival (Tokyo), Fall for Dance Festival 2016 and 2018 as well as galas in South Korea, Portugal, Italy, Sweden, USA and Denmark. Prizes and awards includes: Critics' Circle Dance Award ( 2002 Best female dancer, 2018 outstanding female classical performance Aurora in Sleeping Beauty , 2017 Giselle in Akram Khan) Dance for You Magazine (2014 Best dancer (Juliet and Giselle / Ch. Neumeier)), Taglioni-European Ballet Award (2014 Best female dancer), German Dance critics award (2012 Dancer of the year), Benois De la Dance (2012 Best female dancer, (Liliom)), "Ballerina of the Decade" Award (Moscow 2010), VIP Romanian music and performing arts Award (2010). The Nijinsky Award (2004 Best female Dancer). Benois De la Dance (2004 Best female dancer, (Giselle)), 1 Internationaler Movimentos Tanz Preis (2004 Best female dancer), Nagoya International Ballet Competition(Gold Medal), Prix De Lausanne (1997 Winner), April 2002 she was given by the president of Romania Ion Iliescu, the medal of Cavaler of Romania (Ordinul national "Pentru Merit"in gradul de cavaler). Video,TV and live relays include: Kennedy Center Awards 2012, Swan Lake, Cinderella, Nutcracker, Onegin, Daphnis and Chloe, Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, The South Bank Show, The Dream, Manon, Cinderella, Romeo and Juliet,Mime Matters, Don Quixote and pas de deuxs in various galas.

My priority booking for BRB in Birmingham opened yesterday. I’ve currently got very intermittent internet and decided to wait till I got home this evening. I finally got some coverage on the coach and booked all the tickets I wanted in less than 10 minutes. Mr Bank Manager was absolutely not amused! I did notice a statement during the booking advising that if you were an access member you should log into your account first to see what was available in terms of access requirements. BTW - good discounts for booking more than one show too.

I’ve no idea how ticket sales are going for the Autumn tour but Stratford is already heavily sold. None of us know what is going on behind the scenes to save the orchestra. I feel sad for Federico and David Collins as I am sure they can’t have known the precarious state of the company when they took up their posts just over a year ago.

I just took it to mean that some of those dancers from the last tour may not be available and new dancers would be appearing. New Adventures could have more than one production touring the world. At the moment we have Scissorhands and R&J is in the US.

I’m thrilled Gabriel will be dancing Carabosse!!

Oh Michelle, I’m so sorry and I hope your health starts to improve with the medication. I do hope, if you feel you can, that you keep us updated.

@Pas de Quatre you mentioned that at other performances Carabosse is danced by a man. As far as I am aware, in this production Carabosse has not been danced by a man since the wonderful David Morse retired. Do you have some sort of inkling that Carabosse may be danced by a man in this run? I thought both Chi Cao and James Barton would have been wonderful as Carabosse in comparatively recent times.

Hello @Albus1234 and welcome to the Forum!

Miss Hirata is now Komodo Hirata according to the Telegraph! I can’t wait to read your reports.

Press Release: English National Ballet Emerging Dancer 2024 Sadler’s Wells, London Friday 24 May, 7.30pm www.ballet.org.uk/ emerging-dancer-2024 Celebrating the talent of tomorrow’s stars, English National Ballet’s Emerging Dancer returns to a live audience at Sadler’s Wells, London this year, on Friday 24 May. Emerging Dancer recognises the excellence of English National Ballet’s artists. Selected by their peers, six promising dancers showcase their technical accomplishments and artistry in front of an eminent panel of expert judges, before one is named the winner of the Emerging Dancer Award. The 2024 finalists are: Anna Ciriano Breanna Foad Shunhei Fuchiyama Jose María Lorca Menchón Thiago Pereira Anna-Babette Winkler Aaron S. Watkin, Artistic Director of English National Ballet, said: “I am delighted to see the Company coming together to celebrate some of our most talented colleagues. Emerging Dancer spotlights the future of ballet, and it’s always a privilege to watch the nominees shine on stage. I wish the six finalists the best of luck and I truly hope they enjoy the process of learning and growing”. This year’s event will be hosted by Aaron S. Watkin, Artistic Director of English National Ballet. The esteemed judging panel comprises: Amanda Britton MA, Chief Executive, Principal and Artistic Director of Rambert School; Monica Zamora, Former Principal Dancer of Birmingham Royal Ballet; Freddie Opoku-Addaie, Artistic Director and CEO of Dance Umbrella; and Edward Watson MBE, Former Principal Dancer of The Royal Ballet. The event also includes the presentation of the People’s Choice Award, a public vote decided by audience members throughout the season, and the Corps de Ballet Award, given by the Artistic team to an Artist of the Company who has gone above and beyond, both on stage and off. There will be special performances by previous Emerging Dancer winner Eric Snyder and People’s Choice winner Precious Adams. Emerging Dancer 2024 will be filmed and made available to stream for free on English National Ballet’s YouTube channel in the week following the event, for a limited time only. Notes to Editors English National Ballet is a National Portfolio Organisation supported by Arts Council England. Ballymore is Principal Building Partner of English National Ballet. Listings: English National Ballet Emerging Dancer 2024 Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London Friday 24 May, 7.30pm www.ballet.org.uk /emerging-dancer-2024 Further information about the Emerging Dancer 2024 finalists: Anna-Babette Winkler Anna-Babette Winkler joined English National Ballet as an Artist of the Company in 2018, following training at English National Ballet School, and performing with Birmingham Royal Ballet. Since joining the Company, notable roles include Lead Winter in Christopher Wheeldon’s Cinderella in-the-round at the Royal Albert Hall, Lead Snowflake in Wayne Eagling’s Nutcracker, Moyna in Mary Skeaping’s Giselle, and a featured role in Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s Laid in Earth. Anna Ciriano Anna Ciriano joined the Company in 2022. Anna stared her training at Institut del Teatre in her home city of Barcelona, and after graduating from English National Ballet School in 2017, she performed with Orlando Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet. Since joining English National Ballet Anna has danced Spanish in Wayne Eagling’s Nutcracker and appeared in Akram Khan’s Giselle, Tamara Rojo’s Raymonda and Derek Deane’s Swan Lake. Breanna Foad Breanna Foad joined ENB in 2018, following training at the Australian Ballet School and English National Ballet School. Breanna performed the leading role of Chosen One in Mats Ek’s The Rite of Spring as part of Ek/Forsythe/Quagebeur at Sadler’s Wells in 2022. She went on to dance the role of Chosen One in the world premiere of Andrea Miller’s Les Noces: Ascent to Days, as part of Our Voices at Sadler’s Wells, in September 2023. Jose María Lorca Menchón Jose María Lorca Menchón joined ENB in 2022. He trained at Conservatorio Professional de Danza de Murcia, Spain, and English National Ballet School, where he had the role of the Prince created on him for My First Ballet: Cinderella (2020). Jose’s repertoire with ENB includes Wayne Eagling’s Nutcracker, Tamara Rojo’s Raymonda, and William Forsythe’s Playlist (EP), David Dawson’s Four Last Songs and Stina Quagebeur’s Take Five Blues. Shunhei Fuchiyama Shunhei Fuchiyama started dancing at the age of five, training at the Acri-Horimoto Ballet Academy and The Harid Conservatory, before joining English National Ballet in 2021, the same year that he was awarded with the 5th prize in the Prix de Lausanne, and the 1st prize Classical in NBA National ballet competition. Since joining English National Ballet, Shunhei’s notable roles include Freddie and Cossack in Wayne Eagling’s Nutcracker and peasant pas de deux in Mary Skeaping’s Giselle. Thiago Pereira Thiago Pereira, from Minas Gerais, Brazil, joined English National Ballet as Artist of the Company in 2022, following his training in Vórtice escola de danças and Académie de danse Princesse Grace. Since joining the Company, Thiago has appeared in Akram Khan’s Giselle, Tamara Rojo’s Raymonda, Derek Dean’s Swan Lake, and Balanchine’s Theme and Variations as part of Our Voices at Sadler’s Wells in 2023. About English National Ballet English National Ballet has a long and distinguished history. Founded in 1950 as London Festival Ballet by the great English dancers Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin, it has been at the forefront of ballet’s growth and evolution ever since. English National Ballet brings world class ballet to the widest possible audience through performances across the UK and on eminent international stages; its distinguished orchestra, English National Ballet Philharmonic; its digital platforms Ballet on Demand and BalletActive; being a UK leader in creative learning and engagement practice, building innovative partnerships to deliver flagship programmes such as Dance for Parkinson’s; and through talent development initiatives including Ballet Futures which looks to create a more diverse and inclusive future for the artform. English National Ballet continues to add ground-breaking new works to its repertoire whilst celebrating the tradition of great classical ballet, gaining acclaim for artistic excellence and creativity. 2019 saw the Company enter a new chapter in its history with a move to a purpose-built state-of-the-art home in east London, allowing a renewed commitment to creativity, ambition, and connection to more people, near and far, than ever before.

English National Ballet Swan Lake in-the-round Royal Albert Hall Wednesday 12 – Sunday 23 June 2024 ballet.org.uk/swan-lake-round “When the swans make their first entrance, wave after wave of them, it’s awesome. To see them move and breathe as one is profoundly touching.” The Observer English National Ballet performs Derek Deane’s Swan Lake in-the-round at the Royal Albert Hall, London, from Wednesday 12 – Sunday 23 June 2024. With over 100 performers, including 60 dancing swans, Swan Lake in-the-round is one of the biggest spectacles in ballet and brings the classic love story to life on one of the world’s most famous stages. Featuring Tchaikovsky’s glorious score, performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic, this epic in-the-round staging of Swan Lake is perfect for both dedicated fans and first-time ballet goers. Swan Lake in-the-round caused a sensation at its premiere in 1997 and has since been enjoyed by over half a million people worldwide. Opening night sees Lead Principal Sangeun Lee and First Soloist Gareth Haw perform in the dual role of Odette/ Odile and Prince Siegfried respectively. Having only joined English National Ballet in 2023, this marks their debut performances both in these roles and on the grand stage of the Royal Albert Hall. Lead Principal Emma Hawes also makes her debut in the role of Odette/Odile whilst Lead Principals Aitor Arrieta and Francesco Gabriele Frola, and Soloist Lorenzo Trossello debut as Prince Siegfried. Laurretta Summerscales, former Principal dancer with English National Ballet and current Principal dancer with Bavarian State Ballet returns as a Guest Artist to perform as Odette/Odile. Principal Casting: Odette-Odile / Prince Siegfried / Rothbart Sangeun Lee* / Gareth Haw* / James Streeter 12th June 19:30,15th June 19:30,18th June 19:30 Fernanda Oliveira / Francesco Gabriele Frola* / Fabian Reimair 13th June 19:30, 15th June 14:30, 20th June 19:30 Emma Hawes* / Aitor Arrieta* / Junor Souza 14th June 19:30, 16th June 14:30, 22nd June 19:30 Laurretta Summerscales** / Lorenzo Trossello* / James Streeter 19th June 19:30, 21st June 19:30, 23rd June 14:30 To be announced 20th June 14:30, 22nd June 14:30 *Debut **Guest Artist Please note, casting is subject to change. Please see www.ballet.org.uk for up-to-date casting. Notes to Editors English National Ballet is a National Portfolio Organisation supported by Arts Council England. Ballymore is Principal Building Partner of English National Ballet. Listings: English National Ballet Swan Lake in-the-round Royal Albert Hall 12 – 23 June 2024 https://www.ballet.org.uk/swan-lake-round About English National Ballet English National Ballet has a long and distinguished history. Founded in 1950 as London Festival Ballet by the great English dancers Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin, it has been at the forefront of ballet’s growth and evolution ever since. English National Ballet brings world class ballet to the widest possible audience through performances across the UK and on eminent international stages; its distinguished orchestra, English National Ballet Philharmonic; its digital platforms Ballet on Demand and BalletActive; being a UK leader in creative learning and engagement practice, building innovative partnerships to deliver flagship programmes such as Dance for Parkinson’s; and through talent development initiatives including Ballet Futures which looks to create a more diverse and inclusive future for the artform. English National Ballet continues to add ground-breaking new works to its repertoire whilst celebrating the tradition of great classical ballet, gaining acclaim for artistic excellence and creativity. 2019 saw the Company enter a new chapter in its history with a move to a purpose-built state-of-the-art home in east London, allowing a renewed commitment to creativity, ambition, and connection to more people, near and far, than ever before. About the Royal Albert Hall The Royal Albert Hall is the world’s most famous stage. Throughout its 152-year history, it has welcomed a who’s who of world-renowned figures: artists, athletes and activists. No other place on earth has played host to Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein and Muhammad Ali; Ella Fitzgerald, The Beatles and Adele. This was the Suffragettes’ “temple of liberty” – the site of Votes for Women rallies that helped change the course of British history – the home of the Stonewall concerts, and a place of celebration during Nelson Mandela’s state visit. But its eccentric history has also seen it used for a séance, an indoor marathon and the world’s first bodybuilding contest (judged by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle). In an ordinary year, the Hall’s extraordinary auditorium presents around 400 world-class events: encompassing rock, pop and classical music, theatre, dance, films, Cirque du Soleil and sport. It typically welcomes 1.8 million visitors a year, while its 1,000 events in secondary spaces help to attract a young, diverse audience. Its Engagement programme includes music therapy, concerts in the community, and workshops with A-list artists, often in collaboration with other charities, such as Nordoff Robbins and Music for Youth.

Hello @DanceMadDanceMum and welcome to the Forum!

An obituary from his family: https://gordoncemerickfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/2163/Eric-Taub/obituary.html?fbclid=IwAR3ItgYq9pvCv6Q_jFeJlCkdQV5CYSZrFVjVUuc6ZVxzkLxekTPj6Y2tVMg#tribute-start

If anyone has access to the printed copy of the Telegraph a friend has just sent me a photograph of the picture of Ms Hirata as Aurora. She seems to have changed her first name! I'll let people guess for a while...

Links - Friday 09 February, 2024 Review - New York City Ballet, Polyphonia, Barber Violin Concerto, The Times are Racing, New York: Leigh Witchel, dancelog.nyc Review - New York City Ballet, Four Temperaments, Liebeslieder Walzer, New York: Ivy Lin, Bachtrack Reviews - Empower in Motion Gala, London: Matthew Paluch, Broadway World Nancy Brie, West End Best Friend Reviews - Scottish Ballet, Cinders!, Newcastle: Jonathan Cash, Reviews Hub Dora Frankel, British Theatre Guide Review - Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Programme A, Washington: Emily Berger, Broadway World Review - Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, Edward Scissorhands, Birmingham: David Mead, Seeing Dance Review - Philadanco, Intangible! (Quad bill), New York: Brian Seibert, NY Times Physical Theatre Review - Frantic Assembly, Metamorphosis, London: Vera Liber, British Theatre Guide Preview Feature - Naishi Wang & Jean Abreu, Deciphers, Toronto: Michael Crabb, Toronto Star Documentary Preview - George Lee: Ten Times Better: Staff, CBS News Preview - Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami, Giselle, Miami: Staff, Miami New Times Feature - Why the toxic ballet world is resistant to change: Charlotte Lytton, Telegraph (paywalled) Feature - Yuan Yuan Tan, SF Ballet, looks beyond her final company bow: Rachel Howard, SF Chronicle Photo Essay - Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater, The Jungle Book: John Posada, New Jersey Stage Feature - Wonderbound, ballet company based in Denver: Kirsten Dahl Collins, Colorado Community Feature - Rarely seen portraits of Rudolf Nureyev: Colin Jones & Miss Rosen, AnOther Magazine Feature - To attend dance class, Black Dancers must first learn to occupy white spaces: A Rochaun Meadows-Fernandez, Parents Feature - Prisca Zeisel - from Germany to Russia: Jack Devant, Gramilano

Hello @hardings3 and welcome to the Forum!