Jan McNulty

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!

Hello @MTMUM and welcome to the Forum!

Hello @Traineedancemum and welcome to the Forum!

The latest statement from the Musicians' Union: https://musiciansunion.org.uk/news/mu-rejects-use-of-recorded-music-to-replace-live-orchestra-at-northern-ballet

Hello @jenalexandra78 and welcome to the Forum!

Hello @ballerinaswan and welcome to the Forum!

Links - Thursday 08 February, 2024 Tribute - Hinton Battle, Broadway star: André De Shields and Chris Wiegand, Guardian Review - New York City Ballet, Fancy Free, In the Night, The Four Seasons, New York: Leigh Witchel, dancelog.nyc Reviews - Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, Edward Scissorhands, Birmingham: Alison Norton, Express and Star Lina Jha & Megan Hughes, Redbrick Review - Hungarian National Ballet, Dancetriptych (triple bill to Bartók), Budapest: Gianmarco Segato, Bachtrack Review - Kodo Drummers, Warabe, London: Ian Gittins, FT Gallery - Royal Ballet, Dark with Excessive Bright, London: Tristram Kenton, Guardian Preview - Miami City Ballet, Winter Mix (mixed programme), Miami: Staff, Miami New Times Preview - Pacific Northwest Ballet, Swan Lake, Spokane: Ed Honduran, Spokesman-Review Preview - National Ballet of Ukraine, Nadiya Ukraine, Calgary: Eric Volmer’s, Calgary Herald Preview - Colorado Ballet, Jekyll and Hyde (Caniparoli), Denver: Eden Lane: CPR News Preview - Celebrity Ballet Gala, Limassol: Eleni Philippou, Cyprus Mail Preview - Extended Play, How to build a universe, London: Teresa Guerreiro, Culture Whisper Preview - Ballet Kelowna, double bill of 2 world premieres, Kelowna: Madison Reeve, Castanet Preview - Ballet Edmonton and more, Edmonton: Angela Johnson, Edmonton Journal Feature - Edwaard Liang, AD Washington Ballet: Robert Bettmann, Washingtonian Feature - Tiler Peck opens up about her choreographic debut at NYCB: Caedra Scott-Flaherty, NY Observer Feature - Joe Powell-Main, wheelchair dancer: Stefan Kyriazis, Express News - Northern Ballet replaces live orchestra with recorded music in upcoming shows: Siena Linton, Classic FM News - The latest from Queensland Ballet: Olivia Stewart, In Queensland

Hello @Zoe84 and welcome to the Forum!

Yes - I once got caught out ringing it from a Vodafone mobile and got an extra £10+ added to my bill!

Part of an email from BRB: César Morales's final performances César Morales will leave BRB at the end of this month to take up his new role as Artistic Director of Ballet de Santiago in Chile. We can now confirm that his last performances will be in Birmingham at the matinee on Thursday 22 February (partnering Beatrice Parma in her debut as Aurora) and on the evening of Wednesday 28 February (partnering Miki Mizutani). César's Thursday 22 February performance was briefly advertised as being the evening show; if you purchased tickets for the evening show after 30 January (when the casting was changed), intending to say farewell to César, we would be happy to move your booking to 28 February. Dancers' Circle supporters can contact Georgia or Helen to help move their seats; other bookers should ring the box office on 0844 338 5000* from 11am tomorrow, Thursday 8 February.

I was at the cinema relay. Wot Sim said! I thought all 3 leads were totally immersed in the performance and incredibly compelling to watch. I was in floods at the end. I think I appreciated for the first time just how the closeups can enhance the performance and how you can see detail that you wouldn't even see sitting on the front row of the stalls or using binoculars.

Sorry @Dawnstar you've missed them. https://olympics.com/en/news/isu-european-figure-skating-champs-2024-preview-full-schedule-watch-live

I bet quite a few of us did some lobbying!!

Press Release 07/02/2023 Image download link Rendez-Vous dance announce London date for The Monocle Following the success of the debut tour of The Monocle in 2022, Rendez-Vous dance is thrilled to announce a new London date has been added to its 11-date spring tour at Wilton’s Music Hall on the 17 May 2024. This spring Rendez-Vous dance will tour to The House, Plymouth (14 February), The Courtyard, Hereford (20 February), Northern Stage, Newcastle (23 February), Lakeside Arts, Nottingham (16 April), Riley Theatre, Leeds (27 April), Wilton’s Music Hall, London (17 May), DanceEast, Ipswich (7 June), Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham (13 June), Enable US, Sheffield (15 June), Exeter Northcott (26 June) and Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham (28 June). Inspired by Le Monocle, a notoriously secret lesbian Parisian club, this work featuring jazz chanteuse Imogen Banks sees six performers bring the spirit of 1930’s Paris to life, with a mix of virtuosic dance and live music. The Monocle invites audiences to experience the joy of a truly safe space, where women laugh loudly, abandoning themselves into smooth and passionate dances long into the night. Led by award-winning choreographer Mathieu Geffré, Rendez-Vous dance engages with LGBTQIA+ people, themes, and voices across its work advocating for values of inclusivity, diversity and representation. As a contemporary dance company, its work has great physicality, intricacy and virtuosity. Choreographed by Geffré, The Monocle has been conceived in collaboration with creative consultants with Hedley Sugar Wells on the themes of safe space and lesbianism, LGBTQIA+ historian consultant Florence Tamagne, production manager Rachel Shipp, and Associate Director Andrew Gardiner. Of The Monocle Artistic Director and Choreographer Mathieu Geffré said: “I am excited to present The Monocle on tour next year. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community advocating for equal rights, authentic representation, and the importance of safe spaces is vital to me, especially at this time of vulnerability in society and increased concern for our safety. Having the opportunity to share this wonderful story with audiences across the UK is a humbling privilege and I hope they’ll enjoy spending the evening at our Parisian nightclub.” The Monocle is A Made In The North East commission, supported by Esmee Fairbairn, Dance City, Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Curious Arts, and Arts Council England. Tour dates and booking information is available in full here. Notes to Editors Creative Credits Artistic Director and Choreographer: Mathieu Geffré (he/they) Performers: Alyssa Lisle (she/her), Natassa Argyropoulou (she/her), Zara Phillips (she/her) Associate Director: Andrew Gardiner (he/they) Musical Director and Composer: James Keane (he/him) Set and Costume Designers: Helen Hebert (she/her) and Nate Gibson (he/him) Light Designer: Josh Harriette (he/they) Costume Supervisor: Yve Ngoo Production Manager: Rachel Shipp (she/her) LGBTQIA+ Historian Consultant: Florence Tamagne Creative Consultant: Hedley Sugar Wells Producer: Rachel Jean Birch (Moving Art Management) Age restriction: The performance contains scenes of a sensual nature, adult themes, partial nudity and reference to chest binding. Age recommendation: 13+ - under 16 accompanied by an adult. Trigger warnings: the show comprises haze and flashing light

Hello @NorthernLight and welcome to the Forum!

Hello @Ballet 2.0 and a belated welcome to the Forum!

HOT OFF THE PRESSES - CÉSAR IS DUE TO DO THE MATINEE ON 22ND. I had queried what was happening with the Company and while there has been some confusion it has now been resolved. A note should be coming out from the Company today.

Links - Wednesday 07 February, 2024 Review - New York City Ballet, 3 performances, New York: Jerry Hochman, Critical Dance Review - San Francisco Ballet, Mere Mortals, San Francisco: Patrick Redford, Defector Preview Feature - École des Sables/Pina Bausch Foundation, The Rite of Spring, common ground[s], San Francisco & Berkeley: Philip Mayard, Bay Area Reporter Preview - Empower in Motion Gala, London: Stefan Kyriazis, Express Preview Feature - San Francisco Ballet, British Icons (double bill), San Francisco: Aimée Ts’ao, SF Classical Voice Preview - Scottish Ballet, Cinders!, Newcastle: Darcie Rawlings, Northern Echo Preview Feature - Eugene Ballet, Portrait in Glass, Gatsby, Eugene: Jean Zondervan, Oregon Arts Watch Preview - Pontus Lidberg Dance, On the nature of rabbits, New York: Chloe Rabinowitz, Broadway World Preview Feature - Tucson Ballet, triple bill, Tucson: Cathalena E Burch, Tucson.com News - Northern Ballet announces 2024-25 season: David Mead, Seeing Dance Feature - George Lee, the original Tea in Balanchine’s Nutcracker: Siobhan Burke, NY Times Feature - Los Angeles works to build its dance muscles: Robin Pogrebin, NY Times Feature - French designer Jérôme Kaplan creates magic for Atlanta Ballet’s Coco Chanel: Gillian Anne Renault, ArtsATL Feature - Denecia Allen: I have cerebral palsy and I dance - Empower in Motion Gala: Stefan Kyriazis, Express Photo Essay - Behind the scenes with the National Ballet of Ukraine: Sara Harowitz & Tom Paillé, Straight Video Feature - Special guests in Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Romeo & Juliet: Kayla Rosen, CTV News

Hello @Sbuchan3 and @JenniferM18 and welcome to the Forum!