Jan McNulty

Some more leaping about by the Prince and then Sugar Plum does a series of fouettés diagonally across the stage and they do a tiny little bit together before all the other dancers rush on and whirl around to disguise the fact that Sugar Plum is being replaced by Clara. Some of the mime was a bit different too - I thought a bit Coppelia-like at the start of act 2, which of course was very different in the first few minutes because of no flying goose.

I suspect this section was filmed before the live performances had to be cancelled ... or perhaps she is in the other bubble that we hope is going to be streamed in January. As regards the transformation scene there is no way the full set would have fitted in to the Rep. Clever filming helped me not miss it too much. I don't know why the Mirlitons were left out but there are usually more flowers and four cavaliers so perhaps bubble size and composition has something to do with the omission of the flowers. I know that under normal circumstances there is some doubling up of roles but the company may not have been able to furnish all the dancers required for the flowers. I also have no idea why the grand pdd was curtailed. The only thing I can think is that the performance had to fit into a certain number of minutes. Odyssey, I suspect the backdrop for Act 2 was done under constrained circumstances. I agree that it was not a patch on the original, gorgeous moving backdrop but I suppose needs must under the circumstances. One thing I did find effective was all the national dancers appearing in masks at the start of Act 2 - it did give an other-worldly aspect. (I assume the masks are from Cinderella).

I thought the fact that it is being streamed worth a new topic (but can be merged in later:

21 December 2020 English National Ballet’s Christmas gift - Nutcracker Delights to be released online As a gift to its audiences this Christmas, English National Ballet will make a recorded performance of Nutcracker Delights available to watch for free on YouTube and Facebook, from 2pm Thursday 24 December, for 30 days. As London moved into Tier 4 COVID-19 restrictions and the subsequent cancellation of all scheduled performances of Nutcracker Delights, the Company decided to film and share a recording of this specially-adapted production with its audience as a thank you at the close of its 70th Anniversary year. Nutcracker Delights was filmed on 18 and 19 December at the London Coliseum by Michael Nunn and William Trevitt. English National Ballet’s Nutcracker Delights © ASH English National Ballet’s Artistic Director, Tamara Rojo CBE said: “Everyone involved in Nutcracker Delights worked incredibly hard to prepare for what would have been our first live performances since January. We were devastated to have to cancel our scheduled shows at the London Coliseum just a few days before opening. English National Ballet has performed a version of The Nutcracker every year of our 70-year history, and we were determined this Christmas should be no different. This year has demonstrated the capacity of the arts sector to respond to challenges with creativity and resolve. And so I’m pleased that we have quickly found a way, despite the circumstances, to bring Nutcracker Delights to life this Christmas, continuing our 70-year tradition, and allowing us to share some much-needed festive magic with our audiences. We especially wanted to thank our faithful audience that year after year have come to see us dance by gifting this performance from some of our incredible ENB dancers, who we know they would have missed seeing this year.” Nutcracker Delights is a specially adapted version of the Christmas classic which sees the Company perform a showcase of the ballet’s most popular moments, accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s famous score played live by musicians from English National Ballet Philharmonic. The recording captures the debut performance of new ENB Principal, Natascha Mair. Mair dances the role of Clara alongside Lead Principal Erina Takahashi as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Lead Principal Joseph Caley as the Prince and First Soloist Aitor Arrieta as Nutcracker. The London Coliseum Box Office is contacting ticket holders for live performances of Nutcracker Delights (17 Dec – 3 January) to arrange credit vouchers for next year’s full-length Nutcracker or refunds. -ENDS- Notes to Editors English National Ballet is a National Portfolio Organisation supported by Arts Council England. Nutcracker Delights is presented by English National Ballet Enterprises Limited English National Ballet is grateful for the generous grant it has been awarded through the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, which allows it to continue to create, perform and serve its audiences. NatWest is Principal Partner of English National Ballet. Listings: Nutcracker Delights Available on English National Ballet’s YouTube and Facebook channels From 2pm, 24 December 2020 until midnight, 23 January 2021 Digital programme and cast list will be available here. A film by Michael Nunn and William Trevitt 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 including The Bolshoi Theatre and Palais Garnier; its distinguished orchestra, English National Ballet Philharmonic; and being a UK leader in creative learning and engagement practice, building innovative partnerships to deliver flagship programmes such as English National Ballet’s Dance for Parkinson’s. Under the artistic directorship of Tamara Rojo CBE, English National Ballet has introduced ground-breaking new works to the Company’s repertoire whilst continuing to honour the tradition of great classical ballet, gaining acclaim for artistic excellence and creativity. 2019 saw English National Ballet enter a new chapter in its history with a move into a purpose-built state-of-the-art home in East London which brings a renewed commitment to, and freedom for, creativity, ambition, and connection to more people, near and far, than ever before. www.ballet.org.uk About Arts Council England Arts Council England is the national development body for arts and culture across England, working to enrich people’s lives. We support a range of activities across the arts, museums and libraries – from theatre to visual art, reading to dance, music to literature, and crafts to collections. Great art and culture inspires us, brings us together and teaches us about ourselves and the world around us. In short, it makes life better. Between 2018 and 2022, we will invest £1.45 billion of public money from government and an estimated £860 million from the National Lottery to help create these experiences for as many people as possible across the country. www.artscouncil.org.uk

It's absolutely sublime Ian, thanks for sharing!

What does the Telegraph critic want??? Another mealy mouthed review is included in Today's Links. For heaven's sake we are so very lucky that BRB have been able to do this streaming and obviously there are going to be changes to the performance but sadly it is the position the world has found itself in at the moment. Well reading that review has not dampened my enthusiasm for what BRB has achieved!

No, we usually get the whole thing. I don't know why that section wasn't shown.

For me, the standard, normal times, version in Birmingham is absolutely the best Nutcracker bar none! The transformation scene has to be seen to be believed. I loved this streaming because, despite the constraints, it still delivered the magic due to the clever filming. I’m so glad you enjoyed it Ivy.

Thanks Cherilyn. I remember Marcello Angelini and his wife Daniela Busson dancing with Northern Ballet when I first started watching ballet so I always like to see news of them. They get quite a lot of coverage in Tulsa World, which shows up on google searches but unfortunately is still blocked due to the GDPR changes from several years ago (as are a surprising number of American publications).

Well I've just Rocka'd my Soul! Why don't you while it is still available!

I felt ridiculously emotional when I watched last night's streaming. It's not as though I haven't watched all the other BRB streamings and was even lucky enough to see the company live in the Lazuli Sky programme in Birmingham as well as the streamed version. Perhaps it is because SPW's production was made as a gift for the City of Birmingham when the company moved to the city in 1990 and is such an integral part of their rep in that city now. (At one of the Evening of Music and Dance performances David Bintley, during his compering duties even joked he had received death threats when a different Christmas season was announced one year!). Anyway, given that the Rep stage is a pocket handkerchief compared to the Hippodrome I thought it was a fantastic reinterpretation for these constrained times. I should have been seeing it live on Tuesday afternoon so it really was poignant to be sitting down watching it on a small screen and knowing that friends I would have been sitting with in the theatre were also watching. Ross McGibbon's filming was a masterpiece in its own right. Obviously the usual tree transformation could not take place but the way he filmed that section I have to say that I didn't really miss it!! Although I usually sit on the front row in the theatre to watch the performance the filming close-ups gave us an even better opportunity to watch the dancers. There were fewer party guests and only Fritz and his friend so some of the dances were missing from Act 1. In act 2 we lost the Mirlitons and the Waltz of the Flowers. There were some other minor changes but I won't spoil it further for anyone who has not yet seen the production. I loved the fact that Clara was given a pair of ballet shoes rather than the traditional princess doll and I loved Fritz' Rat King toy. (I don't know if it is a permanent change but I much preferred the men's headscarves in the Arabian too.) What can I say about the performances - just WOW!! It must have been so hard for the dancers performing without an audience but you never would have known. Karla Doorbar was exquisite as Clara - it was fabulous seeing the closeups of her facial expressions. Cesar is every inch the elegant, romantic and caring Nutcracker Prince and Momoko was utterly fabulous as Sugar Plum. The whole cast fizzed and sparkled like the best vintage champagne. The interval feature was rather lovely and the whole performance was dedicated, most appropriately, to the incandescent Marion Tait. Bravo BRB!

Links - Saturday 19 December, 2020 Obituaries - Ann Reinking, choreographer & actress: Times Sylviane Gold, Dance Magazine Live Review - Royal Ballet, The Nutcracker, London: Jann Parry, DanceTabs Streamed Review - Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Digital Season: Brian Seibert, NY Times Streamed Review - Scottish Ballet, The Secret Theatre: Mary Brennan, Herald Scotland Video Feature - Sophie Martin, Scottish Ballet rehearses the Sugar Plum Fairy solo: Kelly Apter, Scotsman Streamed Review - Ballet de l’Opéra national du Rhin, Spectres d’Europa #3: David Mead, Seeing Dance Documentary Review - On Pointe (Disney+): Lucy Mangan, Guardian Video Feature - Behind the scenes as Ballet Collective prepares for The Nutcracker: Megan Uy, Cosmopolitan Feature - Alberta Ballet’s Nutcracker is much missed this year: Michele Jarvie, Calgary Herald Feature - Lillian Barbeito, dancer: Sophie Bress, Fjord Review Feature - The offending classic: Mark Franko, Mass Review Feature - How the nation really did ‘keep dancing’ through 2020: Rachel Moss, Huffington Post

Ballet Arizona's Nutcracker is streaming today: Video feature: https://www.fox10phoenix.com/video/882162

Pointe Magazine has some suggestions: https://www.pointemagazine.com/the-year-in-ballet-books-2649530542.html?rebelltitem=11#rebelltitem11

I nearly missed the start. Fortunately I rang a friend and refreshed my screen and got in half way through the overture. It was emotional!

PRESS RELEASE 18 December 2020 To coincide with Birmingham Royal Ballet’s live stream of The Nutcracker at The REP this evening, Friday 18 December, its 2nd Company Freefall premieres a specially commissioned, animated telling of the story for everyone to enjoy. Nutcracking with Freefall is available to watch HERE Following the announcement that this year’s newly adapted version of The Nutcracker at The REP will be live streamed, Birmingham Royal Ballet continues to find creative ways of keeping audiences entertained this Christmas with the release of Carlos Acosta’s digital commission for 2nd Company, Freefall: Nutcracking with Freefall. Freefall is Birmingham Royal Ballet’s second company, made up of ten highly gifted dancers with severe learning disabilities. Freefall Dance Company has been creating and performing daring, ground-breaking and award-winning dance that combines the dancers’ exceptional talents and individual styles for over fifteen years Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet Carlos Acosta said ‘We look forward to welcoming our audiences to the online experience of The Nutcracker at The REP this Christmas but we have another special surprise for everyone with this wonderful animated version of the story from Freefall which is available to watch online free now. It is very important to me that their achievement in making this delightful piece gets the recognition it deserves and I know families in particular will enjoy it.’ 2020 has been particularly tough for the Freefall dancers who are in the highest risk group for Covid. Whilst the company hasn’t been able to attend their weekly classes in Birmingham Royal Ballet’s studio they have continued to meet and train online. This Christmas, Freefall’s Artistic director Lee Fisher has taken a highly imaginative approach to creating this new film, casting all ten dancers in a very special animated version of the Nutcracker story, drawn by artist Andy Baker, that everyone can enjoy. The process began by recalling the story, favourite moments and characters; using Birmingham Royal Ballet’s production images, music and choreographic motifs as starting points. These led to improvisations which Free-frames from which were sketched by Andy Baker. The dancers also shared images and video clips of themselves dancing at home via WhatsApp so there was a lot of material to draw from. Lee Fisher, Artistic Director of Freefall Dance Company and Birmingham Royal Ballet Head of Creative Learning said: ‘Many of the ‘Freefallers’ have grown up with an annual Christmas trip to see BRB's Nutcracker and this autumn we've had loads of fun workshopping the characters, their gestures and movements at our weekly zoom sessions. It’s been amazing to see Freefall's responses brought to life so skilfully and beautifully. Nutcracking with Freefall is Freefall's contribution to the 30th anniversary of a production that means so much to us all.’ _________________________________________________ Nutcracking with Freefall watch here CAST Tara Bishop - Mother / Spanish Dancer Tom Bright - Prince Chris Brookes - Drosselmeyer Hannah Clarke - Clara Nicky Hodges - Nutcracker Doll / Russian Dancer Shaun Hodges - Father / Russian Dancer Barry Kirby - King Rat Julia Nicholls - Maid / Candy Cain Chris Treadwell - Jack-in-a-Box / Chinese Dancer MUSIC AND SCRIPT Richard Syner NARRATOR Lily Fish ART AND ANIMATION Andy Baker COLOURISTS Nate Bedford Kimberley Collings PRODUCED BY Lee Fisher WITH THANKS TO Yvette Knight Faye O'Connor Ian Clapham LEE ARMSTRONG Senior Design Executive 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 from January 2020 is the internationally renowned Carlos Acosta. Birmingham Royal Ballet 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 175 shows a year nationally and internationally. 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 with: The Royal Ballet, Paris 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.

Just a reminder that there's half an hour to go before the livestream starts!! Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker at The REP will be streamed live from The Birmingham Repertory Theatre this evening, Friday 18th December, from 7.30pm via brb.org.uk. This magical Christmas production will then be available to view as a video-on-demand recording from Saturday 19th to Thursday 24th December. Video-on-demand sales close at midnight on 21st December, but can be viewed until midnight on Christmas Eve. The full-length Nutcracker is shortened to an 80-minute magical experience that will retain all of the most enchanting moments and characters you would expect and hope for - Snowflakes, Drosselmeyer, Fritz and Clara’s Christmas Eve party, King Rat’s battle, the Kingdom of Sweets dances from around the world, the iconic Sugar Plum Fairy and, of course, The Nutcracker Prince - and features the cherished Tchaikovsky score performed live by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Paul Murphy. The production will feature Peter Wright’s award-winning choreography which was adapted by David Bintley for the acclaimed production at the Royal Albert Hall. This new iteration will receive new creative direction from Birmingham Royal Ballet Director, Carlos Acosta and The REP’s Artistic Director, Sean Foley. _________________________________________________ Listings Information Birmingham Royal Ballet's Nutcracker at The REP Clara: Karla Doorbar The Prince: César Morales The Sugar Plum Fairy: Momoko Hirata Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Paul Murphy Running Time: 90 minutes – Including a short interval and exciting behind-the-scenes access Fri 18 Dec - 7.30pm Live Stream Tickets: £15 per device Booking Information: brb.org.uk 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 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 175 shows a year nationally and internationally. 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 with: The Royal Ballet, Paris 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. Birmingham Repertory Theatre Birmingham Repertory Theatre is the only producing theatre in the UK’s Second City. The oldest building-based theatre company in the UK, The REP has an unparalleled pioneering history and has been at the forefront of theatre in this country for over 100 years. It is a registered charity (number 223660). The REP’s mission is to create artistically ambitious popular theatre for, by and with the people of Birmingham and the wider world. The commissioning and production of new work lies at the core of The REP’s programme and over the last 15 years, the company has produced more than 130 new plays. As well as presenting over 60 productions on its three stages every year, the theatre tours its productions nationally and internationally. The REP’s acclaimed learning and outreach programme is one of the largest and most diverse of any arts organisation in the country. Every year we have over 70,000 contacts with young people and adults in the community on projects from drama or writing workshops to large-scale productions. The REP is also committed to nurturing new talent through its youth theatre groups, and it offers training for early career writers, directors, and artists through its ground-breaking REP Foundry theatre makers programme. Many of The REP’s productions go on to have lives beyond Birmingham. Recent tours and transfers include The Lovely Bones, Brief Encounter, Nativity! The Musical, What Shadows, LOVE, The Winslow Boy, The Government Inspector, Of Mice and Men, Anita and Me, Penguins and The King’s Speech. The theatre’s long-running production of The Snowman celebrated its 25th anniversary as well as its 22nd consecutive season at London's Peacock Theatre in 2019. Nutcracker%2C%20The%20REP.pdf

Links - Friday 18 December, 2020 Obituary - Diana Payne-Myers, dancer & actress: Telegraph Live Review - Royal Ballet, The Nutcracker, London: Louise Levene, FT Interview - Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, choreographer: Graham Watts, Bachtrack Streaming Reviews: Scottish Ballet, The Secret Theatre: Kelly Apter, Scotsman Paris Opera Ballet, La Bayadère: Jim Pritchard, Seen and Heard International BalletX, BalletX Beyond: Michelle Potter, ... on dancing Streaming News & Previews Works and Process at the Guggenheim, Isolation to Creation docuseries: News Desk, Broadway World James Whiteside (ABT) & Friends, Fancy Nut Mix: Jennifer Stahl, Dance Magazine Melanie Hamrick (ex-ABT) and friends, A Night at the Ballet: Staff, South China Morning Post via AP Historic Book Review - Robert Maiorano & Valerie Brooks, Balanchine’s Mozartiana - The Making of a Masterpiece: George Jackson, Danceview Times Live Performance News (Video) - Orlando Ballet, The Nutcracker, Orlando: Amanda McKenzie, Fox35 Featurette - Tiler Peck, New York City Ballet: Stephanie Maida, Guest of a Guest Feature - Yannick Lebrun of Alvin Ailey: Marissa DeSantis, Dance Magazine Documentary - On Pointe (Disney+): Review - David Mead, Seeing Dance Features - Gia Kourlas, NY Times Felicia Fitzpatrick, Playbill

I second Sim's recommendation - it's a particularly fabulous episode of this excellent podcast series. I will never look at soap dishes in the same way again!! (You'll have to listen to find out why!!)

More information from Andrew McNicol: Of Space & Time Join us for the online premiere of my new socially distanced ballet Of Space &Time, a classical presentation created for English National Ballet School, filmed at The Roundhouse, London by Michael Nunn and William Trevitt. Watch the premiere online via Website/YouTube/Facebook from Monday 21 December from 7.30pm GMT, available for free and for 30 days thereafter. Discovering creative solutions The instinct to connect, through touch and physical contact is so intrinsic and fundamental to the way I would usually create. Fast forward to today and Of Space and Time, a classical presentation is born. My first socially distanced ballet in masks, set to music by some of the great classical composers, Beethoven, Rossini, Weber, Glazunov and Tchaikovsky with costumes by Omar Bayoumi. Conceived to build on the work the students have learnt during the first term, Of Space and Time, a classical presentation is a response to the restrictions posed by COVID-19. The challenge of choreographing while observing COVID measures involved creating in bubbles, rehearsing with masks and maintaining social distancing while working. A New Creative Process ” I wanted to capture something of the strangeness of this moment in time, contrasted with the resilience of the young dancers who despite the current challenges remain passionately committed to our art-form and developing themselves as individual artists.” ”At this point in time, the opportunity to bring together the whole school towards a shared goal, and crucially experience the pure joy of being back in the theatre felt more vital then ever. I wanted to honour the fact these students have chosen to study ballet specifically and create a new work that celebrates the pure beauty and power of ballet as a creative language, enabling them to move fearlessly in the space once again.” Thank you to Charles Holloway, The Linbury Trust and Adrienne Waterfield who generously supported the ENBS Winter Showcase. This support has meant so much to us all, now more than ever. Being back in the theatre has been the greatest gift to close a challenging year. McNicol Ballet Collective Looking Forward During the past months, we have focused our energies on developing exciting plans for 2021 and building the resources to make them a reality. I’m delighted to announce we have received some support from the Arts Council England and the Garfield Weston Foundation. This is particularly meaningful for us at this point in time and crucial for us to come back with hope and ambition in the new year. Thank you to the whole MBC community - our artists, audiences, supporters and generous individuals who are key in helping make all that we do possible. Today, we ask if you would consider continuing your support by making a donation by 31 December. Donate Please help us to end our financial year strong and support us to come back with hope in 2021, recharged and ready to celebrate the power of dance and share inspiring new creations with you.

Quite a few suggestions in the Links today:

Links - Thursday 17 December, 2020 Feature - Francesca Hayward, Royal Ballet: Jo Litson, Limelight Interview - Patricia Barker, AD Royal New Zealand Ballet: Claudia Lawson, Fjord Review Streamed Review - Scottish Ballet, The Secret Theatre: Lorna Irvine, Fjord Review Live Review - Royal Ballet, The Nutcracker, London: Deborah Weiss, Dance for You Magazine Live Preview Feature - Miami City Ballet, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker in the Park, Miami: Gia Kourlas, NY Times Feature - Mary (McKendry) Li talks about her book Mary’s Last Dance: Jo Litson, Limelight Streaming News - English National Ballet School’s Winter Showcase filmed at the Roundhouse: News Desk, Broadway World Streamed Reviews: Houston Ballet, Nutcracker Sweets: Natalie de la Garza, Houston Press Audrey Morabito, Broadway World (Netflix) - Debbie Allen, Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker: Meghan O’Keefe, Decider Jody Sperling/Time Lapse Dance, Plastic Harvest: Tom Phillips, Danceview Times Streaming Suggestions: Five Nutcrackers you can watch for free: Nina Garin, Pacific San Diego (Video Report) - Alberta Ballet, The Nutcracker: Stephen Hunt, CTV News Goh Ballet (Vancouver) streams Nutcracker featuring Chan Hon Goh: Charlie Smith, Straight Sky Arts Freeview channel unveils festive shows: Alex Wood, Wat's On Stage

I suspect it's only in the London area Joan. Our Freeview channel 8 was "Liverpool Live" but my channel 8 now seems to have disappeared. What a shame - I would like to have seen that.

English National Ballet’s Digital Season ondemand.ballet.org.uk Monday 21 December sees the world premiere of Jolly Folly, the final instalment in English National Ballet’s digital season, a series of five original dance films. It will be available to rent via Ballet on Demand, part of the Company’s new video platform, ENB at Home. Choreographer Arielle Smith has worked with filmmaker Amy Becker-Burnett to create this old Hollywood movie musical inspired dance film. Full of charm and nostalgia, and driven by the Klazz Brothers’ Latin-infused covers of Tchaikovsky, Strauss and Mozart, Jolly Folly is fast-paced, surprising and full of uncontainable energy. English National Ballet in Jolly Folly, a film by Amy Becker-Burnett choreographed by Arielle Smith (c) English National Ballet The other films that have been released as part of English National Ballet’s digital season, listed alongside the choreographer and filmmaker for each, are: Take Five Blues (Stina Quagebeur and Shaun James Grant) Senseless Kindness (Yuri Possokhov and Thomas James) Laid in Earth (Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Thomas James) Echoes (Russell Maliphant and Michael Nunn & William Trevitt) English National Ballet’s Artistic Director, Tamara Rojo CBE, said: “This is the first time English National Ballet has embarked on a digital project of this scale and it has been amazing to see everyone pull together with such dedication and resolve, to embrace a new process of creation and collaboration. The result is five very diverse and beautiful films that are testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the arts, even in such challenging times.” Over 100 artists and technicians from the dance and film sectors joined ENB’s own digital, technical and wardrobe teams for the project. The short films are available to rent with an accompanying mini-documentary that gives an insight into the creative energy of each new work. All five films in English National Ballet’s Digital Season were filmed in the theatre-sized space of the Holloway Production Studio, under COVID-19 guidance. -ENDS- Notes to Editors Commissioned for English National Ballet by Tamara Rojo CBE. Produced by OB Management (Take Five Blues, Senseless Kindness, Laid in Earth, Jolly Folly) and Manilla Productions (Echoes and accompanying documentaries). English National Ballet is a National Portfolio Organisation supported by Arts Council England. English National Ballet is grateful for the generous grant it has been awarded through the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, which allows it to continue to create, perform and serve its audiences #HereForCulture NatWest is Principal Partner of English National Ballet. Sarah and Dominic Murphy are Lead Supporters of the Short Digital Commissions. Charles Holloway is Principal Supporter of Take Five Blues by Stina Quagebeur. Executive Producers for English National Ballet’s Digital Season: Heather Clark Charrington and Daniel Alicandro Click here to find out more about the choreographers and filmmakers behind ENB’s digital season. Listings Release Dates for English National Ballet’s Digital Season: 23 November: Take Five Blues 30 November: Senseless Kindness 7 December: Laid in Earth 14 December: Echoes 21 December: Jolly Folly Available on Ballet on Demand, part of ENB at Home 72hr rentals for £3.49 (includes access to film and short accompanying documentary) Stream to your favourite devices https://ondemand.ballet.org.uk

English National Ballet School's Winter Showcase filmed at The Roundhouse Monday 21 December 2020 From 7.30pm GMT www.enbschool.org.uk English National Ballet School is thrilled to announce that this year its Winter Showcase will premiere online (via website, YouTube and Facebook) from Monday 21 December from 7.30pm GMT and be available for 30 days thereafter. Filmed at The Roundhouse by Michael Nunnand William Trevitt, the Winter Showcase gives audiences around the world the chance to witness the future stars of ballet showcase their incredible talent. Performance opportunities for the School’s students are key to their development as world-class artists. In a concept by and under the direction ofViviana Durante, Artistic Director, the Winter Showcase sees the School’s three year groups work with choreographer Andrew McNicol and contemporary dance teacher Hannah Cameron. Viviana Durante, Artistic Director at English National Ballet School said: “I am delighted to be able to showcase our immensely talented students on the magnificent Roundhouse stage. Giving our students the opportunity to work with our wonderful choreographers, Andrew McNicol and Hannah Cameron, and experience performing in a professional setting is vital to ensure they continue to develop as well-rounded artists. Throughout this challenging year our students have shown their strength, dedication and passion and I couldn’t be happier to see them perform for audiences around the world.” English National Ballet School continues to adapt to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, which is having a substantial impact on how the School operates and the lives of its students. It recently launched a COVID-19 Appeal to help ensure its talented and resilient young dancers can continue their training in a safe environment, generate performance opportunities and provide additional financial support for students who need it most. Click here for more information. Of Space and Time, choreographed by Andrew McNicol, is a socially distanced ballet in masks, set to music by some of the great classical composers, Beethoven, Rossini, Weber, Glazunov and Tchaikovsky with costumes by Omar Bayoumi. Conceived to build on the work the students have learnt during the first term, Of Space and Time is a response to the restrictions posed by COVID-19. The challenge of choreographing while observing COVID measures involved creating in bubbles, rehearsing with masks and maintaining social distancing while working. Andrew McNicol said: “I wanted to capture something of the strangeness of this moment in time, contrasted with the resilience of the young dancers who despite the current challenges remain passionately committed to our art-form and developing themselves as individual artists. “At this point in time, the opportunity to bring together the whole school towards a shared goal, and crucially experience the pure joy of being back in the theatre felt more vital then ever. I wanted to honour the fact these students have chosen to study ballet specifically and create a new work that celebrates the pure beauty and power of ballet as a creative language, enabling them to move fearlessly in the space once again.” McNicol previously worked with the School when he created the ‘deeply moving’ (Sunday Express) Gradus for its Virtual Summer Performance earlier this year. He also created two works for its 2019 Winter Showcase, Splendour and Grand Finale, hailed as a ‘classical blowout’ (Dance Europe). Throughout his career McNicol has choreographed for a range of companies and schools across the world including the Joffrey Ballet, The Royal Ballet, BalletX, NYCB’s Choreographic Institute, and Royal Ballet of Flanders among others. This year he founded the McNicol Ballet Collective, a modern ballet company to forge new artistic collaborations across the arts disciplines. Following the contemporary assessments this term Hannah Cameron has brought together various Extracts from contemporary classwork. The students have been working with styles and techniques ranging from Cunningham-based to improvisation and release. The focus was to bring these different elements together whilst responding to the dramatic and inspiring space of the Roundhouse. Accompanied by live musician, Ronen Kozokaro, this work celebrates the opportunity of collaboration and the shared experience of dancing together. Winter Showcase generously supported by Charles Holloway, The Linbury Trust, and Adrienne Waterfield. - ENDS - Notes to editors The Winter Showcase will be premiere online (YouTube and Facebook) on Monday 21 December from 7.30pm and be available for 30 days thereafter. About English National Ballet School English National Ballet School prepares the finest young ballet dancers for a lifetime of achievement. Our state-of-the-art facilities are matched by world-class training, education, pastoral care and performance opportunities. We provide our students with the confidence, creativity and skills for a career as a professional dancer with the major international companies, and for a future beyond performing. We aspire to be the school of choice for the next generation of ballet artists and to pioneer the future of dance education. www.enbschool.org.uk