Jan McNulty

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

Links - Wednesday 16 December, 2020 Obituaries - Ann Reinking, choreographer & actress: Gia Kourlas, NY Times Chris Wiegand, Guardian Matt Schudel, Washington Post Live Review - Royal Ballet, The Nutcracker, London: Joy Sable, Jewish Chronicle Interview - Francesca Hayward, Royal Ballet: Jenny Proudfoot, Marie Claire Feature - Francesca Hayward: Get the look: Sarah Barnes, Marie Claire News - Sadler's Wells & BBC Arts Announce Line Up for all-day Digital Festival Dancing Nation: Staff, Seeing Dance Streaming Preview - Birmingham Royal Ballet, The Nutcracker: Teresa Guerreiro, Culture Whisper Streamed Review - Celebrate David McAllister, retiring AD Australian Ballet: Michelle Potter, ... on dancing Exhibition Review - Michael Clark: Cosmic Dancer, London: Maximiliane Leuschner, Brooklyn Rail Streamed Review - Milwaukee Ballet, Nutcracker: Short and Sweet: Jim Higgins, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Video Feature - Nutcrackers reimagined (mainly focussing on Toledo Ballet): Jeffrey Brown, PBS News Hour Video Feature - Jamal Sterrett, Nottingham street dancer: BBC Interview - Janessa Clark, choreographer: Ivan Talijancic, Brooklyn Rail Review - Dragonfly/Robin Laverne Wilson/Miss Justice Jester, ABSCONDED: #EjectionDay2020, New York: Noa Weiss, Brooklyn Rail Recommendation - 7 ballet-centric films to watch: Hayley Maitland, Vogue Video Feature - Pennsylvania Ballet release digital holiday card: Broadway World

BRB!

I don't know if this would be of any interest to anyone (bearing in mind the time difference between here and the USA): https://www.newjerseystage.com/articles/2020/12/14/princeton-ballet-school-to-host-a-week-long-virtual-winter-intensive-january-4-8/

From today's links: Streaming Feature - Tiler Peck of NYCB on how you can watch Nutcrackers this year: Lilah Ramzi, Vogue US Streaming Preview - Houston Ballet, Nutcracker Sweets: Margaret Downing, Houston Press

Links - Tuesday 15 December, 2020 Obituary - Ann Reinking, choreographer & actress: Mark Kennedy, Seattle Times via AP Live Review - Royal Ballet, The Nutcracker, London: Lyndsey Winship, Guardian Mark Ronan, The Article Live Review - Breakin’ Convention: DisDancing, London: Helen Barrett, FT Live Review - BalletCollective, The Nutcracker at Wethersfield, New York: Brian Seibert, NY Times Streamed Review - Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch, The Piece with the Ship: Veronica Post, Seeing Dance Streaming Feature - Tiler Peck of NYCB on how you can watch Nutcrackers this year: Lilah Ramzi, Vogue US Streaming Preview - Houston Ballet, Nutcracker Sweets: Margaret Downing, Houston Press Interview - Salomé Pressac, freelance dancer: Nuria Cremer-Vasquez, Guardian News - Kaatsbaan (Tivoli, New York) announces spring festival including dance: Peter Libbey, NY Times Netflix Review - Tiny Pretty Things: Lucy Mangan, Guardian Feature - Rachel Varina, Elite Daily

What a farce. I'm am sure that theatres and restaurants have far more measures in place to make them safe. How does keeping non-essential shops open help? It will just continue to encourage the Christmas shoppers!

There must be grave concerns because the review has been brought forward from 16th.

But it's not the theatre itself is it - it's the getting there and back... Having seen photographs on the internet over the past few days I am not surprised. People were crammed into Oxford Street and around Knightsbridge and Covent Garden as though it was a normal Saturday in December. I didn't see too many of them wearing masks in the photographs despite the crowding. The Liverpool Echo published a full list of how Covid19 is affecting the whole of England and it is salutary reading for the South East. The tougher restrictions in the Liverpool City Region have helped this area Covid-wise, unpalatable though they were. https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/covid-cases-england-surge-full-19452299 I fell desperately sorry for the dancers who have been working so hard and desperately sorry for the people who will now miss their fix of live ballet but surely it is better safe than sorry.

Monday 14 December 2020 Sadler’s Wells & BBC Arts Announce Line Up for all-day Digital Festival Dancing Nation Streaming on BBC iPlayer and Sadler’s Wells website throughout the day on Thursday 14 January 2021 Fifteen live or pre-recorded performances featured in three hour-long programmes Akram Khan and Natalia Osipova perform together for the first time in Khan’s work Mud of Sorrow: Touch Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures present the choreographer’s seminal 1988 work Spitfire Northern Ballet in a performance of Kenneth Tindall’s new work States of Mind Shobana Jeyasingh Dance revisit Contagion, a timely restaging of this work, reflecting on the coronavirus crisis through the lens of a previous pandemic Performances by a wide range of companies present a snapshot of the British dance scene in all its forms, including Candoco Dance Company, Oona Doherty, English National Ballet, Boy Blue, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Far From The Norm, and Rambert, among others Two new pieces by break-through talent HUMANHOOD premiere during the event Matsena Productions' Shades of Blue is a response in dance to the effects of COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement Interviews with dancers and choreographers taking part in include icon of the dance world, Birmingham Royal Ballet's Artistic Director Carlos Acosta Programmes streamed direct to BBC iPlayer in the UK and on Sadler's Wells website worldwide, presented by Brenda Emmanus #DancingNation Today, Sadler’s Wells and BBC Arts announce details of a special new collaboration celebrating the UK’s outstanding dance talent as it returns to the stage, in an all-day digital, live and pre-recorded broadcast, Dancing Nation. A festival of world-class dance taking place at Sadler’s Wells, Dancing Nation is streamed on BBC iPlayer for audiences in the UK and on Sadler's Wells' website for viewers outside the UK, throughout the day on Thursday 14 January 2021. The event features a series of new works and audience favourites from a diverse and thrilling line up of the UK’ s best-loved dance artists. All performances are staged and filmed in strict compliance with current Covid-19 health and safety guidelines. The programme includes big-name dancers and choreographers alongside breakthrough talent across ballet, contemporary and hip-hop dance styles, including works from Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, English National Ballet, Royal Ballet principal dancer Natalia Osipova, Boy Blue, Shobana Jeyasingh Dance, Akram Khan, Rambert and more. Supported by Arts Council England, Dancing Nation features fifteen live or pre-recorded performances, artists inhabiting spaces throughout Sadler’s Wells, across its stages, studios and foyer spaces in an all-day ‘take-over’ of the building. The event will be streamed at three points throughout the day in hour-long segments. Each episode will be hosted by BBC presenter Brenda Emmanus, introducing the performances and interviewing artists. After the initial broadcast, each programme will be available for 30 days on BBC iPlayer for audiences in the UK and on Sadler’s Wells website for those outside the UK, followed by a 90-minute highlights programme which is available for 12 months. Dancing Nation starts with the first segment streaming live from Sadler’s Wells at 10.30 am GMT on Thursday 14 January, with two more programmes following at 1.30 pm GMT and 4.30 pm GMT. Full programme details for each episode will be released in the new year. Featured works include: Matthew Bourne’s seminal early piece Spitfire (1988) presented by dancers from his company New Adventures; two of the world’s most celebrated dancers, Akram Khan and Royal Ballet principal Natalia Osipova, performing together for the very first time, in a work inspired by Akram Khan and Sylvie Guillem's critically acclaimed duet, Sacred Monsters; English National Ballet with Hollow by emerging talent Stina Quagebeur; Candoco Dance Company’s Face In, a contemporary dance piece by Yasmeen Godder which debuted at Sadler’s Wells in 2018; Birmingham Royal Ballet’s recent work Lazuli Sky, choreographed by Will Tuckett, alongside an interview with world-famous ballet luminary and Birmingham Royal Ballet's Artistic Director, Carlos Acosta; Northern Irish choreographer Oona Doherty’s swaggering, award-winning dance-theatre tour de force, Hope Hunt & the Ascension into Lazarus; and Shobana Jeyasingh Dance’s Contagion, a timely restaging of this work through which we reflect on the coronavirus crisis through the lens of a previous pandemic. New works and commissions premiered as part of Dancing Nation include: break-through dance company HUMANHOOD’s moon-inspired ORBIS and SPHERA, exploring the relationship and influence of Earth’s satellite on humans; Shades of Blue, from Matsena Productions, a response in dance to the effects of COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement; and Northern Ballet’s States of Mind by Kenneth Tindall – a resident artist with the company. The programmes also include hip-hop theatre and pop-contemporary works, with dance powerhouse Boy Blue in an extract from their searing Olivier-nominated hit, Blak Whyte Gray; Rambert’s Rouge from choreographer Marion Motin, known in the pop world through her work with artists Christine and the Queens and Dua Lipa; Far From the Norm, blending hip-hop and contemporary dance styles in an extract from their Olivier Award-winning BLKDOG; and hip-hop dance powerhouse Breakin’ Convention, led by Artistic Director Jonzi D, take us off stage with Window Shopping, transforming Sadler’s Wells public spaces with a diverse meeting of popping, voguing, flamenco and ballet performance. Dancing Nation is part of BBC Arts’ Culture in Quarantine, a virtual festival of the arts rooted in the experience of national lockdown, supporting the UK creative sector during the pandemic with unique commissions and an arts and culture service running across platforms, providing access to arts for all. Dancing Nation also forms part of Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage, an online programme of performances and workshops for people to watch at home. Since March 2020, it has been enjoyed by audiences all over the world, generating over 5 million video views globally, and enabling Sadler’s Wells to stay connected with audiences throughout the pandemic. Stephen James-Yeoman, Commissioning Executive, Digital & Festivals: ‘Dance has the ability to captivate and energise; enthral and give us time for reflection. We are delighted to be working together with Sadler's Wells and Arts Council England on Dancing Nation to showcase amazing and thought-provoking work from some of the UK's most respected and talented dancers and choreographers. Throughout this most challenging of years the UK's creative industries continue to innovate to ensure audiences have access to world class culture and BBC Arts is committed to working with those artists and organisations as part of its Culture in Quarantine initiative to bring art and culture into the nation’s homes.’ Alistair Spalding, Artistic Director and CEO of Sadler’s Wells said: 'We're really looking forward to starting the New Year as we mean to go on, by partnering with incredible artists to bring you world-class performances in Dancing Nation. The event is a showcase of the breadth of dancers and choreographers making work in the UK today, and a celebration of their talent to inspire us to look forward to 2021 with renewed optimism. We hope that audiences all around the world will join with us at points throughout the day to watch the event and enjoy some of the artists and performances we have been missing this year. We thank our partners at BBC Arts and Arts Council England for their continued support, collaboration and commitment to artists and arts audiences, which have made ambitious projects like Dancing Nation possible.’ Notes to Editors Sadler’s Wells & BBC Arts present Dancing Nation Thursday 14 January 2021 Programmes at 10.30am, 13.30pm and 16.30pm BBC iPlayer / Sadler’s Wells website bbc.co.uk/iplayer / sadlerswells.com Free to view online Dancing Nation is supported by a project grant using public funding from Arts Council England. How to watch Dancing Nation Dancing Nation will be broadcast live on Thursday 14 January 2021 in three, hour-long episodes: 10.30am, 13.30pm and 16.30pm.   The programmes will be available to UK viewers via BBC iPlayer, and to audiences outside the UK from Sadler’s Wells website at the time of the broadcast.   Audiences can sign-up to receive an email and/or SMS alert which will notify them when Dancing Nation is available to view. Sign up is available at https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/2021/dancing-nation.  Many of the works performed are excerpts of longer pieces. Audiences can find out more about the works, what inspired them and who created them in an online programme which will be available on the event day. Dancing Nation Programme Akram Khan & Natalia Osipova Mud of Sorrow: Touch    Two of the world’s most celebrated dancers, Akram Khan and Royal Ballet principal Natalia Osipova, perform together for this first time, using two great classical dance forms, ballet and kathak. This is a re-imagining of a duet from Khan's critically acclaimed collaboration with Sylvie Guillem, Sacred Monsters.     This powerful work is accompanied by double-bassist Nina Harries, singer Raaheel Husain and an original poem Do You Remember? by Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan.  Concept and Choreography: Akram Khan  Dancers: Akram Khan and Natalia Osipova  Musicians: Nina Harries, double-bassist; Raaheel Husain, singer  Music: U Lamentu di Ghjesù, Corsican folk song. Arranged by Nina Harries Poem: Do You Remember? Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan  Sound Design: Sami El-Enany  Rehearsal Director: Mavin Khoo  Birmingham Royal Ballet    Lazuli Sky (Excerpt)  Choreography: Will Tuckett    Lazuli Sky is a hopeful and regenerative ballet created in 2020 by Will Tuckett. During lockdown, without the distractions of normal everyday living, the creative team were drawn to the open clarity of the sky, wind-shaped landscapes and birdsong. The title, Lazuli Sky, is inspired by the deep, speckled blue of lapis lazuli, the base for one the most precious and expensive colours in a Renaissance painter’s palette, which was used to create the clear blue skies so familiar in the paintings of Leonardo da Vinci. The ballet was premiered and filmed at Birmingham Repertory Theatre, with further performances at Sadler’s Wells in October 2020, in front of a socially distanced audience.   Music: John Adams (Shaker Loops, Chester Music Limited t/a G.Schirmer o/b/o Associated Music Publishers Inc.)  Choreography: Will Tuckett  Design: Samuel Wyer, Nina Dunn  Video design: Nina Dunn  Costume design: Samuel Wyer  Lighting: Peter Teigen  Sound design: Yvonne Gilbert  Cast: Damen Axtens, Laura Day, Karla Doorbar, Ryan Felix, Haoliang Feng, Kit Holder, Yu Kurihara, Gus Payne, Emma Price, Tom Rogers, Eilis Small, Yuki Sugiura  Members of the Royal Ballet Sinfonia: Robert Gibbs (Leader), Vanessa David (First Violin), Mary Martin (Second Violin), Errika Horsley (Viola), Antonio Novais (Cello), Jane Rainey (Cello), Vera Pereira (Bass)  Conductor: Paul Murphy  Lazuli Sky is generously supported by Oak Foundation. Birmingham Royal Ballet is extremely grateful to Aud Jebsen for her generous support of Lazuli Sky and for her support of Carlos Acosta’s Directorship of the Company and artistic plans across the 2020/21 season.  Boy Blue  Blak Whyte Gray   Choreography: Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy and Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante  Internationally acclaimed hip hop dance company Boy Blue bring one section of their Olivier-Award nominated work, Blak Whyte Gray. This fierce, bold and galvanising dance work, set to a multi-layered electronic score, reflects themes of identity, oppression and transcendence.  The powerful choreography and staging make for an image-rich production with political bite. By: Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy and Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante  Direction and Choreography: Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy  Direction and Music: Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante  Lighting: Lee Curran Costumes: Ryan Dawson Laight Cast: Ricardo Da Silva, Nicole McDowall, Dickson Mbi Produced by Boy Blue. Co-commissioned and co-produced by the Barbican. Supported using public funding by Arts Council England Breakin’ Convention curates Window Shopping Starting from the outside looking in, popping, voguing, flamenco and ballet dancers welcome you into the building. An introduction to the diverse nature of the Sadler’s Wells experience. Dancers: Brooke Miliner, Jonadette Carpio, Noemí Luz, Magdalena Mannion, Mukeni Nel, Michael Oladele, Faye Stoeser, Benjamin Milan Costume Designer: Juliet Dodson Set Designer: Katharine Nixon Makeup Artists: Abbie Miklosz, Alice Platts, Amy Welch, Laura Kilby Candoco Dance Company  Face In  Choreography: Yasmeen Godder A sensual and disturbing ode to intimacy and imagination, expressed through striking images interwoven with daring and uninhibited dance. Set to an urban indie score, this contemporary dance piece invites the audience to bask in this wild fictional world that feels uncomfortably familiar yet strangely distorted. A world that the dancers inhabit with ease: dancing with pleasure, revealing the extreme of themselves and flirting with both the banal and the ridiculous. Concept, Choreography & Direction: Yasmeen Godder Dramaturg: Itzik Giuli Set Design: Gareth Green Lighting Design: Seth Rook Williams Costume Design: Adam Kalderon Sound Edit: Nathan Johnson Music: The Night by Joe Colley and Jason Lescalleet; Away from my Body by Brandt Brauer Frick (Live); Pretend by The Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble feat Emika (Live at Concertgebouw Brugge) Dancers: Megan Armishaw, Ben Ash, Toke Broni Strandby, Joel Brown, Mickaella Dantas, Olivia Edgington, Anna Seymour This piece is co-commissioned by: Festival Oriente Occidente and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance English National Ballet  Hollow  Choreography: Stina Quagebeur  In Stina Quagebeur’s contemporary duet Hollow, a couple contend with depression, and the confusion and displacement it causes between them. With fluid, continuous movement, their bodies intertwine, change direction and come into conflict. They are so close, and yet so far away. One is lost in a void, the other lost in their utter powerlessness to help. Choreography: Stina Quagebeur Music: II Bell’Antonio, Tema III, composed by Giovanni Solima and played by Yo-Yo-Ma and Kathryn Stott Costume Design: Anthony Lamble (originally designed for Facing Viv) Lighting Design: David Richardson Performed by: Emily Suzuki and Victor Prigent This piece was created for English National Ballet’s Emerging Dancer Competition in 2020, produced by James Streeter. Hollow was sponsored by Karine Giannamore. Far From the Norm  BLKDOG (15-minute excerpt)  Choreography: Botis Seva Commissioned by Sadler’s Wells to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of its current theatre (October 2018), Botis Seva’s BLKDOG went on to win the Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production.  A genre-defying blend of hip-hop dance, this work is a haunting commentary on surviving adulthood as a childlike artist. Choreographer: Botis Seva Creative Producer: Far From The Norm - Lee Griffiths Music Composer: Torben Lars Sylvest Lighting Designer: Tom Visser Costume Designer: Ryan Dawson Laight Dancers: Far From The Norm - Victoria Shulungu, Hayleigh Sellors, Jordan Douglas, Joshua Nash, Shangomola Edunjobi and Ezra Owen. BLKDOG is co-produced by Far From The Norm and Sadler’s Wells and supported by Arts Council England. HUMANHOOD   ORBIS   Choreography: Júlia Robert and Rudi Cole Immerse yourself in a spectacle that will take you beyond the realms of planet Earth. This visually astonishing duet explores the relationship between humankind and the dark side of Earth’s permanent natural satellite, the Moon. Set in the round, Orbis is accompanied by a 360-degree surround sound score. Choreography, Set Design and Performance: Rudi Cole and Júlia Robert Costume Design: Mark Howard Music Composition & Sound Design: Iain Armstrong This piece has been commissioned by Without Walls Consortium, Brighton Festival, Norfolk & Norwich Festival and Déda Derby as well as Supported by DanceXchange. HUMANHOOD  SPHERA   Choreography: Júlia Robert and Rudi Cole In this visually impactful contemporary dance duet, the dancers explore the relationship between the visible bright side of the moon and humankind; the luminous moonlight that we can see from planet Earth which illuminates our nights. Created during lockdown, SPHERA is a dance of ‘liquid’ bodies that change and morph under the influence of the Moon.  Choreography, Set Design and Performance: Rudi Cole and Júlia Robert Costume Design: Júlia Robert and Rudi Cole Music Composition & Sound Design: Iain Armstrong in collaboration with Rudi Cole and Júlia Robert Supported by RocaUmbert. Funded by Arts Council England Matsena Productions Shades of Blue   Choreography: Anthony Matsena and Kel Matsena  When the cries of the people are ignored only chaos ensues. What do we do with these feelings of anger and fear we continue to experience this year due to confinement and isolation? Shades of Blue takes us into the heat of a protest and looks at the effects of COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement on a generation that longs for freedom and peace. Shades of Blue is inspired by Geometry of Fear, a work originally commissioned by Messums Wiltshire. Libretto, Choreography and Direction: Anthony Matsena and Kel Matsena  Lighting: Ryan Joseph Stafford Composed: Lara Agar Costume Design: Adam Martin Conceptual assistance: Arnold Matsena, Monique Humphreys, Ryan Joseph Stafford and Lara Agar Assistant Director: Alex Hermon Assistant Choreographer: Arnold Matsena Additional Music: Anthony Matsena Performers: Alethia Antonia, Harvey Burke-Hamilton, Sekou Diaby, Arnold Matsena, Kel Matsena, Cher Nicolette Ho Kindly supported by Riverside Studios. Matthew Bourne's New Adventures  Spitfire - an advertisement divertissement  Choreography: Matthew Bourne Before his legendary Swan Lake, Nutcracker! and Cinderella, Matthew Bourne created his first hit, Spitfire (1988). This hilarious work places the most famous nineteenth-century ballet showstopper ‘Pas De Quatre’ in the world of men's underwear advertising. Both a celebration of male vanity and an affectionate comment on the preening grandeur of the danseur noble, Spitfire was last performed in a 4-man version in 2012 as part of Early Adventures, a triple bill of Bourne’s early works, revived in celebration of New Adventures’ 25th anniversary celebrations. Here it is seen in the expanded 6-man version performed by New Adventures principal dancers, with slightly adapted choreography to suit these socially distanced times. Spitfire is a signature piece for Matthew Bourne and is a celebration of New Adventures’ famous connection with its audiences. A New Adventures Production Director & Choreographer: Matthew Bourne Music: Pas de Deux from Don Quixote by Leon Minkus, Solo from La Bayadere by Leon Minkus, Winter Variation 3 - The Hail and Winter Variation 4 – The Snow from The Seasons, Op 67 by Alexander Glazunov Costume Designer: Lez Brotherston Associate Artistic Director: Etta Murfitt Dancers: Will Bozier, Harrison Dowzell, Glenn Graham, Andrew Monaghan, Liam Mower, Dominic North Northern Ballet   States of Mind (15-minute excerpt) Choreography: Kenneth Tindall   Inspired by a collection of thoughts, feelings and news headlines from lockdown, this new work is an abstract response through movement to a selection of situations experienced during recent months. Premiered at Leeds Playhouse in October 2020, States of Mind is the latest creation of Kenneth Tindall, choreographer of Northern Ballet’s Casanova, The Shape of Sound, Geisha and multi-award-winning dance film EGO. Choreography: Kenneth Tindall Assistant: Christelle Horna Music: Johann Sebastian Bach, Jacob Ter Veldhuis, Aretha Franklin Sound Design: Neill Rigg Costume Design: Hannah Bateman Dancers: Antoinette Brooks-Daw, Sarah Chun, Minju Kang, Kyungka Kwak, Ayami Miyata, Abigail Prudames, Sean Bates, Riku Ito, Gavin McCaig, Kevin Poeung, Joseph Taylor, Matthew Topliss, Lorenzo Trossello Oona Doherty Hope Hunt and the Ascension into Lazarus  This award-winning solo performance bursts with fury, swagger and humanity. Hope Hunt shatters facades, dismantles stereotypes and finds beauty on the periphery.  Adopting multiple personas of disaffected male youth, this powerful dance-theatre work created by Oona Doherty, invites audiences to look behind the mask of ego and affectation.  Choreography: Oona Doherty Dancer: Sati Veyrunes DJ and Car Driver: Rory Moore Light Technician: Lisa Marie Barry Production and diffusion: Gabrielle Veyssiere Music: opening track, composition Katie Richardson; poem, written by Oona Doherty, performed by Neil Brown; song, Northern Ireland Yes, written by Rory Moore performed by Strength NIA; sound film edit mix, Luca Truffarelli Supported by: Dance Resource Base, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, The MAC Theatre – Belfast, Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, British Council, Prime Cuts Production. Selected for a European tour by Aerowaves in 2017. Rambert  Rouge  Choreography: Marion Motin   Marion Motin’s hip hop-influenced style is best known through her work for Christine and the Queens and Dua Lipa’s IDGAF music video. Rambert’s artistic director Benoit Swan Pouffer invited Marion to create her first work for a contemporary company and in 2019 Rouge was premièred at Sadler’s Wells. The result is fresh and bold, with four-to-the floor beats, tight unison bodies and glorious costumes. When your building is burning in the middle of the night, what do you take with you? How does it help you to keep going? Choreographer: Marion Motin Music: Micka Luna  Costume Design: Yann Seabra  Lighting Design: Judith Leray Shobana Jeyasingh Dance  Contagion    Choreography: Shobana Jeyasingh   Created by Shobana Jeyasingh in 2018, Contagion explores the nature and spread of the unseen flu virus which caused the ‘Spanish flu’ pandemic in 1918, and which killed more people than the First World War. This specially staged version of Contagion, set to an atmospheric soundscape, is inspired by the 1918 virus itself (rapid, strategic and constantly mutating), as well as its devastating effects on the human body and mind. It pays homage to the caring role of women in this time of grief and loss. Concept, Choreography and Direction: Shobana Jeyasingh Set and Costume Design: Merle Hensel Lighting Design: Yaron Abulafia Video Design: Nina Dunn Video Technician: Gillian Tan Composer: Graeme Miller Production Manager: Richard Owen Sound Engineer: Fred De Faye Rehearsal Director: Ruth Voon Dancers and Creative Collaborators: Jemima Brown, Catarina Carvalho, Antonette Dayrit, Chihiro Kawachi, Rachel Maybank, Emily Pottage, Fukiko Takase, Ruth Voon Contagion was co-commissioned by Shobana Jeyasingh Dance and 14-18 NOW. Shobana Jeyasingh Dance is supported by Arts Council England. About Sadler’s Wells Sadler's Wells is a world-leading dance organisation, committed to producing, commissioning and presenting new works and to bringing the best domestic and international dance to UK and worldwide audiences. Under the Artistic Directorship of Alistair Spalding, the theatre’s acclaimed year-round programme spans dance of every kind, from contemporary to flamenco, Bollywood to ballet, salsa to street dance and tango to tap. Audiences of over half a million come to Sadler’s Wells’ three London theatres each year, with many more enjoying its touring productions at venues across the UK and around the world and accessing its content through its Digital Stage. Sadler's Wells commissions, produces and presents more dance than any other theatre in the world, embracing the popular and the unknown. Since 2005, it has helped to bring over 180 new dance works to the stage, many of them involving its 16 Associate Artists, three Resident Companies and four Associate Companies – the most exciting talents working in dance today. Sadler’s Wells own productions have toured to some of the most prestigious theatres and festivals around the world, such as the Sydney Opera House, the Lincoln Center’s White Light Festival in New York, and the National Centre for Performing Arts in Beijing. Sadler’s Wells also nurtures the next generation of talent through a range of artist development initiatives including its New Wave Associates programmes, its Wild Card initiative and the National Youth Dance Company. A further 30,000 individuals take part in its learning and engagement programmes each year. During the Covid-19 crisis, Sadler’s Wells has continued to connect with global audiences through its Digital Stage, an online programme of performances and workshops for people to watch at home. Since 27 March 2020, the programme has been enjoyed by audiences all over the world, generating over 5 million video views globally. On 29 October 2020, live dance returned to Sadler’s Wells with Birmingham Royal Ballet, in the first performances for socially distanced audiences. Further performances include Christmas dates from Breakin’ Convention and Ballo Arthur Pita. More information about this autumn season and our Digital Stage can be found at https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/list. Sadler’s Wells is an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation and currently receives approximately 10% of its revenue from Arts Council England. sadlerswells.com. Sadler’s Wells social media handles: Facebook: @SadlersWells Twitter: @Sadlers_Wells Instagram: @sadlers_wells YouTube: Sadler’s Wells Theatre About BBC Arts We believe arts and music make the world a better place by bringing people together through shared experience and understanding, providing a place of inspiration, a means to navigate a complex world and significant health benefits. The BBC is the biggest creator of Arts content and is Britain's creative partner – allowing the UK to experience the very best arts - when they want, how they want: www.bbc.co.uk/arts. The nation’s stage: access to arts and culture programming for all through the license fee – we create and showcase more arts and culture than any other broadcaster An Innovator: constantly finding new ways to bring the best quality culture to audiences - working with the Arts sector as partner and acting as a hot-house for new talent Britain’s creative partner: a bold force in the UK creative sector as creator and commissioner, also a platform for new talent An investor in quality: we only present the highest quality Arts and culture programming, crafted by skilled production teams and shared with all audiences Bringing the nation together: like no other we create and amplify moments in Arts and culture, cutting through with a broad audience About Culture In Quarantine BBC Arts’ Culture in Quarantine initiative is an essential arts and culture service across BBC platforms that will keep the arts alive in people’s homes, focused most intensely across BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4, BBC Two, BBC Four, BBC Sounds, BBC iPlayer and www.bbc.co.uk/bbcarts. We are doing this in close consultation and collaboration with organisations like Arts Council England and other national funding and producing bodies. This arts and culture service includes: Guides and access to shuttered exhibitions, performances or permanent collections in museums, galleries and performance spaces; Ways to experience books with privileged access to authors including a collaboration with the Big Book Weekend amongst other initiatives. Jewels from the archive as well as brand new content ensuring that brand new theatre and dance performances will join with modern classics to create a repertory theatre of broadcast. Participatory offers including masterclasses and ways to enable audiences to create at home through Get Creative Topical arts through Front Row, Front Row Late, Free Thinking and more A fund with Arts Council England to support around 25 artists to create new work A place for arts organisations to share innovations from quarantine and for audiences to discover new things through www.bbc.co.uk/arts

Sad news today that novelist John le Carré has passed away at the age of 89: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/dec/13/john-le-carre-author-of-tinker-tailor-soldier-spy-dies-aged-89

Links - Monday 14 December, 2020 Live Review - Royal Ballet, Nutcracker, London: Vikki Jane Vile, Broadway World Live Review - Breakin’ Convention: Social DisDancing, London: Lyndsey Winship, Guardian Exhibition Review - On Point: Royal Academy of Dance at 100, London: David Mead, Seeing Dance Streamed Review - Pam Tanowitz, Finally Unfinished: Brian Seibert, NY Times Feature - 2020 in Dance: Mark Monahan, Telegraph News - Queensland Ballet’s plans to restart 60th Anniversary celebrations in March: Staff, Dance Australia News - Luca Silvestrini awarded prestigious Italian Critics’ Award for his work in dance: Mihaela, Dance for You Magazine News - West Australian Ballet promotes 4 dancers: Staff, Out in Perth Film Review - Circumstance 2020: Jill Sykes, Sydney Morning Herald Streaming News (video feature) - Milwaukee Ballet performs the Nutcracker online: Fox6 News News - Texas Ballet Theatre announces online season: Edward Brown, Fort Worth Weekly Feature - Alessandra Ball James of Charlotte Ballet talks about her retirement: Lauren Levine Corriher, Charlotte Magazine

If anyone's seen the new Chanel No 5 advert it features French actor Marion Cotillard with ex-POB star Jérémie Bélingard: https://commercial-song.net/2020/12/chanel-no-5-marion-cotillard-dancing-commercial-advert-song/

I've just read your comments Joan and agree with every word. I think everyone knows that I am not a fan of this production but A LIVE BALLET in a theatre WITH AN AUDIENCE is something to be celebrated and the carping of the critic is beyond the pale. Bravo Royal Ballet and I envy everyone who is able to go to ROH and see this production.

Links - Sunday 13 December, 2020 Live Reviews - Royal Ballet, The Nutcracker, London: Mark Pullinger, Bachtrack Teresa Guerreiro, Culture Whisper Feature - Kevin O’Hare on the Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker: Teresa Guerreiro, Culture Whisper Streaming Review - San Francisco Ballet, The Nutcracker: Jim Munson, Broadway World Interviews - Lyndsey Winship, Guardian (scroll way down) Matthew Koon, Northern Ballet Ashley Shaw, New Adventures Live Reviews - Breakin’ Convention: Social DisDancing, London: Marianka Swain, Telegraph David Mead, Seeing Dance Teresa Guerreiro, Culture Whisper Streaming Review - Sadler’s Wells Global Gala: Gerard Davis, Dancing Review News - Royal Danish Ballet closes until at least Christmas: Eva Kistrup, Danceview Times Feature - Wei Wei, Hong Kong Ballet: Kate Whitehead, South China Morning Post Streaming Preview - James Whiteside, ABT, presents Fancy Nut Mix: News Desk, Broadway World Feature - Dance favourites of 2020: Marcia B Siegel, Jessica Lockhart, Mary Paula Hunter, Bill Marx, Arts Fuse

English National Ballet receives Capital Kickstart grant from Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund English National Ballet is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a £3 million Capital Kickstart grant as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund. English National Ballet (ENB) is one of 74 organisations receiving grants totalling £58.9 million today. The Capital Kickstart grants programme helps organisations cover costs added to capital projects such as building works, refurbishments, and large-scale equipment purchases by pandemic-related delays or fundraising shortfalls. Tamara Rojo CBE, Artistic Director of English National Ballet, said: “We are so grateful to be recipients of the Cultural Capital Kickstart Fund and we offer our sincere thanks to HM Treasury, the Culture Secretary, DCMS, and Arts Council England. “Fundraising for our transformational building was severely affected by the pandemic. This investment from the Cultural Capital Kickstart Fund allows us to meet the full potential of this transformational space for artists, makers, audiences and our local community." ENB’s new building in Canning Town, East London, was designed as a versatile space to support the company’s commitment to creativity, ambition, and connection to more people. From this new home, ENB is working to continue to create and to serve its audiences, despite the ongoing challenges posed by the coronavirus crisis. The company has launched a video on demand platform, ENB at Home, which includes recorded performances and ballet-based exercise classes for people to enjoy at home, and is working to strengthen and increase the digital distribution of its work, including engagement with local communities, youth programmes, remote workshops delivered in care homes, and Dance for Parkinson’s programmes. ENB has also presented its first digital season, the world premieres of five dance films recorded on site in the building’s theatre sized Holloway Production Studio. Today DCMS also announces that £165 million from the Culture Recovery Fund has been offered in repayable loans to help 11 major cultural organisations survive the loss of income caused by the crisis. This follows previous rounds of the Culture Recovery Fund, including the Grants programme which distributed £428 million to over 2,000 cultural organisations across the country, and the £3.36 million Emergency Grassroots Music Venues Fund. Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said: “This government promised it would be here for culture and today’s announcement is proof we’ve kept our word. “The £1 billion invested so far through the Culture Recovery Fund has protected tens of thousands of jobs at cultural organisations across the UK, with more support still to come through a second round of applications. “Today we’re extending a huge helping hand to the crown jewels of UK culture - so that they can continue to inspire future generations all around the world.” Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair of Arts Council England said “Today’s announcement is another vital step in securing the future of England’s cultural sector. Supporting capital projects will help to ensure that we maintain an innovative, sustainable cultural infrastructure that supports world class creative work, while the loans announced today will enable some of our largest and most prestigious cultural organisations to weather the effects of Covid-19 and reopen when it is safe to do so. The Arts Council is grateful to the Government for their support through the Culture Recovery Fund, and we are proud to support all the organisations receiving funding today.” -ENDS- Notes to editors 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 Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity and culture. We have set out our strategic vision in Let’s Createthat by 2030 we want England to be a country in which the creativity of each of us is valued and given the chance to flourish and where everyone of us has access to a remarkable range of high quality cultural experiences. We invest public money from Government and The National Lottery to help support the sector and to deliver this vision. www.artscouncil.org.uk Following the Covid-19 crisis, the Arts Council developed a £160 million Emergency Response Package, with nearly 90% coming from the National Lottery, for organisations and individuals needing support. We are also one of several bodies administering the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund and unprecedented support package of £1.57 billion for the culture and heritage sector. Find out more at www.artscouncil.org.uk/covid19.

Mary Li, wife of Li Cunxin, fondly remembered as Mary McKendry of London Festival Ballet has recently published a memoir as has David McAllister the just retired AD of Australian Ballet. Both had various reviews and features in links.

Thanks for making me green with envy again Cherilyn! It sounds fab. Do you think it will be streamed?