Jan McNulty

English National Ballet’s Digital Season ondemand.ballet.org.uk Monday 7 December sees the world premiere of Laid In Earth, the third 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. The earth and the underworld intertwine and overlap in Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s “torn apart” quartet, Laid in Earth. Interpreted for screen in director Thomas James’ ethereal film, a surreal blending of fluid choreography and an eerie other-worldly aesthetic. Laid in Earth is set to Purcell’s famous aria from Dido and Aeneas – arranged by Gavin Sutherland, recorded by musicians from English National Ballet Philharmonic and sung by mezzo soprano Flora McIntosh, as well as new electronic music by composer and multi-instrumentalist Olga Wojciechowska, a long-time collaborator of Cherkaoui’s. Credits: Erina Takahashi and James Streeter James Streeter and Jeffrey Cirio Erina Takahashi and Precious Adams Laid in Earth, a film by Thomas James, choreographed by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui (c) English National Ballet Other films in English National Ballet’s digital season (listed alongside the choreographer and filmmaker for each) are: 23 November: Take Five Blues (Stina Quagebeur and Shaun James Grant) 30 November: Senseless Kindness (Yuri Possokhov and Thomas James) 14 December: Echoes (Russell Maliphant and Michael Nunn & William Trevitt) 21 December: Jolly Folly (Arielle Smith and Amy Becker-Burnett) 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.” Each short film is 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. View the trailer for Laid in Earth here. 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

Thanks oncnp. I got a different result from the Guardian (that wasn't worth linking) but this is starting me off for tomorrow.

Links - Wednesday 02 December, 2020 Feature - Best Dance of 2020: Gia Kourlas, Brian Seibert, Siobhan Burke: NY Times Streamed Review - Stuttgart Ballet, Falling Angels, Petite Mort, Le Jeunne Homme et La Mort: David Mead, Seeing Dance News - David Hallberg announces Australian Ballet 2021 season: Nick Miller, The Age Valerie Lawson, Dance Lines News - American Ballet Theatre cancels season at Metropolitan Opera House, New York: Peter Libbey, NY Times Streamed Review - Candoco Dance Company, Cuckoo: Vera Liber, British Theatre Guide Feature - To see and be seen: these dancers make disability visible: Brian Seibert, NY Times News - Philadelphia Nutcrackers streamed and live this year: Peter Crimmins, WHYY Live Review - Charles Koroneho & Virginia Kennard at Experimental Dance Week 2020, Auckland: Nicole Wilkie, NZ Theatreview Listing - Dance watch Oregon - Virtual Nutcrackers and happy hours: Jamuna Chiarini, Oregon Arts Watch

It’s dreadful news from Trier. My thoughts are with the families of the people killed and everyone affected by this awful incident.

The official trailer for Scottish Ballet's Christmas film:

This year's Big Give is now open!!

If it weren't for the pandemic emergency and the fact that I don't like this production I would be seriously very, very tempted!

Links - Tuesday 01 December, 2020 Streamed Reviews - San Francisco Ballet, The Nutcracker: Rachel Howard, Fjord Review Charlotte Kasner, Seeing Dance Streamed Review - English National Ballet, Digital Season: Teresa Guerreiro, Culture Whisper News - Australian Ballet announces 2021 season: Deborah Jones, Limelight Live Review - West Australian Ballet, The Nutcracker, Perth: Isabelle Leclezio, Dance Australia Preview - Sadler’s Wells Breakin’ Convention - Social Distancing, London: Teresa Guerreiro, Culture Whisper Documentary Review - Audrey (Hepburn): More than an icon: Emma Simmonds, The List Dance Diary - November 2020: Michelle Potter, ... on dancing Book Feature/Review - David McAllister with Amanda Dunn, Soar: Jill Sykes, Sydney Morning Herald News - Cape Town City Ballet returns to the stage for 3 performances: Staff, Biz Community Feature - Debbie Allen, choreographer, dancer, actor: Danielle Chiriguayo & Amy Ta, KCRW Documentary Series Trailer - Disney +’s On Pointe (set at School of American Ballet): Dan Meyer, Playbill

Sadler's Wells have released a trailer:

Links - Monday 30 November, 2020 Streamed Reviews - English National Ballet, Digital Season: John O’Dwyer, Seen and Heard International Gerard Davis, Dancing Review Video Feature - National Ballet of Canada getting creative in lockdown: Vanessa Lee & Brooklyn Neustaeter, CTV News Feature - Diana Ionescu, Stuttgart Ballet: Angela Reinhardt, Dance For You Magazine Feature - Mackenzie Brown, Stuttgart Ballet: Angela Reinhardt, Dance for You Magazine Book Reviews: Michelle Potter, ... on dancing David McAllister, Soar Mary Li, Mary’s Last Dance Feature - Musing on Nureyev: Matthew Lawrence, Dance Australia Documentary Features - Audrey (Hepburn): More than an icon: Louise Levene, FT Scarlett Conlon, Vogue Feature - Elaine’s future in ballet was decided by Covid: Amy Martin, Canberra Times Streamed Review - Syreeta Hector, Black Ballerina: Paula Citron, Ludwig Van Toronto Feature - Black Voguers populate billboards in a Times Square ‘Midnight Moment’: Hilarie M Sheets & Julia Carmel, NY Times

I've spent a happy time watching La Sylphide this evening and really enjoyed it. I wasn't sure about the men's tartan jackets - I thought they would have been better plain but I loved the Sylphs' costumes. I love the Bournonville style and this production was right up my street. That solo of James in Act 2 where he virtually explodes across the stage gets me every time. Ida Praetorius seemed more aware of her charm that I have seen other Sylphs but she was lovely and the contrast with her tragic end (cue attack of hay fever) was terrific. Jon Axel Fransson was super as James and I really liked the dancers who performed Effy and Gurn. Kizzy Matiakis was truly scary as Madge - what a wonderful role for her to retire on. So thank you to Jane S for bringing to streaming to my attention!

Sad news today that Dave Prowse has passed away at the age of 85. He is probably best remembered (in the UK at least) as the Green Cross Code Man and as Darth Vader in Star Wars. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/entertainment-arts-55117704?utm_source=upday&utm_medium=referral

From my work experience if a scheme to leave on a voluntary basis was on offer it was on offer to everyone. Perhaps she decided the time is right with the offer being on. It may not be anything more than that. https://www.instagram.com/p/CIJN1sWgdGg/

A great listen - Birmingham Royal Ballet Behind the Scenes: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000pqcm?fbclid=IwAR3rJWvzHhi_TjQZlUBER3tGAWKxQpMXp5ylCgj6v_EkugVU4Tl9j6L0RGQ

Friday 27 November Full line-up announced for Sadler’s Wells Global Gala - a virtual fundraiser celebrating the UK’s leading dance house Sadler’s Wells Global Gala is a very special one-off event, supported by Bottega Veneta, celebrating the UK’s leading dance house and its international dance community The event features appearances from world-leading dancers and choreographers including Carlos Acosta, Sylvie Guillem, Akram Khan and Natalia Osipova As this challenging and unprecedented year draws to a close, Sadler's Wells brings together a group of some of its most talented artists, collaborators, and fans from all over the world, for its first ever virtual fundraising gala. Taking place on Saturday 5 December at 7:30 pm GMT, this specially curated online showcase will feature bespoke performances, sketches, and messages from Sadler's Wells global family of artists and friends. Audiences can register for more information about the event here. After a difficult year for artists, audiences, and organisations around the world, the Global Gala is set to celebrate the joy and beauty of dance, whilst raising funds that will support the future full reopening of Sadler's Wells, following the longest period of closure in its 300-year history. The Gala will reflect on this extraordinary year and speak to why it's especially important to keep celebrating and promoting dance at this time. Thanks to support from Italian fashion house Bottega Veneta and its creative director Daniel Lee, the hour-long programme is free to access online via Sadler’s Wells YouTube channel, and will include opportunities for audiences to donate. All funds raised through the event will be matched and will contribute to the full reopening of our theatres and the return of artists and audiences to our spaces. The evening features appearances from a diverse and international group of world-leading dancers and choreographers, from household names to breakthrough talent across ballet, contemporary and hip-hop dance styles. Artists appearing include Carlos Acosta, Nafisah Baba, William Forsythe, Sylvie Guillem, Akram Khan, Jason Kittelberger, Magical Bones, Lukas McFarlane, Natalia Osipova, Alesandra Seutin, Hofesh Shechter, and James Whiteside, alongside companies including Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan, Russell Maliphant with National Youth Dance Company, and Soweto Skeleton Movers. The evening also features appearances and messages of support from Sadler's Wells ambassadors and friends including acclaimed sculptor Antony Gormley, broadcaster Brenda Emmanus, actor Ophelia Lovibond, composer and saxophonist Soweto Kinch, award-winning actor and director Fiona Shaw, and 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist, Sting. Performances featured in the event include a specially commissioned performance of the duet, Fields Of Gold, from Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Kate Prince’s Message In A Bottle, performed by two of the original company Nafisah Baba and Lukas McFarlane. Message In A Bottle, a Sadler’s Wells and Universal Music UK production, sadly had to close its run at The Peacock theatre earlier this year due to the coronavirus lockdown. Fields Of Gold will appear with a special introduction from Sting. The filming of Fields Of Gold was made possible by support from Barclays. The programme also features Once With, a short new work choreographed especially for the Global Gala by internationally acclaimed Jason Kittelberger. This new duet will be danced by Jason Kittelberger and one of the world’s greatest ballerinas and Royal Ballet principal, Natalia Osipova to Jean Sibelius’s 13 Pieces for Piano, Op.76: No.2 - Etude arranged for cello and classical guitar. The Sadler’s Wells Global Gala is made possible with support from headline partner, Bottega Veneta. Throughout 2020, Sadler’s Wells and Bottega Veneta have cemented their partnership to sustain creativity in its purest expression, with the two creative organisations continuing to collaborate and find ways to support one another, as we navigate these unprecedented times. Alistair Spalding, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Sadler’s Wells said: '2020 has been a challenging year to say the least. In normal circumstances, Sadler's Wells welcomes over half a million people to our spaces each year, and our artists and audiences are what keep our world turning. For most of 2020, that hasn't been possible. Nonetheless, we remain committed to our mission and continue to strive to make and share dance that inspires us all in new and innovative ways. We wanted to find a moment to come together to celebrate the good things that have been able to happen this year, and the creativity that has been possible, while at the same time, generating support that will help Sadler's Wells fully reopen in 2021. At this time, I think it's more important than ever that we find ways to celebrate and enjoy dance, and we hope that many of you will join us on the 5 December to do just that.’ Sadler’s Wells Global Gala takes place on Saturday 5 December, from 7.30pm - 8.30pm GMT, on Sadler’s Wells YouTube channel. Audiences can find out more and register their interest at http://sadlerswells.com/globalgalaevent #SWGlobalGala ENDS NOTES TO EDITORS Sadler’s Wells Global Gala Saturday 5 December, 7.30pm - 8.30pm GMT 2.30pm – 3.30pm EST, 11.30am – 12.30pm PST, 6.30pm – 7.30pm CET Sadler’s Wells YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/sadlerswells Audiences can find out more and register their interest at http://sadlerswells.com/globalgalaevent Free for all to access Sadler’s Wells Global Gala is supported by Bottega Veneta Fields Of Gold filming supported by Barclays #SWGlobalGala 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 a special Autumn 2020 season of performances for socially distanced audiences. Performances include Christmas dates and feature Sadler’s Wells associate companies and artists, including 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. www.sadlerswells.com Sadler’s Wells social media handles: Facebook: @SadlersWells Twitter: @Sadlers_Wells Instagram: @sadlers_wells YouTube: Sadler’s Wells Theatre About Bottega Veneta Bottega Veneta – inspiring individuality with innovative new modes of craftsmanship since 1966. Under the direction of Daniel Lee, creativity lies at the heart of our designs for women, men and home. Born in Vicenza, the house is rooted in Italian culture yet maintains a truly global outlook. An inclusive brand with exclusive products, Bottega Veneta is as much of a feeling as it is an aesthetic. www.bottegaveneta.com

Thanks for the report Estreiiita!

Wow!!! How luck you are to have spotted that Quintus!

As a ballet-watcher rather than a member of a dancing family it is surely important to train the students to an all round employable standard rather than just focus on them trying to get in to one company? I don't know how many students successfully graduate from the well-known upper schools in the UK (well the ones I am familiar with from reading biographies - Central, Elmhurst, ENBS, RBS, RCS) but there are 5 bigger companies in the UK (BRB, ENB, NB, RB, Scottish) and if each of them has, for example, 5 vacancies a year then a number of students are bound for disappointment whichever way you look at it.

I've watched the danced sections of BRB at 30 several times now (well a gazillion times for End of Time!) and I have found it a really satisfying watch. I think that despite the duet being based on the very depressing On the Beach, Yijing and Brandon bring a feeling of hope to the piece as well as dancing it sublimely. They really seem to spark off each other too. I have continued to be impressed by Tzu Chao Chou's sensuous interpretation of Liebestod. Majismo is fun and so beautifully danced by the four couples. Momoko and Matthias give us a lovely reminder of their sensational performance of the Don Q pdd at Symphony Hall at the start of the year. I hope we get the opportunity to see these pieces in the flesh before too long.

English National Ballet’s Digital Season ondemand.ballet.org.uk On Monday 30 November, English National Ballet will release the second film in its digital season, Senseless Kindness. It will be available to rent via Ballet on Demand, part of the Company's new video platform ENB at Home Senseless Kindness, by world-renowned choreographer Yuri Possokhov, who works with a UK company for the first time, is based on Vasily Grossman’s great novel, Life and Fate, about a Russian family caught in the Second World War and is set to Shostakovich’s Piano Trio No1 recorded by musicians from English National Ballet Philharmonic. Filmmaker Thomas James collaborates to create this poetic, elegant film, using bold lighting and a stark, textured black and white approach. Left: Emma Hawes, Isaac Hernandez, Francesco Gabriele Frola and Alison McWhinney Right: Emma Hawes and Francesco Gabriele Frola English National Ballet in Senseless Kindness, a film by Thomas James, choreographed by Yuri Possokhov (c) English National Ballet Other films in English National Ballet’s series of five original dance films (listed alongside the choreographer and filmmaker for each) are: 23 November: Take Five Blues (Stina Quagebeur and Shaun James Grant) 7 December: Laid in Earth (Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Thomas James) 14 December: Echoes (Russell Maliphant and Michael Nunn & William Trevitt) 21 December: Jolly Folly (Arielle Smith and Amy Becker-Burnett) 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.” View the trailer for Senseless Kindness here. 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

BRB and The Rep are looking at options: https://www.instagram.com/p/CIDZ_R6qWne/ https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/news/update-the-nutcracker-at-the-rep.html

Devastating news for all concerned. If anyone can work out some of the logic behind the the tier system and the virus going away for Christmas please let me know.

Press Release for Immediate Release: 24 November, 2020 A NIGHT WITH STRADIVARI VIOLINIST YURY REVICH AT THE HIPPODROME CASINO, LONDON – DECEMBER 5, 9PM With pianist MATTHIEU ESNULT and Special Guest NATASCHA MAIR, Principal Dancer at English National Ballet The Vienna-based violinist Yury Revich is joined by French pianist Matthieu Esnult for a varied late evening concert on Saturday December 5 at The Hippodrome Casino in London’s Leicester Square. It will feature a mix of famous pieces such as Pablo de Sarasate The Carmen Fantasy and Debussy Clair de Lune with a few less well-known including some virtuoso works for the violin, and a selection of Yury’s own neo-classical compositions. Yury plays on the Stradivari Violin “Princess Aurora” from 1709. Part of the ticket sales will go towards the Dreamland Charity. Yury and Matthieu will also perform Saint-Saëns The Dying Swan with Natascha Mair, Principal Dancer at English National Ballet. Program (with introductions by Yury Revich) Claude Debussy: Arabesque No.1 Clair de Lune (arr.) Chevalier de Saint-Georges, Violin Concerto Op.2 No.1 (extract) Igor Frolov: Fantasy on the themes of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess Camille Saint-Saëns: Le Cygne from Le Carnaval des animaux - with Natascha Mair Yury Revich: Medley Moto (UK premiere) Layers (World premiere) Henri Vieuxtemps: Yankee Doodle Jules Massenet: Meditation from Thaïs Pablo de Sarasate: Carmen Fantasy Yury Revich won the ECHO Klassik 2016 "Newcomer of the Year", was "Young Artist of the Year" 2015 International Classical Music Awards and was awarded Musician of the Year by the Beethoven Center, Vienna. In the last couple of years Yury had his debuts at Tokyo's Metropolitan Arts Space, La Scala Milan, Tonhalle Zurich, Berliner Philharmonie, Gewandhaus Leipzig, Konzerthaus Berlin and Cadogan Hall London. Coming concerts include Musikverein Vienna, Konzerthaus Vienna, Rheingau Festival, Alte Oper Frankfurt, Prinzregententheater Munich, Theater an der Wien, Irish recital tour, tours with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and St. Petersburg Philharmonic. Since February 2016 Yury has performed on the Stradivari violin "Princess Aurora" from 1709 placed at his disposal by the Goh Family Foundation Singapore. www.yuryrevich.com Matthieu Esnult is a young and vibrant French pianist. He has performed recently in concert halls such as London’s Royal Festival Hall, Wigmore Hall, St John’s Smith Square, New York’s Carnegie Hall, Paris Salle Cortot, Venice’s Fenice, and in over sixty different countries. He regularly gives concert tours in China and India. A lover of French and Romantic music, and a graduate from Sorbonne University in French Literature and Philosophy, Matthieu loves performing as a soloist, but also with opera singers, violinists, dancers, and with his piano duo. He has been performing internationally with Yury Revich for five years. www.esnult.com Natascha Mair was born in Vienna, where she graduated in 2012 at the Vienna State Opera Ballet School. In 2012 she joined the Vienna State Opera Ballet and was awarded the Jury Prize at the International Ballet School Competition in Beijing as well as the first prize in the Premio Roma Danza. In 2014 she was promoted to demi-soloist and in 2016 to soloist. In December 2018, Vienna State Ballet Director Manuel Legris promoted Mair to first soloist following a performance of Rudolf Nureyev's The Nutcracker at the Vienna State Opera House. In 2020 Natascha Mair left the Vienna State Ballet and was appointed principal dancer at the English National Ballet. www.nataschamair.com Booking Information 9pm, Saturday 5 December 2020 The Hippodrome Casino London, Leicester Square, London WC2H 7JH (The concert will last approximately 1 hour 30 mins – 2 hours, including talks) A limited number of socially distanced tickets are available - £21.88 each EVENTBRITE BOOKING LINK (The performance is subject to developing Government restrictions) ‘Dreamland’ is the children’s charity created by Yury with UNICEF: www.dreamland-charity.com Yury Revich ECHO Klassik and International Classical Music Awards Winner office@yuryrevich.com | www.yuryrevich.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/yuryrevich Facebook: www.facebook.com/yury.revich Yury plays 1709 Stradivarius on loan from the Goh Foundation Singapore

I know I wasn't going but that is dreadfully sad for all of us. I wonder if the Rep performances in Birmingham will be able to go ahead (opening on 14th December). How does this bode for RB and ENB?

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