Jan McNulty

Unless your friend is in your support bubble.

I I've seen that written down somewhere Lizbie. The nearest I can come to what I have read is in this government page: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-levels-what-you-need-to-know

Louise Verrill becomes Chair of Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance Rambert School is delighted to announce that Louise Verrill has been appointed as Chair of its Board of Governors. Louise succeeds Richard Cooper, who was Chair for 9 years and stood down at the end of his last term this summer. With a legal career spanning 30 years, Louise is recognised as a leading expert in her field of corporate restructuring and has been awarded accolades around the world. Her lifelong passion for the arts and particularly dance sees her hold positions on the Boards of Studio Wayne McGregor and The Grange Festival. Louise Verrill, Chair of the Board of Governors of Rambert School said: “I am hugely excited and thrilled to be joining the Rambert School Board. An iconic dance institution with brilliant students and staff. It is an enormous privilege to have become Chair in the centenary year and I look forward to working with the Board and Amanda Britton to deliver her exciting plans at such a challenging and critical time.” Louise will work closely alongside Principal and Artistic Director Amanda Britton to help continue to inspire, engage and develop world class artists, choreographers and dance practitioners. Together they will help to deliver Rambert School’s commitment to innovative and accessible dance training and work to ensure it continues to be an open, diverse and reflective school that provides a supportive, nurturing and caring environment for all. Amanda Britton, Principal & Artistic Director of Rambert School said: “All of the staff and students at Rambert School are hugely grateful to Richard Cooper for his tremendous support and for his wisdom and guidance over the past nine years. I am delighted Louise Verrill will now take up the reins as Chair of our Board of Trustees, and I really look forward to working with her in the coming months and years.” In its centenary year Rambert School sees the launch of new initiatives including Rambert Grades, a joint venture between School and Company that provides a bespoke framework for contemporary dance training for young people on an international scale, and its first MA in Dance Research that allows dance professionals across the world to deepen their understanding of and curiosity in their art form. The Board of Governors and everyone at Rambert School thanks Richard Cooper for his exceptional contribution to the School over the past 9 years and are delighted that he will continue to support the School as a friend. Richard Cooper, outgoing Chair of the Board of Governors of Rambert School said:“I am extremely proud of the Rambert School – of its staff at every level, of its students and of its alums - one of the finest dance training institutions in the world. Participating in the development of the School over the years has been inspiring and I congratulate Amanda Britton and her excellent colleagues on their rigour in ensuring that, 100 years after its foundation, the School continues to be at the forefront of excellence in dance training. “The recent launch of the Rambert Grades project, in collaboration with the Rambert dance company, is a hugely exciting step towards assuring the worldwide standing of the Rambert name in contemporary dance training and education for all age groups, as well as the financial security of both institutions. “I also thank my fellow trustees, past and present, for the support that they have all given to the School. Their selfless commitment and dedication is admirable and the broad range of their talents and skillsets has been, and will continue to be, key to guiding the School through the often unpredictable challenges that arise in Higher Education, and the dance industry worldwide. “I am delighted that Louise Verrill has taken over as Chair. Her palette of experience is ideal for the role and I wish her all the very best.” -ENDS- Notes to Editors About Rambert School Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance Rambert School has an international reputation for delivering elite vocational dance training. The equal emphasis on ballet and contemporary dance is arguably unique within the UK and the curriculum is enriched by input from guest artists and choreographers. Throughout the School’s one hundred year history the creative energy and spirit of its founder, Marie Rambert, have endured. Graduates are characterised by their individuality, creativity, artistic expression and strong technique. They can be found in all areas of the profession as dancers, choreographers, teachers, academics, producers and directors. www.rambertschool.org.uk Louise Verrill Biography Louise’s international legal career has spanned 30 years and left a global footprint in the restructuring and capital markets scene. She has had numerous roles within the profession including former President of a Regulator, the Insolvency Practitioners Association and Chair of the UK Insolvency Lawyers Association. Currently member of the Advisory Board of Christof Industries GmbH, an observer for INSOL International at United Nations, Chair of the Trustees of the Rambert School, Board member and a Trustee of Studio Wayne McGregor and The Grange Festival. She has been involved in numerous high-profile assignments including most of the bank collapses 2008-2014, Bank of Ireland, Anglo Irish, Allied Irish, Northern Rock and Co-Op bank to name but a few. Other assignments include MG Rover, Enron, Lehman, Phones 4U, TXU, Powerhouse. She has been regularly recognised as a leading expert in her field being awarded accolades and speaking opportunities throughout the globe. Having left private law practice Louise is now focussing on providing support and advice to company boards in relation to restructuring and corporate development. She is also following her lifelong passion for the Arts and Philanthropy with a particular focus on ballet, dance and music, diversity and mental health.

This "pre-performance" talk has popped up on one of my google alerts:

I'm so glad for you Glowlight. When I went to Aston Hall in Birmingham on 20th September it did me the world of good. I discovered a new place and saw a fabulous exhibition of costumes and felt normal! I'm glad I've got a dog to make sure I keep walking (but I'm not looking forward to it today as it is currently lashing down!).

English National Ballet receives generous grant from Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund English National Ballet is delighted to announce that we have been awarded a grant of £3 million through the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, announced today. Tamara Rojo, Artistic Director of English National Ballet said: “I am thrilled and so grateful that English National Ballet has been granted support through the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, and we offer our sincere thanks to HM Treasury, the Culture Secretary, DCMS, and Arts Council England. This investment will support us as we continue to adapt, rebuild and innovate in the face of the ongoing challenges and uncertainties that the coronavirus crisis has brought to bear on our company, our work, and our ability to serve our audiences. With this grant we can ensure ENB’s survival for the immediate future, helping us to retain talent and protect as many jobs as possible, and allowing us to create, to collaborate and to support and enrich the lives of our local, national and global communities through our artform.” English National Ballet is one of 35 major cultural organisations receiving the first grants between £1 and £3 million through the Culture Recovery Fund – with £75 million of investment announced today. This follows £334 million awarded earlier in the month to nearly 2,000 organisations, also from the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England. Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks. English National Ballet has continued to create and to serve its audiences under the difficult circumstances of the coronavirus crisis. The company will soon be launching 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, Dance for Parkinson’s programmes. ENB will also be releasing a series of world premieres as part of a Digital Season and will perform to socially distanced audiences at Sadler’s Wells and the London Coliseum this Winter. The company will work to finish the creation of Creature, a new full-length ballet by choreographer Akram Khan, the premiere for which has been postponed until 2021. 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 Create that 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

Links - Saturday 24 October, 2020 Obituary - Marge Champion, dancer, actor & choreographer: Michael Ordoña, LA Times Live Review - Birmingham Royal Ballet, Lazuli Sky, Our Waltzes, Liebestod, Birmingham: David Mead, Seeing Dance Gallery - Behind the scenes at Northern Ballet: Danny Lawson, Guardian Live Review - Northern Ballet, Iconic Classics, Leeds: Mike Dixon, Dance Europe News - New York City Ballet won’t return to the stage until September 2021: Peter Libbey, NY Times Streamed Reviews: Royal Ballet, Back on Stage: Beatrice Matteo, Felix Pacific Northwest Ballet, Rep 1: Rachel Howard, Fjord Review Fall for Dance, Programme 1: Marina Harss, DanceTabs Streaming Preview - Seven dance stars take on a daring Rite of Spring: Gia Kourlas, NY Times Feature - Dancing at Dusk: A moment with Pina Bausch’s Rite of Spring: Paula Citron, Ludwig Van Toronto Live Preview Feature - Royal New Zealand Ballet returns with The Sleeping Beauty: Andre Chumko, Stuff News - Miami City Ballet presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker live in The Park: News Desk, Broadway World News - David Hockney portrait sold by Royal Opera House for £12.8m: Robert Dex, Standard Live Review - Sean MacDonald & Sam Trubridge, Ecology in Fifths, Hastings: Kim Buckley, NZ Theatreview Documentary Preview - Lil Buck featured in new Netflix documentary “Move”: Bob Mehr, Commercial Appeal

Yes, such sad news. RIP David Toole.

I've just picked this up via Facebook if anyone is within easy reach of Darlington: https://www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk/whats-on/details?id=123002AQSPPPRQMVSGCGMSKNQMGSMSSPH&fbclid=IwAR0ITLy40JCLGBO0n76th3udHGDRuajGeJWeVUWf94P3dO6NXvFiJFVmAEM

Oh I shall enjoy watching that later. Not only an interesting topic but Kenneth Tharp whom I used to love as a dancer.

Unless things have changed accounts for FY ending 31 March 2020 don't have to be filed with the charity commission until the end of January 2021. I don't know about Companies House).

I've watched the trailer - it looks as though it will be well worth watching.

Links - Friday 23 October, 2020 Obituaries - Marge Champion, dancer, actor & choreographer: Emily Langer, Washington Post Ronald Bergen, Guardian Feature - Could dance be a weapon all over again?: Gia Kourlas, NY Times Feature - Carlos Acosta, AD BRB: Refashioning ballet with socially distanced tutus: Anna Bailey, BBC News Live Preview - Birmingham Royal Ballet, Lazuli Sky, Birmingham: James Rodger, Birmingham Mail News Item - Northern Ballet returns to Leeds show for live performance: Staff, BBC Live Review - Northern Ballet, Iconic Classics, Leeds: Mark Brown, Telegraph Feature - Photographer captures Norther Ballet dancers’ determination to return to the stage: Ruby Kitchen & Danny Lawson, Yorkshire Post Live Review - New York Ballet Theatre, LIFT, Lab, Live, New York: Gia Kourlas, NY Times Live Feature - Running Live Dance Drills at The Armory, New York: Brian Seibert, NY Times Streamed Review - Fall for Dance, Programme 1: Brian Seibert, NY Times Streamed video - Dance Theatre of Harlem, Dancing through Harlem: Kyle Macdonald, Classic FM Feature/Review - Portland Dance Film Fest: Amy Leona Havin, Oregon Arts Watch Short Film Review - Jill Ogai, Forma: Gracia Haby, Fjord Review Documentary Preview - Audrey (Hepburn): Grace Back, Marie Claire

Can you watch the IPlayer? I thought it was geo-blocked. It's good if you can.

Northern Ballet have recently advertised that it was still available via the iPlayer on their social media channels and that it is being re-shown on BBC4 (it was shown earlier in the year). I've realised that some items on the iPlayer are available for a lot longer than others but is it worth the effort to search them out?

Links - Thursday 22 October, 2020 Obituary - Marge Champion, dancer, actor & choreographer: Robert D McFadden, NY Times Streamed Review - New York City Ballet, Digital Fall Season Programme 5: David Mead, Seeing Dance Feature - Calvin Royale lll, principal American Ballet Theatre: Zita Allen, Amsterdam News Preview - Royal Ballet, The Nutcracker (2020), London: Teresa Guerreiro, Culture Whisper Streaming Preview - San Francisco Dance Film Festival (online): Janice Berman, SF Classical Voice News - Royal Academy of Dance gives access to its archives to mark 100 years: News Desk, Broadway World News - Birmingham Royal Ballet, The Nutcracker, London: Staff, Metro News - West Australian Ballet announces its 2021 season: Jo Litson, Limelight News - Choreographer Trey McIntyre to debut newest dance film featuring Royal Ballet’s Joshua Junker: News Desk, Broadway World Film News - JARV IS: A musical response to Michael Clark: Cosmic Dancer: Teresa Guerreiro, Culture Whisper Feature - Kathryn Morgan’s (dance) journey: Kat Timofeyev, Fordham Ram Feature - Ivan Blackstoch & Nafisah Baba on working on Beyoncé’s Black is King: Lyndsey Winship, Guardian Video Feature - Orlando Ballet kicks off new season in front of live audience: Jessica Albert, Fox 35 Orlando Video Feature - Tulsa Ballet goes to great lengths to create safe performances: Erin Christy, KTUL

I'm set up on the test and trace app although so far I have only been to one place where I have had to check in. When I went there on Wednesday at about 2pm and checked in the app told me that I would be logged in there either till midnight or till I checked in elsewhere (whichever was sooner). Would I still be contacted if someone checked in at 6pm when I had left over 3 hours earlier? I don't have to check in when I go to the supermarket or the corner shop (just about the only other places I am going to).

Links - Wednesday 21 October, 2020 Live Review - Dancers of NYCB, six short works, New York: Marina Harss, DanceTabs News - New York City Ballet digital season to present a programme of new works: News Desk, Broadway World Live Preview - Birmingham Royal Ballet, The Nutcracker, London: Teresa Guerreiro, Culture Whisper Streaming Preview - Scottish Ballet, The Secret Theatre: Teresa Guerreiro, Culture Whisper News - Houston Ballet dances into a drive-in film festival: Molly Glentzer, Houston Chronicle Streamed Review - Pacific Northwest Ballet, Rep 1 (9 excerpts): Michael von Baker, The Sunbreak Streamed Review - New English Ballet Theatre, Remembrance: Deborah Weiss, Dance For You Magazine Films Review - Amy Seiwert & Jennifer Archibald, SKETCH FILMS: Red Thread: Rachel Howard, Fjord Review Feature - Ballet Hispánico celebrates 50 years as a leading Latinx dance organisation: Shirley Gomez, Hola! Video Feature - Ballet Austin adapting amid coronavirus pandemic: Fox 7 Austin Streamed Review - Vincent Dance Theatre, In Loco Parentis: David Mead, Seeing Dance Book Review - Wendy Perron, The Grand Union - The story of the accidental anarchists of downtown dance: Marcia B Siegel, Arts Fuse Film Feature - Choreographer Rena Butler illustrates Chicago’s “Tale of Two” cities in Hubbard Street Dance film: Kyle MacMillan, Chicago Sun Times Streamed Review - Sketch Dance Company, To Have and to Hold: Graham Watts, DanceTabs News - Ballet Central to show Nutcracker film in Cambridge: News Desk, Broadway World Film (YouTube) Review - Chrissy Cochrane & Laura Quiles, Atmosphere Suite: Maryam Philpott, Reviews Hub

Apparently some sort of announcement about this year's Nutcracker is due on Thursday. There's a bit of "teasing" going on on Thursday and apparently Carlos Acosta was on R4 this morning.

Surely that is down to whether the individual dancers want this on their biographies? One issue coming out of the pandemic is that most of the websites I look at have not been properly updated since before lockdown. Usually there are people who can put on news items but as regards the rest we have just got to wait.

Hello Melane and welcome to the Forum!

Links - Tuesday 20 October, 2020 Preview Feature - Will Tuckett talks about the creation of Lazuli Sky for Birmingham Royal Ballet: Mark Monahan, Telegraph News - Scottish Ballet to premiere a festive feature film just before Christmas: Brian Ferguson, Scotsman Live Review - Latvian National Ballet, La Bayadère, Riga: Jenifer Sarver, Bachtrack Live Review - Dancers of NYCB, six short works, New York: Gia Kourlas, NY Times Feature - The Bubble Doctor is in: she keeps dance companies moving: Roslyn Sulcas, NY Times Exhibition Review - Michael Clark: Cosmic Dancer, London: Chris Waywell, TimeOut Interview - Erico Montes and Kath Haling discuss new dance film Hush: Constance Drugeot, Broadway World Feature - KDH Dance (Austin) created a socially distanced dance work to be performed on the lake. Then the city shut them down: Jeanne Claire van Ryzin, Sight Lines Magazine Feature - Skater and ballerina ignite Louvre Museum and Musée d’Orsay (Paris): Staff, Surfer Today

I already had an account! I am being understanding, given the current situation, but when I was prompted to check and update my details I just kept getting taken round in circles. I didn't mind doing the donation though.