Jan McNulty

It should also be noted that posts both critical and praising are all scrutinised by the volunteer moderators.

Pointe shoe hacks from Yasmine Naghdi:

That is not accurate. Please read the bullet points in this notice. #1 specifically refers:

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET’S CINDERELLA SIR DAVID BINTLEY’S ENCHANTING FAIRYTALE BALLET TO BE STREAMED TO MARK THE END OF BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET’S HOME FROM HOME SERIES Birmingham’s Royal Ballet’s celebrated production of Cinderella will be broadcast in full on Birmingham Royal Ballet’s website and Facebook page to mark the end of its online Home from Home series. Its digital premiere will take place at 7pm on Tuesday 25 August and be available to watch for seven days thereafter via brb.org.uk/watch-cinderella Sir David Bintley’s enchanting fairytale ballet, set to Sergei Prokofiev’s sumptuous score, captures every imagination with its magical mix of dance, spectacular costumes and scenery by designer John Macfarlane, and a cast of characters from the fairy godmother and step sisters to a mythical world of mice, lizards and even a dancing frog. This family-friendly production was filmed during the premiere run of the ballet at Birmingham Hippodrome in 2010 and featured as the BBC Christmas ballet that year. It stars Elisha Willis as Cinderella, Iain Mackay as the Prince and Marion Tait as the Stepmother; the Royal Ballet Sinfonia is conducted by Music Director Koen Kessels. The broadcast of Cinderella will be free to watch; but in lieu of a ticket, from those who feel they can, we would be delighted to receive donations via the brb.org.uk/watch-cinderella page; all donations help us deliver the amazing work we do both on and off the stage, and we are very grateful for any support given. Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Cinderella will tour the UK in 2021, with dates and venue information available at brb.org.uk/cinderella Following an uncertain year for everyone, not least for the performing arts, Birmingham Royal Ballet, under the Directorship of Carlos Acosta, looks forward to returning to training in Birmingham from the beginning of August 2020. News of an exciting programme of live autumn performances, including work outdoors, in the community, in socially-distanced arena spaces and using augmented reality and technical innovation, will be announced very soon. ENDS NOTES TO EDITORS: Birmingham Royal Ballet Based at Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Royal Ballet is the United Kingdom’s leading touring ballet company performing a range of traditional, classical and heritage ballets as well as ground-breaking new works with the aim of encouraging choreographers of the future. The company’s Director from January 2020 is the internationally renowned Carlos Acosta. Birmingham Royal Ballet performs at Birmingham Hippodrome for approximately ten weeks of the year and the remainder of the year tours throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. On average, the company performs 175 shows a year nationally and internationally. The Royal Ballet Sinfonia is Birmingham Royal Ballet’s permanent orchestra, it is also Britain's busiest ballet orchestra. The Sinfonia also plays frequently for The Royal Ballet and other leading ballet companies, including performances with: The Royal Ballet, Paris Opéra Ballet, New York City Ballet, Australian Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, the Kirov, Norwegian Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and La Scala Ballet.

Links - Friday 31 July, 2020 Feature - A tale of 2 countries: news from Sadler’s Wells, Stuttgart and beyond: David Mead, Seeing Dance Q&A - Toby Batley, ex-NB and now joint AD SoCal Ballet: Staff, Shout Out SoCal Feature - Australian Ballet - Partnering apart: Nick Miller, The Age Book Review - Mark Franko, The facist turn in the dance of Serge Lifar: George Jackson, Danceview Times TV Review - Imagine … Kate Prince: Every Move She Makes: Ben Dowell, Times Feature - Companies are re-thinking live performance: Nancy Wozny, Dance Magazine Feature - Inside Chanel: Gabrielle Chanel and Dance: Mihaela, Dance for You Magazine Feature - How dancers can find comfort despite the stress of a pandemic: Jennifer Stahl, Dance Magazine Feature - Saratoga’s SPAC seeks help with new ballet floor plan (for NYCB’s use): Indiana Nash, Daily Gazette Covid-19 News: Washington Ballet loses top executive, cancels The Nutcracker and the rest of the 2020 season: Sarah L Kaufman, Washington Post Houston Ballet launches relief fund after cancellation of The Nutcracker season: Marene Gustin, Out Smart

Links - Thursday 30 July, 2020 Feature - Christopher Bruce: Lyndsey Winship, Guardian Feature - Theatre industry still in peril: Chris Wiegand, Guardian Preview Feature - In the Hudson Valley: Live dancers, real sweat, natural beauty: Marina Harss, NY Times Feature - Northern Ballet and Burberry team up to support local schoolchildren during lockdown: Stephanie Smith, Yorkshire Evening Post News - Birmingham Royal Ballet’s plans: David Mead, Seeing Dance Streaming Review - Royal Ballet, Sleeping Beauty: Michelle Potter, ... on dancing Streaming Review - Lightfoot Leon/Nederlands Dans Theater, Standby/She Remembers: Vera Liber, British Theatre Guide Review/News - Studio 5: Great American Ballerinas masterclasses: Jann Parry, DanceTabs Streaming Review - Kyle Abraham/A.I.M, Meditation: A Silent Prayer: Faye Arthurs, Fjord Review Feature - Redux Review: Multiple encounters with Pina Bausch’s Rite of Spring: Ka Bradley, Exeunt Feature - Trading sand and sea for Tik Tok challenges: Gia Kourlas, NY Times Feature - Ballerina dances The Swan on a London canal side for an audience in canoes: Maddy Shaw Roberts, Classic FM Feature - Inside Isabella Boylston of ABT’s dance bag: Chava Lansky, Pointe Magazine Featurette - Jake Mangakahia, Australian Ballet: Catherine Lambert, The Age News - Sarasota Ballet plans digital autumn programmes: Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald Tribune News - Colorado Ballet announces more cancellations: News Desk, Broadway World

Thanks for the information Capybara. I feel uncomfortable liking it because of Tamas Solymosi's situation (and the rest of his colleagues at Hungarian National Ballet).

Thanks Naomi. I suppose this is going to be life from now on. But how awful for everyone if an audience member has travelled a long distance and perhaps have booked a hotel if the performance is cancelled because a cast member has contracted C-19. It looks rather lovely BTW.

Wednesday 29 July 2020 For immediate release Northern Ballet and American Ballet Theatre première dance films inspired by students’ choreography from West Yorkshire and New York City northernballet.com/digitaldance Northern Ballet has worked with American Ballet Theatre to create four new dance films, featuring professional dancers performing choreography by students from West Yorkshire and New York City. Produced as part of the Burberry Foundation’s Burberry Inspire programme, which pairs schools with arts organisations in Yorkshire and New York, the films can be watched at northernballet.com/digitaldance Filmed on location including recognisable landmarks such as The Hepworth Wakefield, Salts Mill and Times Square, the final films were overseen by Northern Ballet’s Artistic Director of Digital and Choreographer in Residence Kenneth Tindall. Performed by professional dancers from Northern Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, students from Castleford and Queens inspired the choreography for the films in a first for both ballet companies. Kenneth Tindall said: “The collaboration between Northern Ballet, Burberry Inspire and American Ballet Theatre is a wonderful concept that is close to my heart. It was a project like this that sparked the imagination of a young working-class kid, in an inner-city school in London who otherwise would never have discovered the world of ballet. It’s an honour to have come full circle and be in the position I am in now, utilising my skills and creativity to try and engage and inspire the next generation as I was inspired all those years ago.” Leanne Kirkham, Director of Learning at Northern Ballet said: “During the Covid-19 pandemic, the unprecedented impact on every aspect of our lives has highlighted the importance of creativity as we’ve adjusted at home, at work and at play. With great challenge comes great opportunity and we wanted to share this ethos with young people by offering them a chance to work with professional dancers like never before. Pupils in Yorkshire and New York City have risen to the challenge and created some beautifully inspiring choreography which our dancers have loved bringing to life.” The films mark the first collaboration between Northern Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, working together virtually to bring the students’ ideas to life. Dennis Walters, Associate Director of Education and Training at American Ballet Theatre said: “We’re pleased to build upon the success of the Burberry Inspire program and now bring virtual learning in dance and design to a wide audience of middle school students in NYC and beyond. The opportunity to collaborate, share ideas and develop curriculum with the talented artists and educators of Northern Ballet has been a special experience for the artists of American Ballet Theatre and the students participating in Burberry Inspire. We look forward to our continued partnership and the opportunity to share student stories and experiences through dance-making from both sides of the Atlantic.” The Burberry Foundation first launched Burberry Inspire in 2018 in Yorkshire, aiming to give young people a deep and varied experience of arts and culture whilst studying the impact of this on their development. During the first year of the programme, more than 4,000 young people benefitted from their experience of the creative arts, ranging from dance and theatre to filmmaking and sculpture with four Yorkshire arts organisations: Northern Ballet; The Hepworth Wakefield;Leeds Playhouse; and Leeds Young Film. Earlier this year, the Burberry Foundation expanded the programme internationally for the first time, launching in New York City with American Ballet Theatre, Reel Works and Studio in a School. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, organisations from the Yorkshire and New York programmes came together to find new ways to inspire and support students in the midst of the pandemic virtually, with support from the Creative Arts Team (CAT) at CUNY and The Ideas Foundation. Pam Batty, Secretary to The Burberry Foundation and VP of Corporate Responsibility at Burberry said: “The Burberry Foundation is dedicated to using the power of creativity to drive positive change, which is why we’re thrilled to have expanded Burberry Inspire internationally and help bring eminent arts organisations from across countries together. Supporting the arts and engaging students in creativity is more prevalent than ever, and we’re grateful to all the teams who have worked tirelessly to continue to provide resources and cultivate a true sense of community and connection.” -ENDS- Credits Roots Creative Direction & Choreography Kenneth Tindall Direction, Film & Edit Emily Nuttall Dancers Minju Kang & Lorenzo Trossello, Northern Ballet Drone pilot and camera operator Kevin Poeung Part of a collaboration between Northern Ballet, Burberry Inspire and American Ballet Theatre. Thanks to ProVision, Leeds; Salts Mill, Bradford; The Hepworth Wakefield Special thanks to Ruby P from Airedale Academy, UK who inspired the choreography of this piece northernballet.com/roots Trapped Creative Direction & Choreography Kenneth Tindall Direction, Film & Edit Emily Nuttall Dancer Kevin Poeung, Northern Ballet Part of a collaboration between Northern Ballet, Burberry Inspire and American Ballet Theatre. Thanks to ProVision, Leeds, The Hepworth Wakefield Special thanks to Ellie T from Airedale Academy, UK who inspired the choreography of this piece northernballet.com/trapped A Lonely Summer’s Day Creative Direction Kenneth Tindall Choreography and Performance Melvin Lawovi & Chloe Misseldine, American Ballet Theatre Filmed by Yan Chen, Tsung Jui Chuang (Albert) & Sung Yu Lee (Sean) Edited by Emily Nuttall Part of a collaboration between Northern Ballet, Burberry Inspire and American Ballet Theatre. Special thanks to Charlotte H from Castleford Academy, UK who inspired the choreography of this piece https://www.abt.org/burberry-inspire-films/ Blended Creative Direction Kenneth Tindall Choreography and performance Leah Baylin, Kanon Kimura, Joseph Markey & Duncan McIlwaine, American Ballet Theatre Filmed by Eva Baylin, Dylan Markey, Kelly Markey, Duncan McIlwaine, Kanon Kimura Edited by Emily Nuttall Part of a collaboration between Northern Ballet, Burberry Inspire and American Ballet Theatre. Special thanks to Camilla C from MS 358Q, US who inspired the choreography of this piece https://www.abt.org/burberry-inspire-films/ Northern Ballet Northern Ballet is one of the UK’s leading ballet companies and the widest touring ballet company in the UK. Bold and innovative in its approach, Northern Ballet is prolific at creating new full-length work with a unique blend of strong classical technique and impressive storytelling. Northern Ballet’s repertoire embraces popular culture and takes inspiration from literature, legend, opera and the classics, pushing the boundaries of what stories can be told through dance. Northern Ballet works to make dance accessible to all and enable everyone to learn more about ballet in a variety of ways. Offering a range of school workshops, projects, classes and courses as well as resources and activities at the theatre, Northern Ballet offers programmes for children and adults as well as specific projects for those with learning difficulties or physical disabilities. Northern Ballet reaches more than 50,000 participants annually with these projects. In 2020 Northern Ballet is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. American Ballet Theatre Recognized by an act of the United States Congress as America’s National Ballet Company®, American Ballet Theatre is one of the great dance companies in the world. Few ballet companies equal ABT for its combination of size, scope and outreach. Founded in 1940, ABT performs for more than 300,000 people annually. It has made more than 30 international tours to 45 countries and has been sponsored by the State Department of the United States on many of these engagements. In keeping with its long-standing commitment to bringing the finest in dance to the widest possible audience, ABT has recently enjoyed triumphant successes with engagements in Hong Kong, Brisbane, Singapore, Oman and Paris. The Burberry Foundation The Burberry Foundation was set up in 2008 by Burberry Group plc as an independent charity for general charitable purposes and grant-making. The Foundation Board comprises two Burberry representatives and an independent trustee. The Board meets four times a year and is responsible for upholding the Foundation’s vision and ensuring delivery of its charitable purpose. Considering the varied social, environmental and economic impacts of the luxury industry on communities worldwide, the Foundation is dedicated to using the power of creativity to drive positive change in our communities and build a more sustainable future through innovation. It is therefore taking a long-term approach and focusing its grant-making on promoting the STEAM agenda, tackling educational inequality, reducing waste and supporting social and economic development. Photos Emily Nuttall

Hello Adrian and welcome to the Forum! I've just completed your most interesting survey.

Well I think Autumn has gone for a Burton. The best we can hope for (and I am not hugely hopeful) is the Christmas seasons ... otherwise Spring 2021. (Sheffield has already announced that the Lyceum will not be opening till Spring 2021).

Links - Wednesday 29 July, 2020 Obituary - Zizi Jeanmaire, Dancer & Cabaret Artiste: Times Feature - Jeffrey Cirio, English National Ballet: Marissa DeSantis, Dance Magazine Historic Film Review - Dance Girl Dance: Graham Fuller, Arts Desk Feature - Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and the state of the organisation: Erica Robbie, Aspen Daily News Video Feature - Elmhurst Ballet School helping young dancers with body image: BBC News Feature - Ayrshire dance schools left in limbo over re-opening date: Toni Lennox, Daily Record

Hello Balletbuds80 and welcome to the Forum!

This is really good stuff. Thanks for reporting back Michelle.

Strasborg 1518 © Academy Films / BBC While our theatres remain closed, we are thrilled to continue bringing stunning dance to our Digital Stage and beyond. We have teamed up with the BBC to bring you dance for the whole family, whether you want to get involved or just sit back and enjoy. Three stunning pieces showcase responses to the pandemic from a host of acrobats and dancers, and Strasbourg 1518 takes inspiration from a historical account of mass dance hysteria. Jordan Douglas (Far From The Norm) takes us on a table top adventure as part of BBC Ten Pieces, and go behind-the-scenes with Kate Prince to find out about the creation of Message in a Bottle. This is your last chance to see Dancing at Dusk, a serene re-staging of Pina Bausch's The Rite of Spring. A rare opportunity to watch one of the world’s greatest dance works, filmed as the world descended into lockdown. Ruby Gaskell © The Sofa Dance by Mimbre BBC Culture in Quarantine Taking inspiration from lockdown and the global pandemic, join groups of acrobats and isolated dancers in these topical films. Featuring Far From The Norm / Botis Seva, Mimbre and BirdGang Ltd. Read more Strasborg 1518 © Academy Films / BBC Strasbourg 1518 From Sadler's Wells and Artangel, watch the short film by acclaimed director Jonathon Glazer (Birth, Under the Skin) on BBC iPlayer. Based on the true story of a powerful involuntary mania which took hold of a city and caused citizens to dance themselves to death. Watch now Kate Prince & Alan Yentob © BBC Studios / Jim Ashcroft imagine... Kate Prince: Every Move She Makes From 10.45pm, Thu 30 July Go behind-the-scenes in this BBC documentary following Kate Prince and her company, ZooNation, as they create Message in a Bottle. Read more Jordan Douglas, Ten Pieces © BBC Ten Pieces with Jordan Douglas Get the whole family involved with this fun movement activity from Jordan Douglas (Far From The Norm) in association with Sadler's Wells. Watch now Dancing at Dusk © Polyphem Filmproduktion Last chance to see Dancing at Dusk Until 12.00pm BST, Fri 31 July There is not long left to watch this stunning re-staging of Pina Bausch's The Rite of Spring. If you missed your complimentary Membership viewing period, don’t miss the opportunity to order what might be the most captivating film you watch over lockdown. #DancingAtDusk Purchase and watch now

Sadler's Wells Media Update We are sorry to let you know that due to the continuing impact of the coronavirus pandemic, we have sadly taken the decision to cancel further performances at our theatres across the Autumn until 10 November 2020. This is an extension of our cancellations, which were previously scheduled to run until 1 September. Despite recent UK Government and Arts Council England announcements on rescue packages for arts organisations including Sadler’s Wells, and the initial reopening of public spaces, we are not yet able to welcome audiences to our theatres, as our programme for this autumn was not created with social distancing restrictions in place. We and the artists and companies we work with, are reimagining how we can serve audiences in ways allowed by evolving social distancing requirements, and will be in touch with more information as soon as possible. Performances cancelled today include: Machine de Cirque, The Peacock, 8 - 26 September 2020 2020 International Opera Awards, Sadler's Wells, 21 September 2020 Akram Khan Company - Outwitting the Devil, Sadler's Wells, 28 - 30 September 2020 Tango After Dark, The Peacock, 29 September - 17 October 2020 Akram Khan Company – XENOS, Sadler's Wells, 3 - 5 October 2020 Akram Khan Company - Until the Lions, Sadler's Wells, 9 - 11 October 2020 Akram Khan Company - We are but Shadows, Sadler's Wells, 13 October 2020 Wild Card: Christopher Matthews / Formed View Lilian Baylis Studio, 21 October 2020 Flamenka, The Peacock, 29 October - 7 November 2020 Pagrav Dance Company, Lilian Baylis Studio, 5 & 6 November 2020 You can read more about today's cancellations on our website - Coronavirus Closure - Sadler’s Wells Update.

Yes, there's a reasonable amount of ballet on their equivalent of the IPlayer but the back catalogue is not being put in the free domain (I've just had an email about my NOW entertainment subscription).

Thank you Cherilyn, I really enjoyed that!

Not that it's got anything to do with the price of fish but one of my closest friends spent the whole of June in intensive care (including over 2 weeks in an induced sleep and on a ventilator) because of a severe attack of COPD. (The medical staff were amazing). She's now home and has just come out of her recommended sheltering. She wears a mask even though she could get an exemption.

Links - Tuesday 28 July, 2020 Feature - Compañía Nacional de Danza performed (live) at festival in Granada: Marina Harss, NY Times Streaming News: Ballet Hispánico announces August watch party: News Desk, Broadway World Streaming Review - Jonathan Glazer, Strasbourg 1518: Gerard Davis, Dancing Review News - Miami City Ballet returns to previous location to get back into a socially-distanced studio: WSVN Streaming Review - Preeti Vasudevan and collaborators, The Red Curtain Project: Jerry Hochman, Critical Dance News Feature - NAI NI Chen Dance Company announces The Bridge - a virtual dance institute: Staff, New Jersey Stage

View this email in your browser Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 August - online NYB BOUNCING BACK Join NYB's professional and experienced team for a weekend of online masterclasses which will develop participants ballet and drama technique alongside supporting their health and wellbeing. There will be tailored, bespoke sessions for specific age groups, with a limited number of places to ensure an engaging experience for all participants. NYB Bouncing Back takes place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August. The cost for the weekend is £50. Age groups 8-10 years old, minimum RAD Grade 1 ballet (or equivalent) 11-12 years old, minimum RAD Grade 3 ballet (or equivalent) 13-15 years old, minimum RAD Inter-found/grade 5 ballet (or equivalent) 16+ yrs, minimum RAD Advanced Foundation ballet (or equivalent) Each day will begin with an inspirational message from a special guest and will be followed by a ballet workshop, with Denzil Bailey, and a drama session with Ros Taylor. Each day will end with an interactive session with Carrie Johnson and Charlie Brittain focussed on nurturing a healthy, resilient mind and body. NYB Bouncing Back takes place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August. The cost for the weekend is £50. VIEW THE TIMETABLE FOR THE WEEKEND AND BOOK NOW

Links - Monday 27 July, 2020 Interview - Beryl Grey, ballet legend: Lyndsey Winship, Guardian Streaming Reviews - Royal Ballet, Sleeping Beauty: John O’Dwyer, Seen and Heard International Helen Tope, Reviews Hub Emma-Jane Betts, The Upcoming Review - Universal Ballet, Onegin, Seoul: Im Eun-Byel, Korea Herald

Sad news indeed but what a wonderful long life she had and with a stellar body of work to remember her. RIP

Oh Angela, how very, very wonderful that you have been able to go to a theatre and see a live dance performance. Thank you so much for reporting back.

Links - Sunday 26 July, 2020 TV/iPlayer Preview - Imagine: Kate Prince - Every Move She Makes: Teresa Guerreiro, Culture Whisper News - Elmhurst Ballet School will offer Back to Dance masterclasses: News Desk, Broadway World News from America: Sacramento Ballet cancels season, loses Artistic Director: Sonya Sorich, Sacramento Business Journal Aspen Santa Fe Ballet takes gala event online: Andrew Travers, Aspen Times Streaming - Oregon Ballet Theatre, Interval: via Broadway World Streaming Reviews: Documentary - Maguy Marin, L’Urgence d’Agir (A Time to Act): Rose Marija, Broadway World Ishmael/Bebe/Ralph, Relations: Wendy Perron, Blog