Jan McNulty

There is a sword form of Tai Chi too.

We used it for Marge's funeral too. Not to get too maudlin here, I am there for the matinee on 16th January (I wonder why!!!) if anyone else is going and wants to say hello.

I'm very sad to hear that Ed Stewart has passed away. I always listened to his Junior Choice Radio Show and I loved him on Crackerjack. Condolences to his family and friends. http://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/jan/09/ed-stewpot-stewart-dies-bbc-dj

Note to self: do not play the final section of Two Pigeons in the car - it was a bit difficult to see the road through the tears!

The NB auditions would be for people starting in August so I guess they would be looking at graduating students too. I assume other companies would be the same.

SPRING DANCE CINEMA SHOWINGS There are 3 showings from the Great American Dance Series currently scheduled, plus Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man (information on that to follow shortly). More2Screen’s site www.greatamericandance.com has information on cinemas screening the programmes. Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man is screened from 1 March – information to follow shortly. GREAT AMERICAN DANCE SERIES Produced by Lincoln Center and distributed by London-based Event Cinema specialist More2Screen, Lincoln Center at the Movies: Great American Dance is the first dance series from the US to be screened to a global cinema audience and features spectacular dance performances by four of America’s leading dance companies – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ballet Hispanico and San Francisco Ballet, plus New York City Ballet – there are already screenings of the Nutcracker this week. San Francisco Ballet: Romeo & Juliet – screenings from 14 February Helgi Tomasson’s gorgeous, compelling production stars Maria Kochetkova and Davit Karapetyan as the star crossed lovers. It was filmed at the War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco – 5 and 7 May 2015. A list of cinemas and dates is here. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, mixed programme: Chroma, Grace, Takademe, Revelations – screenings from 25 March This diverse programme includes Wayne McGregor’s Chroma with music by Jody Talbot, and the company’s much loved signature piece Revelations. It was filmed at the David H. Koch Theater, New York – 16 and 18 June 2015 A list of cinemas and dates is here. Ballet Hispanico: CARMEN.maquia and Club Havana – screenings from 23 April This dazzling double-bill from America’s leading Latino dance company features two audience favourites: the company’s electrifying contemporary take on Carmen, and the sizzling Club Havana. It was filmed at the Mesa Arts Center, Arizona – 16 and 18 September 2015. A list of cinemas and dates is here.

I failed my driving test twice due to nerves. Neither instructor could believe I had failed. I gave up after that and only tried again some years later when there were a lot of issues with the local trains. I did a one week intensive course in Llandudno ( we had to have some basic experience so I had about 4 hours before I went on the course). It was a one-man driving school. He ran the courses with 2 people at a time. You drove for an hour and observed from the back seat for an hour. The course started on Monday morning and we had a mock test on Thursday afternoon. The test was pre-booked for the Friday. I am still amazed after all this time to say that I passed! I went to the garage to have a test drive on the Saturday (I had already decided which car I wanted), ordered it and collected it on the Sunday. I had been saving for so long for a car (at the nagging of a friend) that I was able to buy a new car outright! I have never looked back since. I don't know if it is still the same but I had a lot of female colleagues who had passed their driving tests at a young age but who had never been able to buy a car and had lost confidence in their driving ability. They were still qualified to drive, which is a frightening thought! A couple of people I know took a refresher course when they were able to get their own car.

It's no surprise that it is sold out but I suppose returns may become available. I am looking forward to the gala very much but I just wish that it wasn't necessary (if you see what I mean). I believe Kleenex shares are rising in price rapidly - I know I am taking lots with me.

Perhaps we can assume, barring mishaps between now and then, that Ms Osipova will be dancing her scheduled roles. I am sure no-one on this site has any evidence otherwise.

Royal Caribbean have got some auditions coming up; http://royalcaribbeanproductions.com/auditions it looks like a site worth keeping an eye on.

Well said Capybara, no further speculation please.

Fabulous photographs Dave! It looks a stunning production. I can't wait to hear what people think.

I did Tai Chi a number of years ago. It is a martial art but if it is being taught for health and recreation it is relaxing and de-stressing as well as helping with suppleness. It was recommended by the Walton Hospital Chronic Pain Relief Unit at the time I was doing classes. Our classes started with Qi Gong breathing exercises and moved on to Tai Chi. There is a sequence of moves that you learn. I'd definitely give it a go. I am thinking of going back, although the class I went to stopped many years ago.

We had a thread about this in October: http://www.balletcoforum.com/index.php?/topic/10810-auditions-in-europe/

Dance Europe advertises auditions. It may well be worth subscribing if you don't already.

Northern Ballet website: http://northernballet.com/vacancies?place=home

Northern Ballet is launching an "Over 55s" class in Gomersal on 25th January. Details here. or contact The Dancing House on 01274 861720.

Sorted Yorkshire Pud!

What a dreadful tragedy. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35235288 http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jan/05/sian-blake-three-bodies-found-in-hunt-for-missing-former-eastenders-actor

Here's a previous thread about Central. I'm sure we have had one about ENBS too but haven't got time to look: http://www.balletcoforum.com/index.php?/topic/6537-accommodation-for-central-students-2014/?hl=accomodation#entry88154

Personally, although I don't, whooping and hollering during applause at appropriate moments does not bother me.

Oh interesting observation James. I had never realised that but it makes perfect sense.

Thanks for your insight into the workings of the BBC CC. I enjoyed reading your post. Our member Skydancer was a participant in the Big Ballet programme a couple of years ago. She gave some good insights into how the programme was made: http://www.balletcoforum.com/index.php?/topic/4863-big-ballet-wayne-sleep-tv-programme/page-8

Me three!

Fonty, there hasn't been a specific thread about slowed down performances but it has been mentioned on several now. It is not entirely O/T here given that the SPF variations cover various speeds.