Jan McNulty

For many years I worked in a mainly male environment. When they used to tease me about going to Bradford for a week to see ballet I used to ask them that if Liverpool and Everton played every night for a week would they go to that? The answer was always, of course we would it would be a different match every night. They just could not see that ballet is exactly the same!

The Duchy Ballet Company is holding auditions in St Austell this month: http://www.cornishguardian.co.uk/dance/story-27714849-detail/story.html https://www.facebook.com/pages/Duchy-Ballet/41390984321?fref=ts

Yabin Studio & Eastman / Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui GENESIS生长 UK Premiere Monday 28 & Tuesday 29 September 2015 Performances at 7.30pm Tickets: £12 - £38 Ticket Office: 020 7863 8000 or www.sadlerswells.com Commissioned by Yabin Studio, choreographed by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and produced by Yabin Studio and Eastman Acclaimed contemporary dancer and choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and leading Chinese dance artist Yabin Wang bring the UK premiere of their new work, GENESIS 生长 to Sadler’s Wells on 28 & 29 September 2015. The first dance work to have been commissioned from a European choreographer by a dance artist working in mainland China, GENESIS生长 had its World Premiere at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing in 2013, and has since toured throughout Europe. Set to live music with roots in Africa, India, Japan, China and Poland, GENESIS生长 is a show about origin. We are born and then we die, and in the meantime we undergo constant testing and increasing estrangement from the natural world. The production translates philosophical ideas about life, the pressures imposed on us by society to perform and conform, into beautiful sequences of movement in which east and west, life and death, come together. GENESIS生长 marks the first London appearance of Yabin Wang. She will dance alongside six other dancers, three from Eastman and three from Yabin Studio, her company. It features an electronic score by composer Olga Wojciechowska, set designs by Liu Kedong and costume design by Li Quing. Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui is a Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist. He has created more than 20 works including zero degrees, Babel Sutra and m¡longa and is acknowledged as one of Europe’s most exciting choreographers. He continues to work with a variety of theatres, opera houses and ballet companies from around the world including Dutch National Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, GöteborgsOperan Danskompani, Bunkamura Theatre Cocoon in Tokyo and Stuttgart Ballet. Cherkaoui received international acclaim for his choreography in Joe Wright’s feature film Anna Karenina (2012). Earlier this year, Cherkaoui was announced as the new Artistic Director of Royal Ballet Flanders, a role he has taken on alongside his work with Eastman. Most recently Larbi worked with Benedict Cumberbatch on the movement for Hamlet at Barbican directed by Lyndsey Turner. Yabin Wang founded Yabin Studio in 2009 and has since produced numerous dance performances under the name of Yabin & Her Friends. Yabin Studio produces full-length dance programmes and commissions choreographers from the US, Europe and China to create new work. Trained in classic Chinese dance at the Beijing Dance Academy, Wang choreographed and danced in Zhang Yimou’s internationally renowned feature film House of Flying Daggers (2004). In 2014, Artistic Director of the English National Ballet Tamara Rojo invited Wang to choreograph work for a new triple bill entitled She Said, alongside two other female choreographers Aszure Barton and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. The new work will premiere at Sadler’s Wells in April 2016. Looking forward to her London debut, Yabin Wang said, “I was very proud to take this major step in commissioning work from an acclaimed European choreographer and am delighted to be bringing it to Sadler’s Wells. GENESIS生长 builds on the ethos of Yabin & Her Friends – to bring together the best in the dance world to create world class works. It’s all about the participation and collaboration by and of Chinese dance artists with dance artists from other parts of the world.” On working with Yabin Wang, Larbi said, “She first mentioned the possibility of working together four years ago, and we have been developing the idea ever since. I always work on several projects in parallel. That gives me the chance to work on a production over a number of years to allow it time to mature...it is thanks to her invitation that GENESIS生长 was created.” A Sadler’s Wells co-production Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui is a Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist The Monument Trust supports co-productions and new commissions at Sadler's Wells Notes to Editors: Listings information Yabin Studio & Eastman / Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui GENESIS生长 UK Premiere Monday 28 & Tuesday 29 September 2015 Performances at 7.30pm Tickets: £12 - £38 Ticket Office: 020 7863 8000 or www.sadlerswells.com About Sadler’s Wells Sadler's Wells is a world leader in contemporary dance, committed to producing, commissioning and presenting new works and to bringing the very best international and UK dance to London 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. Since 2005 it has helped to bring over 90 new dance works to the stage and its international award-winning commissions and collaborative productions regularly tour the world. Sadler’s Wells supports 16 appointed world class Associate Artists, three Resident Companies and an Associate Company and nurtures the next generation of talent through hosting the National Youth Dance Company, its Summer University programme, Wild Card initiative and its New Wave Associates. Located in Islington in north London, the current theatre is the sixth to have stood on the site since it was first built by Richard Sadler in 1683. The venue has played an illustrious role in the history of theatre ever since, with The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and English National Opera all having started at Sadler’s Wells. Sadler’s Wells is an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation and currently receives approximately 9% of its revenue from Arts Council England. About Yabin Dance Studio Founded by Chinese dancer and choreographer Yabin Wang in 2009 in Beijing, Yabin Dance Studio produces full length dance programmes and commissions new works from choreographers from the US, Europe and China. It has produced numerous dance performances under the name of Yabin & Her Friends. The seventh.production, The Moon Opera, premieres in China in October 2015 and features contributions from international artists in collaboration with Chinese artists in adherence to the Studio’s founding mission to “unite local and foreign talents to create and perform”. About Eastman Founded in January 2010, Eastman was set up to produce and spread the work of artistic director/choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. Cherkaoui’s work provides the audience with a vast array of projects and collaborations; ranging from con-‐‐ temporary dance, theatre, ballet, opera, musical and other forms of performance. His non-‐hierarchical thinking on movement, body language and culture is the basis of his artistical approach. Set in his native harbor city of Antwerp (Belgium), Eastman forms the central point for all of Cherkaoui’s work. Since the foundation in 2010, Cherkaoui created amongst others Babel (words), Play, Rein, TeZukA, Puz/zle , 4D and 生 长 GENESIS under the wings of Eastman. Eastman also coordinates all the work of Cherkaoui for other organizations. Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui is associate artist at Sadler’s Wells (London, UK). International partners of Eastman include Sadler’s Wells (London), la Monnaie (Brussels), Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg, Grande Halle de La Villette (Paris), Theaterfestival Boulevard ‘s Hertogenbosch, Festspielhaus Sankt-‐Pölten, Fondazione Musica per Roma. Eastman is resident at deSingel International Art Campus (Antwerp) and is supported by the Flemish authorities and BNP Paribas Foundation.

What would you put in Room 101? Some ideas from Northern Ballet: http://northernballet.com/1984/video/room-101 Synopsis for 1984: http://northernballet.com/1984/scenario

Robert Fairchild to tribute Gene Kelly at 2015 Pearl Jubille: http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/AN-AMERICAN-IN-PARISs-Robert-Fairchild-to-Tribute-Gene-Kelly-at-2015-PEARL-JUBILEE-20150901

Links - Wednesday, Sept 02 2015 Obituary – Blondell Cummings, dancer & choreographer: Margalit Fox, NY Times Feature – Akram Khan says dance is as important as maths and being a doctor: Nick Clark, Independent Feature - Dores André, San Francisco Ballet: Claudia Bauer, DanceTabs News – Dance this week in New York: Alastair Macaulay, NY Times Review – Martha Graham Dance Company, AXE, Echo, Embattled Garden, Jacob’s Pillow: Brian Seibert, NY Times Review – Daniel Ezralow, Pearl, New York: Robert Greskovic, Wall Street Journal Feature – In the Upper Room (Tharp): Valerie Lawson, Dancelines Review – Footnote New Zealand Dance, 30 Forward, Christchurch: Julia Harvie, NZ Theatreview Preview – Texas Ballet Theatre, Dracula: Dangerous New Terrain, Dallas: Jeremy Hallcock, Dallas Observer Review - Madboots Dance, BEAU, (SAD BOYS), Jacob’s Pillow: Brian Seibert, NY Times Blog – Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre gets on the grid in Chicago: Alexandra Kochis, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Edinburgh Festival 2015: Review – Zurich Ballet, Kairos, Sonnett: Thom Dibdin, Stage Review – Edinburgh Mela World Dance Feste: Kelly Apter, Scotsman Review - Rigolo Nouveau Cirque, Wings in my Heart: Kelly Apter, Scotsman/WOW 247

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET IN BBC FOUR TELEVISION WORLD PREMIERE The King Who Invented Ballet: Louis XIV and the Noble Art of Dance and Birmingham Royal Ballet’s newest work The King Dances to be broadcast on BBC FOUR on Sunday 13 September at 8pm. Birmingham Royal Ballet Director David Bintley is swapping the Birmingham Hippodrome stage for The Palace of Versailles in his latest TV appearance. Following on from the success of the March 2014 documentary Dancing in the Blitz: How World War II Made British Ballet, David Bintley presents his second programme for BBC FOUR for which he goes back in time to 17th Century France to discover the roots of classical ballet as we know it. Filmed over the last year, The King Who Invented Ballet is a 60 minute documentary which shows how Louis XIV’s patronage and passion for dance brought about the evolution of ballet from an instrument of propaganda in the French royal court into a professional art form in its own right. Framed through Bintley’s own personal fascination with Louis XIV, the film charts how ballet developed during the reign of Louis (also known as the Sun King) whilst also following Bintley’s creation of The King Dances, a brand new one-act ballet for Birmingham Royal Ballet which received its world premiere at Birmingham Hippodrome in June and which will receive its television world premiere on BBC FOUR directly following the documentary. During Louis XIV’s reign, dance was central to the lives of the nobility. Louis, himself a keen dancer, ensured that it would develop into an art form that could be taught, preserved and shared, commissioning the invention of dance notation and the foundation of the world’s first ballet school- the Académie Royale de Danse. The King Who Invented Ballet looks at the central social importance of dance in Louis’ era and features specially shot pieces that help to illustrate what 16th and 17th century dance was like and how it changed from being dominated by the male nobility to introducing the first professional female ballerinas- the pioneers of women in dance. David Bintley also visits stunning locations including Waddesdon Abbey in Aylesbury, The Paris Opera, The Louvre, The Palace of Versailles and the Biblioteque Mazarine to bring to life the world of Louis XIV and explore the artistic and political legacy he left behind. Bintley’s new ballet for Birmingham Royal Ballet, the 35 minute The King Dances explores Louis’ journey to kinghood. It is inspired by the Ballet de la Nuit, the seminal dance work from 1653 that introduced the fourteen year old Louis as the Rising Sun and the saviour of France after a period of civil war known as the Fronde. Featuring an original score by Stephen Montague, costumes and deigns by Katrina Lindsay and lighting by Peter Mumford, The King Dances is performed by fourteen male dancers and one female dancer. It was filmed specially for its television world premiere on BBC FOUR at Birmingham Hippodrome in June 2015. ENDS. Notes to editors: The King Who Invented Ballet: Louis XIV and the Noble Art of Dance and The King Dances will be shown on BBC FOUR on Sunday 13 September 20.00-21.40 Producer/ Director: Paul Wu Executive Producer: Mark Cooper for BBC Music Television The King Dances will tour in October 2015 in a triple bill of works from Birmingham Royal Ballet entitled Variations. Tour dates are as follows: Sadler’s Wells Theatre London, 16 – 17 October Theatre Royal Plymouth, 30 – 31 October

Is your toenail ingrowing?

Hello BP1 and welcome to the Forum. I can't answer your questions but I am sure other members will be able to chip in. You can also use the search facility on the Doing Dance Forum (top right hand side of the page) as there are many threads with useful information about Central and Tring.

Very true Lisa. I worked with a man who was signed as a goal keeper by Wrexham from school (many years ago). He only stayed a couple of weeks. When I asked him why he left he said that he didn't want the discipline required to be a player. He still played football, but for fun.

Caroline Bowditch Falling in Love with Frida Monday 5 & Tuesday 6 October 2015 Performances at 8:00pm, Tuesday matinee at 3:30pm Lilian Baylis Studio, EC1R Tickets: £17 (£8.50 concessions) Ticket Office: 020 7863 8000 or www.sadlerswells.com "An hour of remarkable beauty and joyful humanity" The Herald Following on from the success of the =dance strand, Sadler’s Wells continues its commitment to presenting dance by deaf and disabled artists, beginning with award-winning performer Caroline Bowditch’s work Falling in Love with Frida which comes to the Lilian Baylis Studio on Monday 5 and Tuesday 6 October 2015 as part of a national tour. The tour follows a sell-out run and a Herald Angel Award at the 2014 Edinburgh Fringe. The work was most recently performed at the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe. Falling in Love with Frida explores the life, loves and legacy of Frida Kahlo (1907-1954), probably the most famous disabled female visual artist in the world. Today she is largely remembered for the iconic images she created that explicitly document her lived experience of disability, but she is rarely remembered or acknowledged as a disabled artist. Falling in Love with Frida is a reclaiming of a disabled artist, a love like obsession and an enquiry into how we shape what we are remembered for and how much we can really control others’ memories of us. For this work, Bowditch performs alongside three other artists. On making the work, Caroline Bowditch said; ‘The journey of making this piece, that I am really proud of, has been full of adventure, joy, laughter and tears. I invite you to join me around the yellow table in celebration of one of the finest women that has ever lived.’ Caroline Bowditch describes herself as a performer, maker, teacher and speaker. Born in Australia, she now lives in Glasgow. She has developed a career as a performance artist and choreographer including an Unlimited Commission to create a performance as part of the Cultural Olympiad for the London 2012. Caroline is a founder member of Weave Movement Theatre (Melbourne) and The FATHoM Project (Newcastle), is Artist in Association with Paragon Music (Glasgow) and a Visiting Professor at Coventry University. Her consultancy work in accessibility and inclusivity includes ongoing work with Skånes Dansteater, Sweden and most recently with Australian organisations Access2Arts, Arts Access and the Australia Council for the Arts. Falling in Love with Frida was originally produced by Dance4, commissioned by Dance4 and SICK! Festival, supported by Creative Scotland, Made in Scotland, Arts Council England and Nottingham City Council. Age Guidance 16+, contains themes of an adult nature Free post-show talk (BSL interpreted) for ticket holders after each performance All performances are BSL interpreted Audio-described performance on Tuesday at 8:00pm Notes to Editors: Listings information Caroline Bowditch Falling in Love with Frida Monday 5 & Tuesday 6 October 2015 Performances at 8:00pm, Tuesday matinee at 3:30pm Tickets: £17 (£8.50 Concessions) Ticket Office: 020 7863 8000 or www.sadlerswells.com About Sadler’s Wells Sadler's Wells is a world leader in contemporary dance, committed to producing, commissioning and presenting new works and to bringing the very best international and UK dance to London 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. Since 2005 it has helped to bring over 90 new dance works to the stage and its international award-winning commissions and collaborative productions regularly tour the world. Sadler’s Wells supports 16 appointed world class Associate Artists, three Resident Companies and an Associate Company and nurtures the next generation of talent through hosting the National Youth Dance Company, its Summer University programme, Wild Card initiative and its New Wave Associates. Located in Islington in north London, the current theatre is the sixth to have stood on the site since it was first built by Richard Sadler in 1683. The venue has played an illustrious role in the history of theatre ever since, with The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and English National Opera all having started at Sadler’s Wells. Sadler’s Wells is an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation and currently receives approximately 9% of its revenue from Arts Council England. In 2014-15 Sadler’s Wells presented =dance, a year-round programme of work which focused on the excellent and innovative work being created by deaf and disabled artists and inclusive companies.

AIP will be featured on The Late Show, details in Playbill.

Links - Tuesday, Sept 01 2015 Review: Australian Ballet, 20.21: Filigree and Shadow, In the Upper Room, Symphony in 3 Movements, Melbourne: Stephanie Glickman, Herald Sun Feature/Preview – Didy Veldman and Picasso’s Three Dancers: Judith Mackrell, Guardian Q&A - Anna Willetts, Birmingham Royal Ballet Costume Assistant: Guy Oddy, Arts Desk for Bruichladdich Review – Erasing Borders Festival of Indian Dance, New York: Marina Harss, DanceTabs Interview – Stanton Welch, AD Houston Ballet: Katricia Lang, Broadway World Review – Nichole Canuso, Midway Avenue; Laura Peterson, Atomic Orbital, New York: Brian Seibert, NY Times Feature – International Ballet Festival of Miami turns 20: Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald Review – Daniel Ezralow, Pearl, New York: Marina Kennedy, Broadway World Q&A - Daniel Ezralow, choreographer Pearl: Barnett Serchuk, Broadway World

Hello Mia and welcome to the Forum! We would always advise you to seek medical help in these circumstances - maybe a good dance physio. If you use the search facility there have been a number of topics about dance physios. Please let us know how you get on.

I've amended the title to make it clear.

Is she auditioning for a full time course or associates?

You could try googling the herald and headline, that sometimes works.

Me too Alison; he was my first Franz at RFH in August 1985. He is an occasional guest teacher with Northern Ballet!

I suspect that is why it is so reasonably priced.

I picked up from FB yesterday that Margo Fonteyn's old home on Talgarth Rd is up for sale. I must start buying a lottery ticket! http://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2015/aug/28/for-sale-margot-fonteyns-arts-and-crafts-live-in-studio http://www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/property/london/talgarth-road-w14/?include_retirement_homes=true&include_shared_ownership=true&new_homes=include&q=talgarth%20road%20W14&results_sort=newest_listings&search_source=home

I've just had a look at the Tring CBA website. If she is applying for a full time course it looks as though there is an opportunity to apply for one of the open days (to be held in March next year) in November. http://www.tringpark.com/applying/open-days

I think it is probably an open day for anyone to look around and perhaps try on costumes/shoes but without letting them "try them out". I know it is different but I've seen hands-on costume exhibitions where people can try on some stuff. When the Theatre Museum was still in Covent Garden we could have tried on costumes from NB's R&J (one might have gone on my arm) and I was made up (facially) to look like an 18th century actress! All in good fun, of course!

Member Terpsichore has done a great post on her blog about trying to improve her ability to pirouette: http://jelterps.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/a-pint-for-josh.html

Northern Ballet have released a rehearsal snippet: http://northernballet.com/1984/video/1984-in-rehearsal

Have we had this one before? Worth repeating though! (With thanks to Tours en l'Air for sharing on FB ) https://www.facebook.com/SeattleOpera/photos/a.102275646037.113604.90753776037/10153759977226038/?type=1&theater As knitting is such a popular hobby again, I hope this warning does not have to be repeated!