Jan McNulty

Michael Berkin (ex BRB and Northern Ballet) is running summer schools in Leeds and Twickenham this year: http://www.professionaldanceexperience.co.uk/summerballetcourseleeds.html

Michael Berkin (ex BRB and Northern Ballet) is running a summer course (non residential) in Leeds and Twickenham. Here's the link: http://www.professionaldanceexperience.co.uk/summerballetcourseleeds.html

I've just made a small donation. Good luck Anon!!

What a talented young man Ana!

We used to have appalling service from our doctors' receptionists. My Mum, who had other relevant medical conditions, was once refused an appointment because the receptionist asked her what was wrong she said diarrhea and was told that doctors don't see people with diarrhea!! She went to the chemist and was given some medication but was told that if it had not cleared within 3 days she should seek immediate medical advice. It did not clear and she rang up for an appointment only to be told there was nothing for 2 weeks. When she insisted she was given a telephone consultation with one of the doctors who said there was a known bug going the rounds that required antibiotics. Mum asked me to go and get the prescription, which I did. When I was asked for the name on the prescription and responded it was thrown at me!! I guess the receptionist had been told off. Since then things have greatly improved. I don't usually have a problem if I need an appointment and the receptionist never asks me what is wrong. Ana you should insist that you have been waiting so long your need to see a doctor has become urgent. I do hope you get your appointment soon and get the help you need for your tinnitus.

Links - Friday, 06 March 2015 Review – American Ballet Theatre, Sleeping Beauty, Los Angeles: Laura Bleiberg, LA Times Review – National Ballet of Canada, Allegro Brillante, The Man in Black, Carousel, Chroma, Toronto: Michael Crabb, Toronto Star News – Kennedy Centre Washington 2015/16 Season: George Jackson, Danceview Times Review – Northern Ballet, Romeo and Juliet, Leeds: Judith Mackrell, Guardian Reviews – Ballet Flamenco Sara Baras, Voces, Suite Flamenca, New York: Marina Harss, DanceTabs Brian Seibert, NY Times News Feature - Christopher Wheeldon directs An American in Paris for Broadway: Roslyn Sulcas, NY Times Review – Miami City Ballet, Carmen, Ottawa: Natasha Gauthier, Ottawa Citizen Review – Abraham.In.Motion, When the Wolves Came In, Seattle: Alice Kaderlan, Seattle Times Reviews – Rasta Thomas, Romeo and Juliet, London: Louise Levene, FT Katie Columbus, Stage not credited, Independent Gallery – Foteini Christofilopoulou, DanceTabs Review – MalPaso Dance Company, Under Fire, Despedida, New York: Marina Kennedy, Broadway World Review – New York Ballet Theatre, The Alice-in-Wonderland in Follies, New York: Michele Miller, Broadway World Feature – Duane Gosa of The Trocks: Annie Alleman, Chicago Tribune Review – Louisville Ballet, 2015 Choreographers’ Showcase, Louisville: Elizabeth Kramer, Courier-Journal Review – Dora Frankel Dance, NOW, Shields of Bone, Land, A New Chimera, Sunderland: Peter Lathan, British Theatre Guide Film Review - Andre Semenza and Fernanda Lippi, Sea Without Shore: Leslie Felperin, Guardian News - Lamb of God frontman David Randall Blythe to score ballet: Tshepo Mokoena, Guardian

Capturing the art – Northern Ballet featured in new photography exhibition Northern Ballet will be the focus of an exciting new photography exhibition, Avant, taking place at The Gallery in the newly renovated Munro House, Leeds from 30 March to 11 April 2015. The exhibition, which is FREE to attend, is a collection of behind-the-scenes photographs that illustrate the dedication, professionalism and endeavour of the world of modern ballet through contemporary documentary and portrait photography. Avant is the result of an ongoing partnership between Leeds-based photographer Justin Slee and award-winning Northern Ballet. Over the past five years Northern Ballet has granted editorial and portrait photographer Justin Slee privileged backstage access to rehearsals; including the creation of some of the Company’s most recent work, performances in theatres and some of the work of the Academy of Northern Ballet and the Company’s Learning department. Justin Slee is a portrait and documentary photographer working in the areas of editorial and commercial photography. His style has a strong design aesthetic with a clean composition. As a former design graduate his eye is drawn to the unusual and to the detail. Having worked in visual image making for a large period of his career, he always looks to communicate a strong story and moment with his photography. Justin said, ‘Northern Ballet is a wonderful artistic company and the work they produce is a truly inspiring subject matter to record as a photographer. Having regular access to witness the Company’s daily work has been a fantastic opportunity and a huge visual inspiration to me. The unprecedented access I have had has allowed me to witness the commitment, people and process behind creating outstanding dance productions.’ David Nixon OBE, Northern Ballet’s Artistic Director said, ‘I’m delighted Justin is bringing together a collection of his work to share with the public. I was fascinated to look through the vast amount of images Justin has taken of the Company over recent years, they really capture some very special behind the scenes moments.’ Ellie Andrews, Gallery Owner said, ‘The Gallery at Munro House is an independent gallery that champions and supports local artists and photographers as well as working to bring artists to Yorkshire from further afield. We are thrilled and proud to be hosting Justin Slee in what is a compelling and striking body of work.’ The Gallery will be open: Monday 30 March – Thursday 2 April 10am – 6pm Friday 3 April (Good Friday) 10am – 4pm Saturday 4 April CLOSED Sunday 5 April CLOSED Monday 6 April CLOSED Bank Holiday Tuesday 7 - Saturday 11 April 10am – 6pm -ENDS-

Family Weekend Constelaciones & Varmints Sadler’s Wells & Lilian Baylis Studio Friday 3 & Saturday 4 April 2015 Performances: Varmints at 2pm & 5pm on Fri and 12.30pm on Sat, Constelaciaones at 2pm & 5pm on Sat Tickets: Varmints £7 - £12 | Constelaciones £8 - £16 | Family Dance workshops £2 Ticket Office: 0844 412 4300 or www.sadlerswells.com Family Weekend is Sadler’s Wells’ annual two-day festival of family friendly events, which has run since 2008 and includes captivating performances and activities happening throughout the building, offering entertainment for all ages. This year’s festival takes place on Friday 3 & Saturday 4 April 2015. Varmints is based on the award-winning book by Helen Ward with illustrations by Marc Craste, which tells the poignant tale of one small creature’s struggle to preserve a world in danger of being lost forever. It runs in the Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadler’s Wells, on both 3 and 4 April. Co-produced and commissioned by Sadler’s Wells with East London Dance and Stratford Circus, Varmints is choreographed by B-boy and Sadler’s Wells New Wave Associate Wilkie Branson, in collaboration with children’s theatre director Sally Cookson. The production is a rich visual piece of original hip hop dance theatre for young people and their families. Varmints became popular with fans of all ages after its world premiere in 2013, and following performances in London Sadler’s Wells will tour the show to nine venues around the UK until 9 May 2015, including Newcastle, Stockton, Ipswich, Cambridge, Salford, Inverness and Glasgow. Meanwhile, acclaimed Spanish company Aracaladanza presents Constelaciones in the main house on Saturday 4 April. Aracaladanza has been a favourite with audiences at Sadler’s Wells since the award-winning company’s Family Weekend debut in 2008. Constelaciones is a new piece inspired by the work of Barcelona-born painter Joan Miró. A national icon in Spain and one of the 20th century’s most celebrated artists, Miró is known for his surrealist and experimental approach. Constelaciones is a cocktail of colours, shapes and games, inviting the audience to explore the colourful world Miró composed with his paintings. Sadler’s Wells’ Director of Programme, Katy Arnander, said: “We’re celebrating Easter once again with the return of both the Spanish company Aracaladanza and Wilkie Branson’s Varmints, as part of our year round programme for children. “We feel it is really important to programme high quality work for children with the same care and thought that goes into programming work for adults. If children see a show they enjoy at a young age it inspires an interest in live performance and captures their imaginations, and hopefully also makes them feel that the theatre is somewhere they want to come back to.” Age Guidance: Constelaciones 4+; Varmints 7+ Family dance workshops at 12.30pm & 3.30pm on Saturday 4 April Notes to Editors: Varmints UK Tour Schedule: 3 & 4 April Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadler’s Wells, London 8 April Dance City, Newcastle 11 April Arc, Stockton 17 & 18 April Dance East, Ipswich 19 April Junction, Cambridge 21 April Lowry, Salford 24 & 25 April Stratford Circus, London 28 & 29 April Eden Court, Inverness 2 & 3 May Tramway, Glasgow 8 & 9 May artsdepot, London

Press Release from ENB: English National Ballet welcomes Isaac Hernández as Lead Principal Principal dancer with Dutch National Ballet, Isaac Hernández is to join English National Ballet in April 2015 as Lead Principal, following his guest appearance with the Company in Swan Lake in January. Of joining English National Ballet, Isaac Hernández says; “When I came to guest with English National Ballet in January I was instantly amazed by the attention to detail and dedication of the dancers and staff. When I saw Tamara perform in Swan Lake I realised that I wanted to be part of the exciting moment that the Company is currently in. Being part of one of Europe’s greatest companies is a dream come true and I am thankful for the opportunity to experience and work with the people I admire, and who inspire me.” Tamara Rojo, Artistic Director of English National Ballet said; “Isaac is an incredibly talented dancer, having seen him perform with Dutch National Ballet I invited him to guest with us in Swan Lake and I was blown away by his performance as Prince Siegfried at the London Coliseum in January. It gives me great pleasure to welcome Isaac to English National Ballet.” Isaac joined Dutch National Ballet in 2012 and was promoted to Principal in 2013. Previously he was in San Francisco Ballet and American Ballet Theater. He won gold at the USA International Ballet Competition in 2006, bronze and a special commendation at the International Ballet Competition in Moscow in 2005, and First Place at the International Ballet Competition in Cuba in 2004.

Here's a featurette about a lady still performing at the age of 100! http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/dance/one-hundredyearold-dancer-eileen-kramer-still-taking-to-the-stage-20150305-13ve5f.html

Links - Thursday, 05 March 2015 Review – San Francisco Ballet, Programs 3 and 4, San Francisco: Paul Parish, Bay Area Reporter Review – Boston Ballet, Lady of the Camellias, Boston: Rowena Lindsay, Huntington News Ray Wang, The Tech Review – Northern Ballet, Romeo and Juliet (Maillot), Edinburgh: Bruce Marriott, DanceTabs Review – Birmingham Royal Ballet, Coppelia, Salford: Natalie Anglesey, Manchester Evening News Feature – Thomas McManus on the dance language of William Forsythe: Nancy Groves, Guardian Review – MalPaso Dance Company, Under Fire, Despedida, New York: Apollinaire Scherr, FT Gia Kourlas, NY Times Robert Greskovic, Wall Street Journal Reviews – Royal New Zealand Ballet, Don Quixote, Wellington: Ann Hunt, Dominion Post Lyne Pringle, NZ Theatreview Review – American Repertory Ballet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, New Brunswick: Leigh Byton, Broadway World News – Pacific Northwest Ballet, 2015-16 season: Moira Macdonald, Seattle Times Review – Resolution!, Week 4 Roundup, London: Francesca McLoughlin and Lyndsey Winship: London Dance Opinion - Dance gets a manifesto: Katie Columbus, Stage Review - Vienna Festival Ballet, Sleeping Beauty, Windsor: Liz Allum, British Theatre Guide Featurette - Eileen Kramer, still dancing at 100: Lucy Cormack, Sydney Morning Herald

Emerging Dancer Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre Monday 23 March 2015, 7.30pm Tickets: £10 - £20 Box office: 0844 875 0073 or www.ballet.org.uk/emergingdancer “This competition is like no other” londondance.com English National Ballet’s 2015 Emerging Dancer competition will be held at the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall onMonday 23 March 2015, hosted by Natasha Kaplinsky. This year’s judging panel of renowned dance industry figures are: · Leanne Benjamin AM OBE · Michael Nunn and William Trevitt (BalletBoyz) · Tamara Rojo · Wayne Sleep OBE · Didy Veldman Now in its sixth year, the annual competition allows English National Ballet to recognise and nurture talent and encourage excellence in the Company. This year’s finalists are: · Isabelle Brouwers · Anjuli Hudson · Jeanette Kakareka · Katja Khaniukova · Vitor Menezes · James Streeter · Max Westwell · Jinhao Zhang The eight emerging dancers will perform in front of the panel of eminent judges. The Emerging Dancer Award winner is announced at the end of the evening together with the recipient of the People’s Choice Award, which is voted for by members of the public. Last year’s winner of the Emerging Dancer Award and People’s Choice Award, Junor Souza, has since been promoted to First Soloist and performed Principal roles in Swan Lake and Nutcracker. Junor now receives sponsorship from XL Group, supporting him in his development as a dancer while raising his profile on both a UK and international stage. Alison McWhinney, joint winner of the Emerging Dancer Award, has since been promoted to First Artist. The Independent said of her recent performance in Swan Lake: “Alison McWhinney shone in her first act solo, bright and confident.” The Emerging Dancer competition is generously supported by Talbot Hughes McKillop, the restructuring experts. Winner of Outstanding Company at Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards 2014 For further information about English National Ballet and to book tickets visit www.ballet.org.uk Please note performance details are subject to change. Ends Notes to Editors Emerging Dancer Emerging Dancer is English National Ballet’s annual event for up-and-coming dancers, now in its sixth year. It is artistically directed by Associate Artist, George Williamson. The eight emerging dancers, as voted for by English National Ballet’s dancers, Artistic team, orchestra and administrative staff, perform in front of a panel of eminent judges. The Emerging Dancer Award winner is announced at the end of the evening together with the recipient of the People’s Choice Award, which is voted for by members of the public. Talbot Hughes McKillop (THM) Talbot Hughes McKillop (THM) provides experienced leadership to corporates, creditors and shareholders in distressed and other event-driven special situations. The firm provides hands-on, practical support, typically using small, partner led teams to deal with both the financial and operational aspects of a restructuring situation. The role may involve partners from THM taking executive roles (for example as Chief Restructuring Officer) and/or other Board of Director appointments. Founded in 2001, THM has handled some of the highest profile pan- European restructuring projects. THM believes that the arts have a critical role to play in enriching the life of communities throughout the country, as well as in fostering emerging young talent. Business has a clear responsibility to engage constructively with arts organizations in providing finance and other forms of help and support. This is even more critical at a time when the state has had to reduce its financial support for the arts, creating a funding gap that needs to be bridged. For more details, please see the THM website www.thmpartners.com

And it was jolly nice bumping into you Barnes2, however briefly!

That's wonderful news Pups! Well done to your son.

At Nana Lily's excellent suggestion I have started a new thread: Pressures of GCSEs and Auditions. Here is the link: http://www.balletcoforum.com/index.php?/topic/9055-pressure-of-gcses-and-auditions/

I've started this thread at the suggestion of Nana Lily as the posts I have moved into it are moving off topic from "News from upper school auditions". The original topic is here if you want to look at the earlier posts leading up to this discussion: http://www.balletcoforum.com/index.php?/topic/8776-news-from-upper-school-auditions/page-7

Is this the link? http://www.blochshop.co.uk/search?keyword=booties&page_products=1

The Mark Bruce Company is holding a summer school for 16+ vocational students. Details here: http://www.markbrucecompany.com/summer-school-2014/

In my last year at school my girls' grammar school was joined together with a boys' secondary modern school. Boys from the SM were accepted into the 6th form without any specific qualifications. For example in the girls' school we had done Physics, Chemistry and Biology to O level and the boys' school had only done general science. The pupils were all being taught together and there was an obvious imbalance of learning that actually caused the girls to be held back. I am against any form of discrimination and that could included positive discrimination in some cases. The results of auditions and (in the non-dancing world) interviews are so subjective that no-one can predict results. All I can say is good luck to all.

Until I became a silver vixen, I had nearly black hair and always wished it was red! I have deeply envied an ex-colleague for years because of her red hair. I adore red hair!! There have been a couple of titian haired ladies at BRB that I can think of and, of course, Ed Watson and Steven McRae currently at RB.

Hello Baby Steps and welcome out of the lurking shadows! Thanks for the information. I hope you will continue to post now that you have broken the ice...

I saw both performances in Birmingham yesterday. In the afternoon I saw Elisha Willis and Joe Caley, whom I had also seen and loved in Edinburgh a couple of weeks ago. They most certainly did not disappoint! The evening performance led by Celine Gittens and Tyrone Singleton was an absolute joy. Celine was a total delight and had (for me) totally got under the skin of Swanilda and Tyrone has deepened his interpretation since I last saw him as Franz in 2011. Their interaction is superb and the gpdd was sublime. Oliver Till led a terrific Call to Arms. 24 hours later, I am still buzzing from this performance. So far, I have seen 5 performances with 4 different casts and they have all been splendid. I am seeing 2 more performances at the Lowry on Saturday and will be seeing (assuming nothing changes) 2 more casts. It shows the strength and depth of BRB at the moment that they can field so many terrific casts (and sadly I won't have seen Chi who is a sparkling Franz). If you can get to The Lowry in Salford, please go and see this delicious production performed by a company on top form.

So sorry to hear your daughter's news Porthesia.

That's how I see it in the picture in the link too. I've just had a look at the Roman Originals website and it is definitely blue and black on there!

I saw it as a very pale blue and gold!!