Jan McNulty

Press Release from ENB: 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 on Monday 23 March 2015. This year’s finalists are: · Isabelle Brouwers · Anjuli Hudson · Jeanette Kakareka · Katja Khaniukova · Vitor Menezes · James Streeter · Max Westwell · Jinhao Zhang Now in its sixth year, the annual competition allows English National Ballet to recognise and nurture talent and encourage excellence in the Company. The eight emerging dancers will 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. 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.” First Soloist at English National Ballet, Junor Souza said: “Winning Emerging Dancer was great as it meant all the hard work I had done over the past year came together. As a dancer I like to challenge myself, and become stronger all the time and it was recognition of that. Since winning I have been given so many amazing opportunities, and performed with incredible dancers like Tamara (Rojo) and Begoña (Cao) which has been fantastic.” Artistic Director of English National Ballet, Tamara Rojo, said: “Our annual Emerging Dancer competition is a fantastic platform for the younger dancers in the Company. It is a key part to English National Ballet’s commitment to developing and nurturing young talent, creating the stars of the future. I can’t wait to see what the eight finalists present on the night.” The Emerging Dancer competition is generously supported by Talbot Hughes McKillop, the restructuring experts. Matt Hinds, Managing Partner of Talbot Hughes McKillop, said: “Our sponsorship of the Emerging Dancer Competition began in 2010, and we have since enjoyed outstanding performances by many young talented dancers. We are proud that the competition has provided a fantastic opportunity for these remarkable dancers to gain greater profile, not only for each winner, but all of the nominees. We are delighted to be able to continue supporting English National Ballet.” 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 isartistically 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 websitewww.thmpartners.com

Sadly I can't go but I can't wait to read your report B3...

Probably. She was a huge fan of the company.

http://brb.org.uk/2015-opening-ceremony.html http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/news/regional-affairs/darcey-bussell-raises-curtain-27m-8484185 I was at a Friends event on Friday. The studios are wonderful, although when the seats are in place in the theatre/studio the performance space is quite limited. It is a fabulous new facility for BRB. On a personal note, I was very moved to see that one of the new studios has been named in honour of a friend who passed away a year ago.

I've amended the title to show the name of the company that is appearing in Oxford and elsewhere - they are billed as the Russian State Ballet. Edited to say that there was already a thread about this company so I have merged them together.

Press Release from ENB: English National Ballet’s success at The Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards 2014 We are delighted to announce that English National Ballet and Akram Khan as a collaborating choreographer have won a total of two awards across two categories at the prestigious National Dance Awards 2014. Tamara Rojo, Artistic Director of English National Ballet, says; “I am absolutely thrilled with our success at this year’s National Dance Awards. It is core to my artistic vision for English National Ballet to continue to honour the classics, and create the classics of the future with productions such as Lest We Forget. Receiving these awards means so much to the entire Company, and is a testament to how hard working everyone at English National Ballet is.” English National Ballet won in the following categories: OUTSTANDING COMPANY English National Ballet BEST MODERN CHOREOGRAPHY Akram Khan’s Dust for English National Ballet

Congratulations to all the winners.

The official Press Release detailing the winners: MONDAY, 26TH JANUARY 2015 The 15th National Dance Awards The Place, London: 26th January 2015 New records were set at the Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards for 2014, which took place today in London at a ceremony hosted by Arlene Phillips CBE. The choreographer and dancer, Akram Khan MBE, became the first person to win a sixth NDA, picking up this year’s award for Best Modern Choreography for Dust, his work for English National Ballet that was part of their Lest We Forget commemoration of the centenary of the outbreak of WW1 and was subsequently featured at Glastonbury. This was Khan’s third choreographic award to add to three awards as a performer. Christopher Wheeldon became the first person to win five awards in the same category, winning the Best Classical Choreography Award for The Winter’s Tale for The Royal Ballet. He had previously won for work in 2001, 2004, 2008 and 2013. Natalia Osipova and Jonathan Goddard became the first dancers to pick up two awards at the same ceremony. Osipova won in the category of Outstanding Female Performance (Classical) for her performance in the title role as Giselle for The Royal Ballet; and Goddard won the Outstanding Male Performance (Modern) for his portrayal as Dracula for Mark Bruce Company (which won the award for Best Independent Company). Both Osipova and Goddard went on to be named as the Best Dancers of 2014. This was Goddard’s second naming as The Dancing Times Best Male Dancer (he had previously won in 2007) and it was a record-breaking fourth time as Grishko Best Female Dancer for Osipova (following her awards in 2007, 2010 and 2013). The Outstanding Company of 2014 was English National Ballet and the award was received by the company’s artistic director and principal ballerina, Tamara Rojo. The De Valois Award for Outstanding Achievement was presented by Darcey Bussell CBE to Carlos Acosta CBE in recognition of his outstanding career as a dancer and as a producer of new work. The Dance Section of the Critics’ Circle introduced a new award for 2014 to recognise Emerging Artists and this was won by the Royal Ballet soloist, Francesca Hayward, who has impressed and delighted critics over the past year in a number of new roles, notably in her performances of the Ashton repertoire. The Outstanding Male Performance (Classical) was won by Xander Parish, a dancer from Hull who left The Royal Ballet in 2010 to join the Mariinsky Ballet of St Petersburg. He won the award for his performances of George Balanchine’s Apollo during the Mariinsky’s season at the Royal Opera House in August 2014. The Outstanding Female Performance (Modern) went to Wendy Houstoun, a performer now in her 50s, for her extraordinary one-woman show, Pact with Pointlessness, inspired by the death of choreographer, Nigel Charnock. And the Dance UK Industry Award, determined by a separate panel of judges chosen by Dance UK, went to parliamentarian Frank Doran MP, who steps down at the forthcoming General Election, for his many years’ service as Secretary to the All Party Parliamentary Group for Dance. With the exception of the Dance UK award, the National Dance Awards are decided by the 60 members of the Dance Section of the Critics’ Circle after an extensive round of nominations and voting. To be eligible, performances had to be given in the UK between 1st September 2013 and 31st August 2014. The full list of winners is given below: CRITICS’ CIRCLE NATIONAL DANCE AWARDS WINNERS 2014 OUTSTANDING MALE PERFORMANCE (MODERN) Jonathan Goddard in the title role as Dracula for Mark Bruce Company OUTSTANDING FEMALE PERFORMANCE (CLASSICAL) Natalia Osipova in the title role as Giselle for The Royal Ballet BEST MODERN CHOREOGRAPHY Akram Khan for Dust by English National Ballet OUTSTANDING MALE PERFORMANCE (CLASSICAL) Xander Parish in the title role as Apollo for the Mariinsky Ballet OUTSTANDING FEMALE PERFORMANCE (MODERN) Wendy Houstoun for Pact with Pointlessness BEST CLASSICAL CHOREOGRAPHY Christopher Wheeldon for The Winter’s Tale by The Royal Ballet JANE ATTENBOROUGH DANCE UK INDUSTRY AWARD Frank Doran MP, Secretary of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Dance GRISHKO AWARD FOR EMERGING ARTIST Francesca Hayward BEST INDEPENDENT COMPANY Mark Bruce Company STEF STEFANOU AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING COMPANY English National Ballet THE DANCING TIMES AWARD FOR BEST MALE DANCER Jonathan Goddard GRISHKO AWARD FOR BEST FEMALE DANCER Natalia Osipova DE VALOIS AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT Carlos Acosta CBE Speaking at the event, Arlene Phillips CBE said: “I am thrilled to be invited to present the National Dance Awards for 2014. Dance, dancers and choreography were outstanding in every category and I would like to congratulate all nominees and the winners”. The Chairman of the Awards committee, Graham Watts OBE, said: ‘These awards are a celebration of brilliance amongst the rich diversity of dance forms we enjoy in the UK, both from home-based companies and the many touring ensembles from overseas, several of whom have been recognised in this year’s nominations. The 383 recommendations from British dance critics for companies, choreographers and performers seen in 2014 easily represented a new record, which must say something about the ever-increasing spread of excellence in dance.’ The dance section of the Critics’ Circle is delighted and honoured to thank the 2014 National Dance Awards Sponsors: Grishko, Dancing Times, Stef Stefanou, The Critics’ Circle, The Ballet Association, Lee McLernon, The Office of Architectural Culture and Dance UK for the Jane Attenborough Dance UK Industry Award. Dance UK announced that Sprizzato will sponsor the Industry Award in 2015. The next National Dance Awards are scheduled to be held in London on 25th January 2016.

I think the play is ragingly misogynistic full stop! I thought the Cranko version merely reflected that, although the 2 performances I saw did have slightly different interpretations.

Here is the Coliseum link: http://www.eno.org/whats-on/other/romeo-and-juliette Yes NB are doing it in Edinburgh and Leeds. I am seeing the first night in Edinburgh as well as some performances in Leeds. Although they are currently the only 2 venues scheduled, it was supposed to be touring so it may be in the Autumn or even next year.

Hello Snowflake and welcome to the Forum. I do hope you will continue to contribute.

Meeting you is a treat too Sim!

I've no idea Lindsay as I don't follow ABT. I just read the comments on an American ballet forum.

I think I said earlier in this thread or the thread on the previous run that ABT were having Italian fouette issues in their run last Spring. I've seen many dancers I've admired over the years coming a cropper with them!

Links - Friday, January 23, 2015 Reviews – Mariinsky Ballet, Cinderella, New York: Michael Popkin, Danceview Times Andrew Blackmore-Dobbyn, Bachtrack Review – New York City Ballet, Symphonic Dances, Andantino, The Cage, Cortege Hongrois, New York: Gia Kourlas, NY Times Interview – Thiago Soares, Royal Ballet on Onegin: Siobhan Murphy, DanceTabs Reviews – Resolution! 2015, London: Fuora Dance Project/CieMulator Dance/Konstantina Skalionta, The Last Maiden, Risk Forward, In the likeness of…: Judith Mackrell, Guardian Lyndsey Winship & Lilia Prier Tisdall, The Place Review – Royal Winnipeg Ballet, The Handmaid’s Tale, Ottawa: Natasha Gauthier, Ottawa Citizen Feature – Dam Van Huynh, choreographer: Donald Hutera, London Dance Feature – Melissa Hamilton (Royal Ballet): Amanda Ferguson, Belfast Telegraph Feature – Dance finds a home in museums: Hilarie M Sheets, NY Times Review – Intermezzo Dance Company, mixed programme, New York: Elizabeth Portnoy, Broadway World Preview – Louisville Ballet, Director’s Choice mixed programme, Louisville: Elizabeth Kramer, Courier-Journal News – Edgar Degas Scene de Ballet to be sold: Artlyst

Not quite sure what you intended but you've caused a lively and valid debate that has given people plenty to think about.

Links - Thursday, January 22, 2015 Review – Mariinsky Ballet, Cinderella, New York: Marina Harss, DanceTabs Review – Mariinsky Ballet, Swan Lake, Cinderella, New York: Robert Greskovic, Wall Street Journal Reviews – New York City Ballet, Serenade, Agon, Symphony in C, New York: Alastair Macaulay, NY Times Apollinaire Scherr, FT Reviews – Royal Danish Ballet, Bournonville Celebration, New York: Robert Gottlieb, NY Observer Wesley Doucette, Broadway World Season Reviewlette – Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, New York (scroll down beyond Danish review): Robert Gottlieb, NY Observer Feature – Tory Dobrin (AD Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo): Janet Smith, Straight.com Feature – Richard Alston, Seeing the music: Carmel Smith, London Dance Reviews – Resolution! 2015, London: Exim Dance Company/Jack Stinton Dance Company/Lea Tirabasso, Desiderium, Theory, Love Me Tender: Francesca Mcloughlin & Graham Watts, The Place Feature – Lil Buck: Jordan Levin, Miami Herald Previews – Force Majeure, Nothing to lose, Sydney: Michael Koziol, Sydney Morning Herald Video, Guardian Review – Tanya Chianese, Cookie Cutter, Berkeley: Nirmala Nataraj, SF Chronicle

I was very sad to hear the news that Anne Kirkbride had passed away. Granada Reports last night was a tribute to her. There was a long interview with a clearly emotional William Roache that was very moving. RIP Anne Kirkbride.

UK PREMIERE François Chaignaud & Cecilia Bengolea altered natives’ Say Yes To Another Excess – TWERK Lilian Baylis Studio at Sadler’s Wells Thursday 5 & Friday 6 March Performances: Thur & Fri at 8pm Tickets: £17 Ticket Office: 0844 412 4300 or www.sadlerswells.com On Thursday 5 & Friday 6 March 2015 Sadler’s Wells’ Lilian Baylis Studio hosts the UK Premiere ofFrançois Chaignaud and Cecilia Bengolea’s brand new work Say Yes To Another Excess – TWERK. The two artists have been provoking audiences from Paris to Tokyo with their fresh perspective on dance. Their trademark sexually-charged work springs from a wide outlook on what constitutes dance, and a desire to challenge how dance history is written. In their new work, they delve into their personal history of clubbing with an unusual anthropological take, physically examining free styles such as Jamaican dancehall, 1970s voguing and today’s twerking. Together with New York voguer Alex Mugler, contemporary performers Ana Pi and Elisa Yvelin, Chaignaud and Bengolea have set themselves the challenge to trust dance and its poetic, expressive powers to create something immediate and visceral. The piece is also an exploration of grime music. An electro music form born in East London in the early 2000s, the genre combines sounds from dancehall, hip hop and UK garage, bringing the urgency of its MCs to an abstract yet ferocious synthetic sound. Leaders of the new grime wave DJs Elijah and Skilliam mix live on stage in this energising performance. Born in Rennes, Chaignaud graduated from Paris Dance Conservatory and has danced with numerous choreographers including Boris Chamartz, Emmanuelle Huynh, Gilles Jobin, Tiago Guedes and Alain Buffard. He has collaborated with San Francisco legendary drag queen Rumi Missabu, performer Benhamin Dukhan and cabaret artist Jérôme Marin. In 2012 he was involved in the creation of Sacre #197 by Dominique Brun. He is also a published historian. Buenos Aires born Bengolea was trained as a jazz and urban dancer and studied Engenio Barba’s ancestral dances, also called anthropological dances. She studied Philosophy and Art History at Buenos Aires University before moving to Paris to focus on writing, choreography and performing. In 2008 Chaignaud and Bengolea co-founded Vlovajob Pru Dance Company and have since created a range of critically acclaimed bold contemporary works. A free post-show talk with François Chaignaud and Cecilia Bengolea will take place on Thursday 5 March, on stage. Contains strong language and nudity Notes to Editors: Listings information François Chaignaud & Cecilia Bengolea altered natives’ Say Yes To Another Excess - TWERK Lilian Baylis Studio at Sadler’s Wells Thursday 5 & Friday 6 March 2015 Free post-show talk with François Chaignaud and Cecilia Bengolea: Thursday 5 March, on stage. Contains strong language and nudity Performances: Thurs & Fri at 8pm Tickets: £17 Ticket office: 0844 412 4300 / 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 and 3 Resident Companies and nurtures the next generation of talent through its National Youth Dance Company, 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.

Links - Wednesday, January 21, 2015 Review – Mariinsky Ballet, Cinderella, New York: Melia Kraus-Har, Broadway World Review – BalletBoyz, Young Men, London: Neil Norman, Express Feature – Twenty years of dance highlights: Judith Mackrell and Richard Alston, Guardian COIL Festival, New York: Review – Zoe/Juniper, BeginAgain: Martha Sherman, Danceview Times Review – Faye Driscolle, Thank You for Coming – Attendance: Martha Sherman, Danceview Times Review – Molly Lieber and Eleanor Smith, We Two Form a Multitude: Danceview Times London International Mime Festival: Reviews – Gecko, Institute: Sarah Hemming, FT Vera Liber, British Theatre Guide Featurette – Darcey Bussell meets young dancers at BRB’s new studios: Fionnuala Bourke, Birmingham Mail Slightly longer version (with more pics!) Birmingham Post Interview - Jody Talbot talks about his score for The Winter’s Tale: Gramophone Feature - Gavriel Heine (from New Jersey) conducting the Mariinsky Ballet: Ronni Reich, Star Ledger

Hello Incognito and welcome to the Forum. One thing I like about mixed programmes is that you often get an opportunity to see many of a company's dancers in one show. Let's hope this mixed bill provides that opportunity. Do let us know what you think when you go!

Welcome to the Forum Balletbob69. I hope you will continue to contribute! The Danes were absolutely tremendous weren't they! Luke trained at the RDB school so would know the dancers who came over as part of the group. He also danced with his father's Company. Whatever, I'm very glad he joined BRB!

Links - Tuesday, January 20, 2015 Review – Elene Glurdjidze’s final ENB performance, London: Louise Levene, FT Review – Mariinsky Ballet, Cinderella, New York: Alastair Macaulay, NY Times Review - Mariinsky Ballet, Swan Lake, New York: Sondra Forsyth, Broadway World Review – BalletBoyz, Young Men, London: GJ Dowler, Classical Source Review – Wendy Whelan, Restless Creature, San Francisco: Carla Escoda, Bachtrack Review – Miguel Gutierrez, Age and Beauty Parts 1 & 2, New York: Deborah Jowitt, Arts Journal News – Joiners and Leavers in Australia: Valerie Lawson, Dancelines Feature – Laszlo Major, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo: Rachel Bachman, Wall Street Journal Featurette – Raffaele Morra, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo on caring for his feet: Rachel Bachman, Wall Street Journal Review – Ballett Zurich, String triple bill, Zurich: Sarah Batschelet, Bachtrack Q&A – Lila York, choreographer on The Handmaid’s Tale for Royal Winnipeg Ballet: Natasha Gauthier, Ottawa Citizen London International Mime Festival: Review – Gecko, Institute: Siobhan Murphy, London Dance Review – Circus Ronaldo, Amortale: Howard Loxton, British Ttheatre Guide Review – Fidget Feet Aerial Dance & Hawk’s Well Theatre, The Second Coming, Glasgow: Kelly Apter, Scotsman Review – Russian National Ballet, Giselle, Kansas: Libby Hanssen, Kansas City Star Review – Russian State Ballet of Siberia, Nutcracker, Southampton: Jane Sullivan, Southern Daily Echo

I have no practical experience but I expect it will be harder once a dancer gets into a company. There will be even longer days for one thing when the company is performing and I would guess that, no matter how friendly the company, there will be stressing about getting roles. The Northern Ballet Academy professional graduates scheme was set up because David Nixon felt that some students may not be ready for professional life when they first graduate.

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