capybara

So some dancers would never get an opportunity, not even for Nutcracker which has become the place for single shows, especially for those at Soloist and First Soloist levels?

Within the Arts and Books section of today’s Sunday Telegraph, 10 critics offer their views as to how various aspects of the UK’s cultural scene could be improved. The dance reviewer Mark Monahan writes as follows: “With the lockdown now behind them, Britain’s leading ballet companies need to remember, consider and (re-) define who they are and what they do. Both geographically and artistically, Scottish Ballet and Northern Ballet are already “there”. But what distinguishes those two larger touring companies, Birmingham Royal Ballet and English National Ballet? And does The Royal Ballet want to be “just” a glossy, world-class company with the world’s finest dramatic repertory - or the one also equipped with the most uniquely refined, expressive and affecting style of delivering it? The latter is woven into the company’s history, but only across-the-board diligence and discipline will prevent it from fading.” It will be really interesting to know where BCF members stand on these issues. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/theatre/what-to-see/culture-new-years-resolutions/

Ashley is also a talented artist/designer. Another IG account of hers focuses on this: @amddesign_

I find the Arabian dance rather too long and boring in its current form.🫢

(It seems rather a pity that this happy news was broken by guests rather than by the couple themselves.) Congratulations and best wishes to Ashley and Ben.

Thank you for your lovely message Sim. Those of us who are simply users of BCF send you and your fellow Mods. a million thanks for everything you do to enable us to have such a pleasant and informative place for sharing our love of dance. The Forum makes a unique contribution to the art form we love and value so much and we are so lucky that the team took up the challenge 12 years ago. Wishing everyone a joyful 2024.

Lukas BB would still have been in Prince mode whereas, having danced his two Nutcrackers, Matthew will, in all probability have moved on to Manon which deploys a dancer’s body in an entirely different way.

One has to wonder why Daniil Simkin’s long standing contracts and/or connections are no longer extant. Maybe David Hallberg is doing an old friend a favour? It happens……. (I have only seen him dancing in galas over the years but he holds little appeal for me.)

Both enjoy major public name recognition, massive social media followings and established acclaim in the ballet world. Great for pulling in the punters. I have booked for other casts 😉

I do like it when people report success with Friday Rush. It feels like a win for us all !!! 😊

The London Ballet Circle has a Zoom conversation with Alina from 7.00pm on the 9th January. This is free to members and the link is sent out automatically a couple of days ahead. Non members can book to attend on https://www.tlbc.org.uk - click Upcoming Events.

Although all these changes are unprecedented, at least it appears that there is an undisclosed need to swap casts rather than any injury or other problems. The difficulty is that audience members might become wary of booking for a specific artist in future. ENB is at a point where it needs to build up a fan base for its wonderful leading dancers and what is happening is not going to help that cause.

Is this the first ‘public’ outing for the beautiful Julia Roscoe as The Rose Fairy? I know that she danced the role earlier in the run but IIRC her shows were to ‘closed’ audiences.

Leticia has been dancing Clara for over 10 years with a maternity break included. She is lovely in the role. Such a pity that she has needed to be replaced this year.

I think that Laurretta Summerscales danced her scheduled show last night?

It feels as if David Hallberg might need to be wary of having too many dancers at Principal level as has the RB.

What a lovely collection of reviews. Looking forward to more today 😊

When she 'left' it was said that Tara-Brigitte would continue to take some characters roles (and also be involved with the RB's education activities, I think.)

Amazing news!

Having been ENB’s first Freddie, Joseph Sissens moved from Tring to the RBS.

I’m BRACing myself for your reviews @JennyTaylor 😊🎄😊

Isabella Gasparini has written in a blog that Grace Reid and Poppy Frankel are on short term contracts just as she, Isabella, was many years ago.

Yes - a week filled with really interesting casts. Really looking forward to hearing what everyone thinks about them.

How do you know all this, Emeralds? You seem to be able to watch every company everywhere in the world 😊 I find it hard enough to keep up with the UK companies with a smattering of European and, however I hard I might try, I am not familiar with the names of dancers elsewhere, let alone their dancing.

I think the students are drawn from more than one RBS year so maybe no one misses out completely.