capybara

Gavin Sutherland to come back to the UK, please.

Until recently ENB’s MD; now in Munich.

5 minutes ago, alison said:

You did better than I did, then!  I got 19 minutes.  Eventually got in after 14 minutes.  All sold out.  So I still haven't managed to get a ticket for Nutcracker before Christmas  

Loads of tickets have come up for the 20th mat. on my feed.

I've never 'got' Koen Kessels; other conductors preferred.

Time for a change at the RB too perhaps?

1 hour ago, Sim said:

So do I.  I haven't seen last night's show but when I saw TW as Dross last year I really liked his performance.  I found it thoughtful and he really conveyed the sadness of the character and his situation, and how much he wanted this all to work.  

Thomas Whitehead really does seem to get under the skin of his characters. I liked his recent Don Quixote/Gamache/Lorenzo turns too.

The 'joint signing' at the ROH - presumably Vadim of his autobiography and Marianela of her photo collection - has been confirmed on the ROH's IG feed for 1.30 - 4.00pm this coming Monday, 18th December.

A lovely opportunity to see both of them in close up and have a word without the usual squash at the Stage Door!

[Sorry - I don't know how to copy and paste links to Instagram.]

24 minutes ago, annamk said:

 

I love Leo Dixon although sadly I won't get to see his nephew this year. I know I'm in danger of repeating myself but I just don't understand why he hasn't been given an opportunity to dance the Prince or Lescaut in Manon. 

He's on his way.........!!!!! 😊 And his recent, very varied performances can have done nothing but help his steady rise.

2 minutes ago, MAB said:

 

I would have given my back teeth to see her paired with Tsiskaridze.

But, as with Osipova now needing someone who can lift her and be a reliable support enabling her to dance as the mood takes her (Clarke), Guillem possibly preferred a steady pair of hands to support her while she weaved her particular brand of magic.

Not sure that I can relate this back to Lamb except that there are so many dimensions to being partners which we don’t see and never really know about.

19 minutes ago, Alexis said:

I will be flying from the US to London in March and May to see Sarah in Manon and Swan. Hirano is a good dancer but I simply would have preferred to see another partner with her, especially in two ballets so classic. My blonde American dancer always deserves the best! Long live Hirano and Long live the Royal Ballet!

I hope you enjoy your selected shows @Alexis. You have certainly prompted an interesting discussion on here - thank you.

1 hour ago, Alexis said:

I’m pretty angry and surprised about Sarah Lamb’s partner.

The Nutcracker? Hirano. Manon? Hirano (after McRae …). The Swan Lake? Hirano. 

I understand your disappointment @Alexis . Obviously, Lamb and McRae wanted to dance together but injury has intervened.

Have you seen Hirano recently, I wonder? I’m asking because, although his technical level may have dropped a little, I have found him to be a very secure partner and an ever more affecting actor.

Many years ago, there was an RB dancer I found difficult to watch but, wanting to see his partner in various roles, I booked nonetheless and then proceeded to block him out! Maybe you could try that - or, better still, give Hirano a chance. He might surprise you.

4 minutes ago, Alexis said:

I’m from Boston like Sarah and I’ve been following her career….lately Sarah is a bit underrated at RB….

Unfortunately, as younger dancers are promoted, the focus is ever-shifting. Sarah may no longer be first cast but she is very much appreciated and I for one am very glad that she is continuing to dance so brilliantly deep into her forties.

Looking back, Marco joined the Company at the same time as Daichi. So, yes, he is probably a ‘cover’ for Hans Peter - and very deservedly so.

I think that there’s a bit of hangover from ‘you know what’ in terms of dancers progressing into  🌰cracker opportunities. This year seems to be one for bit of a ‘catch up’ to the benefit of all, not least the audiences.

3 minutes ago, PeterS said:

Marco Mascara's debut as Clara's Partner on 7/12 is worth a mention.  His dancing is pure, clean and precise.  His characterisation full of detail in whatever he dances. (Even as a party guest in yesterday's ensemble he stood out as he 'worked the room'.)

Agree that Marco is an amazing talent but I’m afraid his constant ‘attention-drawing’ antics as a beggar in Don Q and, now,  as a ‘room worker’ in The Nutcracker are all too much for me. 
I appreciate that corps dancers are encouraged to weave their own stories to make the background ‘live’ but he is a distraction from what should be ‘centre stage’ and (in my view) needs to be told to rein it in a bit. 

8 hours ago, Ondine said:

Saturday afternoon debut I think for Viola Pantuso and Daichi Ikarashi?

Possibly others? 

 

 

Yes. The casting this year is especially interesting. A lot of debuts happening in the many special performances.

Nutcracker provides numerous, great opportunities in both cameo and more substantial roles.

There’s been an item on Sky News tonight about the deterioration in behaviour with reports of people being hospitalised following ‘in theatre’ attacks, drink-fuelled rowdyism etc. 

3 hours ago, TwirlyWhirly said:

Well, I feel privileged to have been at the Paul Hamlyn Christmas treat this afternoon. It was the first ever 'relaxed' performance by the Royal Ballet Company and what a gem of an event it was! I brought my learning disabled daughter. Gary Avis did a terrific job introducing the story and characters and letting the audience know what to expect. The auditorium was gently lit throughout, which had the unexpected bonus of being able to see how much other families were enjoying it too. It didn't matter that people got up, called out or had whispered exchanges about what was happening onstage. For once, no-one frowned or shushed. We all understood each other. We were part of a truly special group of people mesmerised by a beautiful ballet. More of these relaxed performances please! 

So lovely to read that your experience was exactly how a relaxed performance should be.

1 hour ago, alison said:

The last rank-skipping to principal I recall was Ivan Putrov. I don't think it benefited him, or anyone else ☹️

Ouch, @alison

IIRC things were going well until Ivan incurred his ACL injury. I, for one, loved him as a performer - as Des Grieux; Prodigal Son; Lensky; Beliaev; Pierrot Lunaire, and in Rhapsody.

The whole of the second cast of Like Water for Chocolate (especially Naghdi, Corrales and Kaneko) completely transforming the ballet from a meh to a ‘knock out’ YAY.

I have been thanked for my additional donation and have suggested this to NB.

I’ve just read Jonathan Gray’s enthusiastic  review of the O’Sullivan/Sambe/Allnatt/Dixon cast on Gramilano and have realised that this thread has not (yet) gone beyond opening night. 
Hoping that comments will flow after the cinema relay. There are some interesting line-ups.

I did get the email and, in relation to the orchestra, read it as implying that early 2024 NB performances would now be accompanied by live music.

8 minutes ago, Ondine said:

 

There are as many different opinions as there are critics aren't there?

 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/dance/what-to-see/the-nutcracker-royal-ballet-peter-wright-review/

 

 

Fumi Kaneko and William Bracewell made a regal, almost aloof Sugar Plum Fairy and Prince, he particularly strong in his Grand Pas variation. 

 

I noticed those two perspectives as well@Ondine 

I really like Fumi and William as a pairing although, in common with Culture Whisper (see today’s links), I sometimes have reservations about his variations (and, actually, his partnering).

Fumi is a glorious, world class ballerina who lights up every partnership she is in. My experience of her dancing both full length works and pas de deux with various others suggests that we should approach her Manon and Swan Lake with an open mind at least.
 

It’s fair enough for fans to have favourites but it makes me feel uneasy that judgements are already being made on here on the basis of supposition.

Fumi/Vadim; Yasmine/Will; Frankie/Will; Lauren/Will. Bring them on …..

28 minutes ago, Ondine said:

Anyhow, we now know that apparently Fille isn't 'banned' and will be returning to the ROH. 

Source?

BRB has just posted a tribute to Bill Cooper on IG to celebrate his retirement.

12 minutes ago, bangorballetboy said:

I am a loyal supporter (loyal enough to have been quoted on the stage during the Friends anniversary performances!).  I have absolutely no issue with the lack of casting for the MacMillan triple and don't feel any need to receive a communication such as that described (I'm a big boy and am capable of thinking for myself and understanding the pressures that artistic enterprises, particularly extremely large ones, are operating under); I have happily booked my tickets.

I sense that there are wide variations among BCF users in terms of our ability to spend on ballet tickets. I have ‘taken a punt’ with my MacMillan triple booking on the basis of probability. But I am fortunate in being able to do so. If I had to pick just one performance, I think that the casting would matter A LOT.

However, as I said upthread, there is probably space to wait a while longer before booking and, as @Richard LH has pointed out, the ROH has arrangements for returns/credits.

Was that the first time that all three leading female roles in The Nutcracker have been taken by Japanese dancers?