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capybara

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  1. capybara
    Here is the link to the English version of the Japanese announcement: http://www.nbs.or.jp/english/news/20170516-01.html
  2. capybara
    Brandon wasn't among the new dancers announced by the RB for 2017/18 so that might give some reassurance to his fans. But, surely, in any case, there is already more than enough talent within the RB. One wonders how those up and coming dancers would feel if (more) people from BRB transferred or were cast on the basis of an exchange. Jamie Bond did, of course, start his career with the RB and moved to Birmingham reportedly to get more chance of leading roles.
  3. capybara
    Yes - I thought that I would take a turn at being a bit provocative!!!!
  4. capybara
    Well I think we know who is gong to dance Armand now? Edited to add that there are so many changes to Vertiginous as well, all of which, together with that in Strapless, must have a knock on effect on the remaining dancers. Not easy for anyone.
  5. capybara
    Well, it’s over – and far too quickly with possibly too many performances packed into little more than a fortnight. Mayerling is a ballet which, for me, needs time to soak in after each show as well as being experienced ‘in the moment’ and, this time, I felt that one had to ‘move on’ to the next interpretations too speedily for absolute comfort. There have been some excellent ‘reviews’ on here, for which “thank you” everyone. What I am taking away in particular from this awesome run is: · the jaw-dropping Rudolfs from Watson and Bonelli, the stupendous Mary Vetsera of Morera and the particularly affecting Bratfisch of Campbell · that Mayerling doesn’t quite work unless the leading man’s dancing, partnering and characterisation are equally ‘top notch’ (Soares' dancing disappointed me, I’m afraid, as it did in Diamonds) · it is important to be able to identify with both Rudolf and Mary even if they are fundamentally unsympathetic characters and, for me, some of the acting felt a bit layered onto the surface · how suited to this ballet the RB roster of dancers currently is – not just the ‘usual suspects’ like Lamb (Larisch) and Yanowsky (Empress) but all the Stephanies I saw (did Maguire dance on the last night, I wonder?), all the Mitzi Caspars, Marriott and Avis (Emperor) and all the Hungarian Officers and, above all, · what a masterpiece Mayerling is. Here’s hoping that this wonderful ballet will return to the rep. very soon with at least 2/3 new Rudolfs.
  6. capybara
    I think that all Directors 'back' the people they have promoted, not least because they want to secure the succession at the top. Kevin O'Hare is also giving Takada many opportunities. Both ballerinas seemed to have blossomed even more since they became Principals. Great for us!
  7. capybara
    He joined in 2007 when he was 17 so he was in the RB for 3 years before he became a Principal.
  8. capybara
    The above posts and our varying views are fascinating. I was standing to applaud Watson at his second performance but, last night, despite his amazing Act 3, I felt emotionally less involved. I don't know whether Ed has actually said that this run will be his last as Rudolf? Mayerling will certainly not be the same without him.
  9. capybara
    Or 'super-sub' Takada?
  10. capybara
    No need to be shy about giving Ed flowers, Penelope. There couldn't be a nicer way of expressing your appreciation for his performances.
  11. capybara
    Sarah Lamb has posted that she will not be on stage for several weeks. She says on Facebook (I am not a 'friend' so it does not appear to be confidential) that she "slipped very badly on the floor in the studio and crashed on the outside of her foot. An X-ray later revealed a small fracture". Poor Sarah. It will be interesting to see who replaces her in Vertiginous and The Dream.
  12. capybara
    Firstly, all good wishes to Olivia and Edward and Akane and Steven. Last minute replacements are never easy and Mayerling presents a particular challenge. [Incidentally, Akane mentioned that she was 'covering' Mary in the recent Times article.] Secondly, sympathies to Kevin O'Hare who must have had it in mind to cast Polunin in M & A for some considerable time but did not confirm this until relatively recently - only for things to go pear-shaped now for some reason. However, he does have some very attractive options at his disposal (Muntagirov; Ball; Clarke; Richardson no less) although all four seem to be very busy currently. It will be very interesting to see how things pan out. Lastly, I hope that all the people who rushed to buy tickets when Sergei's name was listed will 'stick with it' and enjoy what promises to be a great Ashton programme.
  13. capybara
    If all the seats are sold by the time casting comes out, you can subscribe on the official website to be notified of returns. Alternatively, if you are in a position to check the website regularly, seats often pop up, just as they do for the ROH. Both these options may leave you with Hobson's Choice but, whatever you do, don't go for the second row around the sides.
  14. capybara
    I so agree that the audience should not be the focus of any review. I sit in various places in the ROH and one overhears all sorts of stuff which, to me, serves to demonstrate just how wonderfully diverse the RB's audience now is. That is cause celebration, not criticism.
  15. capybara
    Feeling the need to get back to the performances of a ballet that I love, warts and all. Perhaps more in due course but, for now, I found last night's performance by Edward Watson absolutely awesome. Rudolf's story doesn't simply resonate through his acting: it inhabits his every move (and, in doing so, reveals the genius of MacMillan).
  16. capybara
    Yes - so nice. Roberta Marquez used to do the same. I still can't quite understand why male dancers are not allowed flowers on stage at the ROH as they are elsewhere. Several of the RB's leading men are often to be seen leaving laden with flowers and they obviously appreciate them. [But I think I'm risking taking this thread off topic!]
  17. capybara
    I think that Rupert's Rudolf was with Melissa Hamilton, wasn't it?
  18. capybara
    Hello LinMM. I recently returned some tickets to the Box Office/Shop and there were 2 queues. The one that I had to join and another one where people were waiting for returns.
  19. capybara
    I thought that all Watson's performances as Rudolf were with Galeazzi or Benjamin? I think that I recall Rojo with Cope, Harvey and Acosta.
  20. capybara
    Thank you, Sim, for a review which has made me feel that i was there.
  21. capybara
    Yes - including, it would appear, obtaining contracts at a higher level elsewhere.
  22. capybara
    It has been said (by Kevin O'Hare and others) that the Aud Jebsen scheme also provides the RB with the flexibility it needs to fill vacancies as they arise without 'raiding' the final year of the RBS, as used to happen. In its first year, some apprentices did not get full contracts, last year all did and, this year again, there are three young dancers going elsewhere or currently auditioning. The last two RBS students to get full contracts on leaving the school were Chisato Katsura (2015) and Joseph Sissons (2016).
  23. capybara
    I watched, and enjoyed, online this time. I'm actually pleased for the paying audience in the Clore that they get a Q & A to themselves. It would be interesting to hear it from afar, of course, but I do rather feel that the focus of the Insights has shifted towards the cameras, sometimes at the expense of those who are there.
  24. capybara
    Muntagirov's partnering?
  25. capybara
    There is an online facility which gives you an idea of the view - but without people's heads, of course!!!!!
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