capybara

My first thought was that the curtain would be brought down and I could not believe it when the performance of the grand pas continued without the central couple. I then imagined that this was simply playing for time and a replacement would dance Gamzatti's solo but, no, the conductor called to the orchestra to omit it. Those of us at the side near the stage then had the worry of seeing Maria hobbling on for and hopping off after the snake scene. Such a shame for her but very badly handled from the perspective of the audience. Depriving us of the pdd somehow took the heart out of the ballet.

This is difficult but, as this casting does not yet appear to be in the public domain, I feel that it would be wrong to say anything more here. I'm sure that it will issue soon and will be greeted very warmly.

Yes, agreed. Some of us have received direct from ENB a cast list for the Nutcracker in Liverpool and London and Elena features several times on this.

Most of the flowers presented to individual ENB dancers are from members of the audience. Unfortunately, only one bouquet ever seems to be handed over on stage when, sometimes, ballerinas have many. It would be nice if the others could be put at their feet as is the case at the ROH.

Excellent news that Fernando Bufala is returning after a 5 year absence. And both Daniele Silingardi (who is Italian) and Joan Samora showed well in the recent Royal Ballet School performances.

Yes, absolutely - ELENA GLURDJIDZE. What I loved so much about her last night was not just the beauty of her dancing but her warmth. When she extended her arms and hands towards the audience she seemed to be welcoming us to join her and enjoy with her - and we did. A performance to cherish.

A big thank you to everyone who contributed for the flower throw tonight to celebrate ENB's Tribute to Nureyev. If any of you were unable to be there, it was clear that both the dancers and the audience loved it -and, of course, this isn't something that happens a lot for ENB and that seemed to make what happened appreciated all the more. Incidentally, there was a real 'first' tonight with both Esteban (who is, of course, leaving) and Vadim being presented with flowers on stage after their stunning performances in Wayfarer.

I believe that Vadim did both a Saturday and Sunday matinee of Apollo. He has also done matinees in the regions.

Tkts (see link above) have availability for tonight - (£25 instead of £67) - and standbys are also available, I believe. Do go (or go again!): it's a great show.

Just back from two performances of this fabulous mixed bill. Particular plaudits this afternoon to Anton Lukovkin (Petrushka), Francisco Bosch (in Wayfarer) and Elena Glurdjidze (Raymonda) and, this evening, to Sheville Dynott (Moor), Esteban Berlanga (in Wayfarer) and Daria Klimentova (Raymonda). But, out on his own, the breathtaking Vadim Muntagirov gave us a truly emotional portrayal in Wayfarer followed by fireworks in Raymonda. Wow, what a star and how fortunate we are to have him dancing in the UK.

OK, so David Lister hasn't done the greatest job with his compendium of side swipes. But, come on ENB, although you may be feeling understandably bullish about recruiting Alina, you can surely afford to maintain a dignified silence.

But hasn't there also been a tendency for recruitment at the Royal Ballet School (and elsewhere) to be focused on 'ready-formed' students (again mainly from abroad and off the back of competition success). Which does, I know, bring this whole debate back onto familiar territory. If Carlos is short of potentially good Kitris, I have many suggestions for him - both English and foreign. By the way, I think it is a pity that this thread lies a bit hidden under Doing Dance!

I remember Marianela saying that the RB was "where you could develop as an artist" and, surely, it is the responsibility of companies to ensure that their undoubtedly talented recruits grow year by year 'on the job' in such a way as to meet the demands of the repertoire.

But doesn't all this stuff from Carlos link with his earlier comments about the girls he casts in Don Quixote needing to "dance like they've never danced before"? Perhaps his perceived difficulty in casting someone in place of Alina (why else would there be such a long delay in announcing a replacement?) is influencing his thinking unduly at the moment?

In the context of an article in today's Daily Telegraph about the Hochhausers, it say that there will be exclusive daily behind-the-scenes footage of the Bolshoi in class and rehearsal at www.telegraph.co.uk/video. Sounds good.

And, of course, Laurretta has just won the female Gold at the Beijing International Ballet Competition.

Exactly so, Alison. I remember years ago, having booked for others in the RB's Anastasia, seeing Gillian Revie rehearse the role at an Insight Evening and realising that she had to be seen in performance. I was not disappointed.

Sometimes an e-mail about casting issues to ENB Friends/Circle members at the same time as the announcement is put up on the website. If one attends rehearsals/masterclasses it is possible to discern who is down for particular roles but not, of course, when their performances will be. And, with the exception of the Coli, by the time casting is published, the kind of seats one would want to buy are often no longer available.

This reference to Elena is interesting in the context of the discussion about the star or the company on another thread. Elena has never, to my knowledge, been given an opening night and so has not had the kind of critical coverage which helps to cement a dancer in the public consciousness, but she has a host of admirers who want to book for her (including some who did not go to Swan Lake at all because she was not cast). It strikes me that there are similarities in the dancing of Elena and Ksenia (beautiful epaulement; fluidity; believable interpretation; lyricism; gentleness) which many of us appreciate so much. I just hope that they know that. I saw Shiori dance Clara in Nutcracker - a far bigger role than that of just the Sugar Plum Fairy in the RB version. Suffice it to say that she was more impressive in Etudes. Fortunately, Le Corsaire has two good female leads as well as three solos (Odalisques); so ENB's up and coming talent should be able to shine.

He is still listed for Wayfarer.

Yonah is now dancing with Tamara in Raymonda (Friday evening and Saturday matinee) in place of Esteban.

I have just noticed that Esteban has been replaced by Yonah Acosta who will now be dancing Raymonda with Tamara on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon next week. However, it looks as if he (Esteban) will still dance in Song of a Wayfarer. That's good because it will be nice if he can end his time with ENB on a high note.

I was told a few years back that ENB had a system of promotions within the Artist level. What is new, I think, is announcing these alongside the elevations in rank. Of course, Laurretta has skipped three stages (First Artist, Junior Soloist and Soloist). I had all 7 promotees on my 'wish list' (alongside some others I have to say) but, almost inevitably I suppose, I would have 'graded' them differently, especially Ksenia who is, in my view, a simply wonderful artiste.

It has just struck me that Alina Cojocaru's move to ENB has generated 79 entries to date on this website whereas anything about ENB per se unfortunately struggles to elicit much interest here. In this case, the star has it by a mile.

'No' to the first question and 'yes' to the second. It's just that we aren't used to it and may need some time to get our heads around the idea..