Shade

What a lovely photo of Osipova/Hallberg - they look so happy together. I so hope they can dance together on Friday.

Buddy perhaps it is to do with the physical attractiveness of the competitors, the costumes! music etc. It more of a performance.

I understand that gymnastics is also popular at the main Olympics.

Gosh - what drama yesterday at the ROH. What with the weather and the performance. I had been tempted to get a last minute ticket but did not because I was concerned about getting home on south western trains. 

i was following progress on Twitter when I saw a reference to a "rumour" and hoped it wasn't that Natalia Osipova was injured. I never thought that David Hallberg had been injured! I was so very sorry to hear the news. 

Reading about out it on Twitter I was so impressed with the commitment of the dancers, to their art, each other and their audience. So professional. 

I very much much hope that David Hallberg recovers in time for next week when I will be attending.

I hope it's a great Gala and look forward to seeing comments. 

the ladies short program in the figure skating was very enjoyable. The competition is heating up and the two Russian skaters have the same coach. That must make matters tricky as they are first and second currently. Had this happened before I wonder?

I think the book Apollo's Angels is good on the development of ballet in different countries. I must admit I always think of France as the cradle of ballet.

Lovely ice dancing competition. Well done to the British pair. Top 3 pairs gave great performances. Must admit the French couple were my favourite.

Does anyone else find the vocal tracks more intrusive?

Good news - Natalia Osipova debuted yesterday in Legend of love at the Mariinsky. 

Lin thanks very much for the video link above. It was very interesting to see the off- rink training regime too. However, very sad to hear of zagitovas injuries (broken arm then leg) and not having her mother with her. These children are so brave!

I meant that the competition seems to be so intense to get into the national team that there may be only once chance at the Olympics for the skater, Medvedeva, who is 18. That is only an assumption on my part.

Well Osipova has been rehearsing for her Mariinsky performance tonight (according to a Facebook post) so that seems encouraging!

Well Amelia I hadn't seen either of these skaters until this Olympics - and I think it will be a real contest between them. I wouldn't like to predict the outcome. I guess for Medvedeva it will be her one chance at the Olympics.

Hope you didn't hurt yourself Lisa. Managed to watch the pairs skating final tonight - enjoyed all the performances. Great win for the Germans.

Wow just seen Zagitova and her Don Q program - terrific. This looks like it will be a great battle!

Thanks Alison for the suggestion. That was a beautiful short skating program from Medvedeva - such artistry. She is as beautiful as a film star and as graceful as a ballerina. Just sitting down to watch the rest of the team event on catch up.

8 hours ago, Vanartus said:

I’m interested to see the casts for the Bernstein Triple...wondering if Osipova will be in the MacGregor or Wheeldon. I note that she’s injured herself on tour with Polunin...🙁

Well I am hopeful that Osipova will recover in time for her Giselles. She is scheduled to dance at the Mariinsky on 16 Feb so we shall know more then.

Sorry to see this re Cuthbertson, hope she is back soon. However, the audience will have the opportunity to see Nunez.

Will it be worth seeing the cinema  broadcast? That doesn't seem to risky,

So disappointed that I couldn't get to see this because of engineering works on south western railways again!  Glad that everyone that made it there had a good time. The matinee looked sold out from the website. 

Managed to check my local Odeon and realised that "lady " was being show at 2.00 not 4.00! Just got therein time but it was worth it to see this as I missed it first time round. Good to see so many dancers as well as the principals. Wonderful music.

Did anybody catch the name of the costume designer - I thought that the velvet costumes were lovely.

There should be a program dedicated to Petipa - I am surprised that he has not been mentioned. 

Happy New Year to all, especially all those who work so hard to present this wonderful art to audiences around the world. 

I keep hearing the huntresses theme on classic fm and it reminds me of this wonderful ballet. So dramatic.

The Nutcarcker grand pdd is for me one of the pinnacles of classical ballet. It is what I wait to see with anticipation. I find it perfect and moving.