Judo48

There is a message on Twitter, with photograph, showing Alexander Campbell having gained UK citizenship.  I understand he was brought up in Australia.

Valentino Zucchetti stood in for Kena Kura today in the Pas De Six.  He is simply breathtaking to watch, as he has such charisma and stage presence and a huge elegant jumps.  Just captivating. I couldn't take my eyes off him!  Marianela and Thiago danced beautifully today and had a huge response from the audience.  Thomas Whitehead was excellent as Hilarion, with great acting today.  Another good day!

I saw the matinee of Nutcracker yesterday, with Nunez & Soarez, but there were at least 5 separate cast changes on a separate sheet with the cast list + 2 others announced at the beginning of the performance and I found it all rather confusing!  Tristan Dyer was Hans Peter/Nutcracker and he seemed to disappear off stage after the dance of the Mirlitons, and only reappeared at the street outside Stahlbaum's house, which was rather strange.  I wondered if he was injured?  The rest of the production was brilliant.  Laura, replacing Itziar, was a splendid Rose Fairy.  Marianela was superb.

I saw the opening night of the ENB's Nutcracker at the Coliseum.  The two principals - Daria and Vadim danced so beautifully it moved me to tears (a rare occurrence).  Everybody was in sparkling form, particularly Zsenia Ovsyanick and Ken Saruhiashi.  A super evening.  I endorse Capybara's comments above.

Did anyone see Valeri Hristov as Romeo?  Would be interested to hear how it went.

I saw Matthew Golding dance with Tamara this year in Swan Lake in the Round at RA Hall.  He is a wonderful talent, with superb lines, great jumping ability, elegance and great partnering skills.  I very much look forward to seeing him again at RB!

I was fortunate to see the DQ rehearsal on Saturday and what a lavish production it was.  Steven danced with Iana Salenko, and what a well matched pair they were.  Steven's performance was a "knockout", he was jumping like I have never seen before, very agile and technically brilliant. Iana was so tiny, almost like a little doll, and made Steven look tall.  They had matching red hair as well!  They looked superb.  All the dancers had upped their game and performed very well indeed.  Carlos had coached them well. One lady to look out for in the future was Anna Rose O'Sullivan who featured as "Amour" in the dream sequence.  She was stunningly good with great stage presence, charisma and technical skill.  I believe she was a previous winner of the Young British Dancer of the Year.  A young lady to watch.

Thy Gypsy scene featured 4 acoustic guitar players around the camp fire which really set the scene brilliantly.  With imaginative sets, wonderful costumes, and super dancing, I cannot wait to see this again!

I would be interested in other comments after the gala performance this evening.