RobR

As a longtime BCF follower I have, recently, become concerned about what I perceive to be a small, but significant, change in the general tone of remarks made in some of the more recent threads. I appreciate that IT posting has become 'instant' and this is something we all have to live with but I do wonder if some of the posts to which I refer below have been 'posted in haste' and without full consideration. Recent examples include criticism of particular dancers and their costumes, and of ballet companies and their internal procedures (notwithstanding press articles and blogs). In one thread, critical personal remarks appear to have been made by forum members of other forum members. I am not (at least I hope I’m not) in current idiom a 'snowflake'. I read and welcome constructive criticism and informed opinions. Almost all BCF posters are better informed than me, and far more knowledgeable, about ballet but I was brought up on the premise that, 'if you can’t say something nice, it’s better to say nothing', and, whilst generally welcoming constructive criticism, I have begun to wonder if some of the more recent postings have become unnecessarily critical in both content and of persons.

Just seen Laura Morera and thought she was terrific as Giselle

Yes please. I’ll pm

I completely agree with this post. I had intended responding to the earlier post that dancers 'should put up or shut up' but Nina G expresses my view far more eloquently. I had difficulty accepting that in this day and age, when the press regularly reports public interest concerns about abuses of power, whether real or imagined, that possible victims should be criticised for failing to disclose their names.

I very much liked the longer skirts worn by the corps in Dowell’s Swan Lake and really hope that the new version to come doesn’t put the swans in tutus.

What about 'Winter's Tale', one of the most exuberant and exhilarating ballets around, IMHO?

Yes please, I’ll pm you

In other words, dancing is all very well, but a great dancer also ought to be able to act the part.

I’m well into double figures so far as Sylphide is concerned and, as I may have indicated in my initial post, have watched Rojo, Cojocaru and Lamb dance the title role. I have no reservations about either Dronina's dancing or her characterisation (or acting). I thought she was good, as I thought Hernández and Haworth were both good. I omitted mention of Kraus, but I liked him in the part of 'Gurn' (apropos of which, this is a Danish take on the Scottish highlands) and thought he danced the role with charisma. I am interested to note the suggestion that the 'farmhands' were engaged in a 'comedy act'. In every performance I’ve seen, the two retainers puff and pant in exactly the same fashion. I’d always assumed it was Bournonville's staging rather than a recent introduction by the ENB.

I’ve pm'd you about this

Started at 1930 and finished at 2230, although it was first night and they did have cast lists available, just like at the RB.

I really enjoyed the RB's 2005 staging of La Sylphide, in which the Sylphide was danced by Rojo, Cojacaru and Lamb. It was beautifully staged, danced and acted. I went to the ENB version (Song of the Earth was a bonus) apprehensive that my 2005 memories might be tarnished. Very happily, the ENB have captured it perfectly. I could not fault the production. The performances of Hernandez, Dronina and Haworth were terrific, supported by an enthusiastic and well-drilled company. I can’t recommend it too highly.

I’ll pm you about both.

The angel who drives the sledge/sleigh must hold a full drivers licence and the snowflakes include US students, artists, first artists and soloists.

Very nice to see photos of the company at curtain call. Thanks

Hi Dee Dee I’m happy to take D46 off your hands but also happy to wait a bit if you’d prefer to sell as a pair. Please pm me if you want to.

Hi Carol, I'm keen. I'll pm you. RobR

Thanks for the tip. Worked fine for me

I’ve sent you a pm

I’ve sent you a pm about Friday 10 ticket

I have an e-booking to see 'Ink', which I cannot now use and am looking to give away. It is an upstairs seat for the 7.30 performance at the Duke of York's Theatre, St Martin's Lane. If anyone can use it, please pm me and I will forward my confirmation email, which, I understand, can be exchanged for a ticket at the box office after 6.30.

Yes please, if still available

Yes please if it’s still available. I’ll pm you

Yes please. I’ll send you a pm

Yes please, I'll pm you