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From observation, there are so many factors at play that may explain this lack of jobs for graduates. The knock on effect of Covid, resulting budget cuts (and particularly savage arts funding cuts in the Uk) The impact of Brexit especially on UK dancers makes it increasingly difficult for non EU passport holders to land contracts in Europe. To secure a contract in USA I understand the visa process is even more challenging and expensive and US contracts are typically shorter -maybe paid 9 months salary in the year? Sadly, there are seemingly nowhere near 5 contracts available to graduates at UK companies. Also, UK companies typically hire dancers from all over the world not exclusively UK or UK trained dancers. The war in Ukraine means there are even more hugely talented and experienced displaced dancers from the region seeking jobs. The relatively new phenomenon of junior companies and traineeship programmes that offer further training to graduates who have not secured paid contracts signals that there is a need for these as the demand and supply of graduates to contracts is nowhere near in balance. (It is sometimes difficult to tell which are paid positions and which ones you pay for.) From experience, even junior companies are receiving an avalanche of applications for limited audition spots. One mid scale European junior company acknowledged that they received 530 Video applications for only 36 audition places so this gave a small indication of how competitive the market currently is. Of 36 auditioned there, I believe there were only 2 contracts available. There has been a lot of change in company directors globally this year, and in recent years so perhaps they will settle in first and hire suitable dancers later to suit their vision? I have also noticed a shift toward more and more contemporary works in rep so do wonder which companies will remain strongly classically focused in future? I do feel for all the hard working and talented young dancers graduating from schools across the world who show such dedication and hope that things settle down soon and more opportunities arise.

Daughter bought these as was very excited by the new technology. They are great but she’s decided she’s an old fashioned girl after all (after wearing these once in the house.) They are a size 7XX and cost £110. ribbons and elastics sewn and they come with suede platforms so ready to go for anyone who wears this size. Open to offers. can send images over as can’t attach here.

Hello, are these still available please?

A very brief note about last night- I would absolutely encourage people to go. I went with very limited knowledge of the production and loved it. The dancers were on top form, the staging minimal, sophisticated and clever, the music wonderful, costume design chic and choreography beautiful. The expressiveness and subtle intention of each movement from every single dancer on stage was delivered clearly as we were sitting some distance from the stage so couldn’t see faces. An inspiring and throughly enjoyable performance all round. We loved Francesca Velicu’s delivery of ‘The Boy’, Minju Kang was a superbly nuanced and ultra assured Carmen, the entire cast were brilliant. Looking forward to hearing more people’s thoughts as the performances continue.

Yes please! if not already gone

Hello, I wonder whether anyone may have a copy of this film that they would be happy to loan or sell for research? Have stalked the internet unsuccessfully. Pls PM me if you can help. Many thanks

A few observations from the current auditions! 1.The standard of competition is incredibly high - enormous numbers of very talented dancers graduating from many respected schools around the world 2.The jobs are scarce, (several major and smaller companies not even accepting applications to audition) One junior company shared that they had over 530 videos for 36 audition spaces. 3.The number of paid trainee programmes is on the rise exponentially, globally. 4.There are traineeships that seem to masquerade as junior company contracts, it is hard to tell which are paid and which ones you pay for! 5.There are a high number of professional dancers from all over the world and from all ranks (20-27yrs) joining the auditions alongside graduates. Is this a new thing? Perhaps people who have been through the audition experience in recent years can share whether this sounds familiar? Wonder whether it’s a combination of Covid aftermath, funding cuts and brexit impacting the job market for graduates?

Thanks all. I did think overall that RB is a shorter/mid height company on the whole for men and women. Lovely Gina Storm-Jensen I believe is still away with Norwegian National Ballet and she was one who stood out for lovely long lines. I wonder if she is due to return to RB this season?

Interesting discussion. With a history of some incredibly talented and renowned taller principal dancers (Bussell,Guillem,Yanowsky) are there any tall female dancers currently in the top ranks of RB?

If anyone is looking for super last minute seats for this morning. I can no longer attend. stalls circle seats c20/21 £9 each can email

Firstly- Congratulations to all of the hugely talented dancers performing at the Prix this year! I was curious and skimmed through the top prize winners in the past 10 years. I believe there have been only 2 female gold medal winners in that period and the most recent 5 years have all been won by men. Can anyone who is familiar with the history of the competition let me know whether the format has always been the same? It seems that the jury may have a tough time evaluating the dancers given the vastly different repertoire presented by men and women. For me personally, it would be far easier to have separate male and female winners. The sheer virtuosity displayed by the men is hugely impressive and difficult to beat in terms of gravity defying leaps and turns- Such dynamics and power. By contrast, the women are wearing pointe shoes and presenting repertoire that often requires it to be judged against a more nuanced set of criteria and skills. As the vast majority of classical Ballets feature separate male and female Solos and also PDD, I feel there is space to celebrate the best of each. The repertoire has been choreographed and designed to showcase the different strengths of each so it would be wonderful to reflect that in an equitable way in the prize giving. (Hope ok to cross post here, didn’t realise there were 2 Prix active threads so posted on Doing Dance by mistake!)

Firstly-Congratulations to all of the hugely committed and talented dancers performing at the Prix this year! I was curious and skimmed through the top prize winners in the past 10 years. I believe there have been only 2 female gold medal winners in that period and the most recent 5 years have all been won by men. Can anyone who is familiar with the history of the competition let me know whether the format has always been the same? It seems that the jury may have a tough time evaluating the dancers given the vastly different repertoire presented by men and women and their innate physicality. For me personally, it would be far easier to have separate male and female winners. The sheer virtuosity displayed by the men is hugely impressive and difficult to beat in terms of gravity defying leaps and turns- Such dynamics and power. By contrast, the women are wearing pointe shoes and presenting repertoire that often requires it to be judged against a more subtle and nuanced set of criteria and skills. As the vast majority of classical Ballets feature separate male and female Solos and also PDD, I feel there is space to celebrate the best of each. The repertoire has been choreographed and designed to showcase the different strengths of each so it would be wonderful to reflect that in an equitable way in the prize giving.

Still lost for words and processing what was the most staggeringly emotional and authentic performance I think I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing. Such natural interpretation, incredible magnetism, dynamism and a spellbinding partnership. A very special and memorable Manon. The conviction and investment of Osipova and Clarke into the role was remarkable. Wild abandon, power, sensitivity, torment, heartbreak, passion all in perfectly nuanced measure with the most exquisite presentation

Still available if anyone fancies a last min trip to see this beautiful production

2 tickets Row G Balcony £25 each for ENB Giselle at Coliseum

If anyone has a reasonably priced ticket for tomorrow’s matinee ENB show please let me know! Thank you 😊

He was indeed! An exceptional dancer, sublime in the Cossack role! I do hope that he will swiftly recover!

Hi, hope ok to share here. I have created a collection of Nutcracker ballet themed jewellery suitable for all ages which are affordably priced and ready to send off in time for Christmas! Perfect unique stocking fillers and gifts for dancers. Little boxes of lucky charms, sparkly snowflake bracelets, gingerbread earrings etc Please take a look at my Instagram @kirstengracedancewear or my Etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/KGraceDancewear ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

What a wonderful way to launch into the festive season. Thoroughly enjoyed seeing this production for the first time, having previously only seen the RB Nutcracker. Beautifully staged, glittering costumes and some very menacing rodents all brought much joy to a freezing afternoon at The Mayflower. A treat to see Precious Adams’ debut as Clara/Sugarplum. Also very impressed with the young students from Tring Park (I believe)who did a fabulous job and were well rehearsed. A united and strong corps sparkled through Snowflakes and danced beautifully in Flowers pdd. Just one thing seemed slightly out of place - the Nutcracker toy used as a prop in Act 1 looked quite heavy and clunky! I felt for the poor young dancers having to manoeuvre it around stage. Otherwise an immensely uplifting, entertaining and beautifully danced production. Looking forward to seeing it again at The Coliseum.

Ticket still available

I have one ticket to this Sold Out insight on Saturday. Starts at 12pm and runs till 5pm. seat F32 £40

Thanks for letting me know. Should be all clear now!

No luck still. Would do love to see Osipova in this role! Pls do message me if anyone has a spare golden ticket? Thank you😊

If anyone has a SCS or reasonably priced ticket available for either show I would love one please!

Would love 2 or more tickets if anyone has spares please? Thank you 😊