fashionista

Thanks Alison but unfortunately, again, it does not allow you to view the full article. Not sure why The Times are making it a prerequisite to subscribe if one wants to read one article. Hopefully, someone else has copy of complete article which they can share on Forum - hope so! Amanda

I notice on Dance Links that an article on Marianela Nunez was published in The Times on 20 January 2018. However, if one does not subscribe on line to The Times it is impossible to read the full article. I have tried to subscribe a number of times, but for some reason, my attempts have failed. Please, if anyone, does have the full article, can you kindly share on the Forum. With many thanks. Amanda

Although the emphasis may be on the principal dancers, I think it is the whole company that "carry" the show. A principal may be able to mask an error, but the corps cannot and must be homogeneous - can you imagine a dancer putting a foot wrong in , for example, the entrance of the Shades in Bayadere? - catastrophe!!! Everyone is important and contributes to every show, from the newest member of the corps to the most senior principal. Even if a principals's performance was superlative, it the rest of the cast danced below par, this would mar the show. If anything, the corps have a pretty rough ride in that they are on for all shows which is not reflected in their remuneration. I think it is invidious to make comparisons - all are important.

Hi Sim, having read the article in the House magazine, I think it will be the sad tragic ending as Scarlett is quoted as saying that the music dictates this - phew!!! I think we can also be sure that it is the one dancer who will perform both Odette and Odile - another phew!!!!

I'll come to those triples!!!!

Totally agree!!!!

Reading everyone's thoughts and conjectures most interesting and also worrying. Re "worrying factor", I refer to the conjecture that Odette/Odile may be taken by two dancers - I sincerely hope not!!!!! Good though that we will have short style classic tutus. Agree, that Ashton finale is superb but unlikely to be kept with Scarlett revising the ballet. Another Ashton gem is the beautiful and exacting Pas de Quatre which was interpolated in the Third Act (and performed by the RBS this summer). Again, highly unlikely to be revived for reasons stated above. I also do rather like the BRB's version when the character dances in Act 3 are taken by the various nationals' princess, ie Italian, Hungarian, Polish. It provides more opportunities for up and coming soloists in the company. Again, doubtful but one can only dream and speculate and hope we are pleasantly surprised !!!!

It would be great if she was given this opportunity even now in her career - perhaps her "swan song" in principal role (excuse the pun!)

My wish list as follows (and reflecting some of the choices already posted):- Onegin La Bayadere The Sleeping Beauty (an essential for mastering and nurturing pure classic technique - needs to be rehearsed and performed to the highest standards!!) Revival of Madame's ballets - Checkmate or The Rake's Progress Cinderella - only if the Ugly Sisters' roles could be revamped and with really good sets and costumes - currently they are dreary and old fashioned Diaghilev Homage - The Firebird, Petrushka (wonderful dramatic role for central male - Ed Watson please!!!), Les Biches to name a few Robbins Centenary - Dances At A Gathering, Afternoon of a Faun, The Concert Ashton - Agree with JMHopton's Xmas double bill of Les Patineurs/The Two Pigeons (could also be billed with Raymonda Act III) - please give The Nutcracker a "rest"'; also Enigma Variations and Symphonic Variations MacMillan - Anastasia (has its flaws but wonderful music and great role for central female), Requiem, My Brother, My Sisters, La Fin du Jour I would also wish for principal casting to be available at the same time as dates for each booking period is announced - always has been until last couple of seasons - the company knows what talent they have and who they wish to cast!!! It makes it so much easier to book for those dancers you really do want to see/debuts etc (yes, I know there is always the risk of a dancer being injured). My feeling is that this is simply a "wish list" and probably none of the above are scheduled for next season but no harm in dreaming!!!

Happy New Year to all and especially to our hard working moderators. Here's to another great year of ballet performances and to thoughts shared on this Forum - a richly informative site. Thanks to our wonderfully dedicated Moderators. Warmest wishes for a joyous 2018 !!!

Has anyone read this article? I saw Yasmine's post on FB but it was not downloadable. If anyone has the link or downloadble version, would love to read. Many thanks Amanda

Thanks so much JohnS for sharing - I have not seen this before - its great!!

I always feel very moved and shed a tear when I see the Royal Ballet School matinee, especially for the final Grand Defile - a very emotional and moving climax every year.

Indeed, it was Slava Samodurov who danced with the Nunez/Pennefather cast.

My pleasure dear Sim - perhaps we can include with our visit to V&A for Opera exhibition x

Just noticed that an exhibition of Anthony Crickmay's wonderful photographs are on display at the V&A until 21 June. Attach link giving more details. https://www.vam.ac.uk/event/d6YkyyOa/anthony-crickmay-photographing-people-and-performance-2017-2018

I most certainly agree that it does seem rather a waste of money to be closing and refurbishing both the Amphi Bar and Restaurant which seemed pristine. My thought since the ROH re-opened after the huge refurbishment works 20 years ago, was that the "non-use" of the former "Crush Bar" was a total oversight. It has always meant that the large proportion of the audience struggle to enter, obtain drinks and circulate in the Floral Hall. When the House re-opened after the major works, there were a number of audience surveys, and I always mentioned that not using the Crush Bar was a huge mistake as there is always a bottle neck of people scrambling to get served in the Floral Hall. Although the former Crush Bar has reopened as the Dorfman, it is not the same as in former days. I know one should always move forward, but sometimes, change is not always for the better. Similarly, all toilet facilities are located on one side of the house since the refurbishment - again causing too much time wasted in getting to these facilities if sitting on the opposite side of the House - I always prefer getting tickets on what I call the "user friendly" side!!!! Surely an Opera House of this size, can manage to allocate facilities on both sides of the theatre thus easing congestion? In summary, it is rather bad planning that after only 20 years, such a major refurbishment is necessary - one hopes that we will all benefit and reap the results of the time, money and inconvenience which is going into the "Open Up" project.

Thank you so much for your guidance in tracking down when this film may be shown. I should imagine the 26 November screening may be sold out, but I will try. I did google cinema listings, but to no avail, but I will explore further - many thanks. A friend of mine in St Petersbury saw the film last week, so it is on general release over there. Despite the propogranda surrounding the film, she was very enthusiastic about the production.

Mathilde had its premiere last night as part of the Russian Film Festival - all tickets were sold out. I have tried to find out when and where it will be on general release in London but cannot find any information. Can anyone shed a light on this, please? Many thanks Amanda

Not quite "dance", but thought this may be a good Forum to advertise a ticket for the above. I have a ticket for the Gipsy Kings & Chico performing at the Royal Festival Hall on Saturday, 18 November at 7.30 pm. Excellent seat, Front Stalls, Row E, Seat No 14. The ticket is priced at £75.00. If anyone is interested, please pm me. Many thanks Amanda

Thanks Sebastian

Sebastian, Many thanks for this information which really sounds interesting - I wonder whether the Seminar in St P will be in Russian - mine is poor! I don't know of any other events, but if I hear of any, will publish on the Forum. Amanda

Thanks for sharing this article about the wonderful Yasmine, Jan. I was at Printworks last night and it was a thrilling and unique experience to see the dancers of the RB and NBC working together with the audience mingling with them in The Dreamers Ever Leave You (I have posted a short video on my FB page).

If my memory serves me right, I think when Kobborg mounted for RB, La Sylphide was preceded by either The Lesson or Napoli - which was a charming double Danish!!! Not sure that the Song of the Earth/La Sylphide is a good combo, but one certainly gets one's money's worth for this programme. I think a lighter preceding work works best.

If anyone has 2 tickets for Alice on either Saturday 21 or Saturday 28 October, evening shows, please advise soonest. Many thanks Amanda