Blossom

Saw Hayward last time as Morera was injured. Definitely recommend seeing her. I have chosen to see Morera this time as she is a wonderful actress and plays young and gritty Macmillan roles so well. Can’t go wrong with either choice to be honest but very tough to make the choice.

Another lovely interview, this time video from Dance Europe. https://vimeo.com/352217310?ref=em-share

I have just seen BRB advertising for a programme they call LEAP on Instagram and you are within the age range and working in marketing you prob have lots to offer them. It calls itself a year long residency but aside from homework is probably actually just the 30 days they need from you. Find out more here:- https://www.brb.org.uk/get-involved/ambassadors Of the 30 days, only 12 are weekdays so completely manageable while working if you are able to take holiday when you want.

So sorry to hear the news and condolences to his family. I haven’t been using the forum for so long but he helped me out once or twice in that time, always with kindness!

Bonelli as Spartacus is exactly what I said to my friend on Tuesday night! Personally not a huge fan of this ballet or the choreography though.

If anyone follows Shale on Instagram he has posted a link to an article in Russian from Beatrice magazine. Negotiating with google Chrome’s translation tool, despite the terrible translation, it does seem to suggest his performance at the Mariinsky is not a one off. ”This dancer was ‘acquired’ by the Mariinsky, not as a one off but for many seasons.” www.beatrice.com/shalewagman - visit in chrome and should give the option to translate.

Royal Ballet rehearsals are a great way for me to take a friend who hasn’t necessarily tried ballet or the opera house before and is less willing to part with serious cash for doing so- it’s a bit of evangelising on my part. ENB rehearsals are fascinating because although you can’t hear the corrections from below, they are still happening and sometimes you get to see eg the grand pdd done by a couple of different dancers which is nice to compare. Also was fascinated by Manon out of costume - was even more drawn in. Studio rehearsals and watching corrections being taken on board so quickly is really interesting to watch and I love the focus of a very specific section, and getting the chance to understand things like character motivation etc.

Thank you!

Loved Naghdi’s firebird tonight. This production really emanates the golden age of Russian ballet- the music, the style, the wonderful wedding scene at the end which is so powerful and of course the beautiful backcloth in the finale. Month in the Country was wonderful to see again, got so much more from the story with Cuthbertson as Petrovna. Realised that she only wanted the attention of Belaiev and not Ratikin and her emotions were very clear. David Yudes was the star of the show though as Koloa. Anna Rose Sullivan was a lovely Vera, role really suited her. Love the sets and the music, the wonderful Ashton port de bras, the oh so obvious ‘Fred step’ (minus the pas de chat?) and the wonderful Ashton comedy. Still trying to work out why I don’t get Vadim and I wish I did. I don’t think this was really his role and much preferred Ball’s interpretation who came across as a complete womaniser! Symphony in C was star studded again- a real celebration of RB talent. A delight to see Gasparini as always and some of the other more junior dancers taking the soloist roles. Fumi Kaneko was outstanding- would love to see her promoted at the end of this season. Great partnership with Matthew Ball. Someone seems to have replaced Meaghan Grace Hinkis tonight but I didn’t see any cast changed. Can anyone shed any light?

Yasmine Naghdi was a simply beautiful Juliet tonight at the cinema screening and there is so much chemistry between her and Matthew Ball. Joy of cinema was all of the wonderful close ups which gave away so much more than live in theatre. Thrilled to see Avis again as Tybalt- love his dramatic attack - and also Zuchetti’s ‘Jack-the-lad’ Mercutio, again enhanced by the close up camera work. Pleased for Padjak too but also Isabella Gasparini who is identified as soon as you can see her stunning smile. A fabulous cast overall.

It was busy the night of the Matthew Ball Insight during opera intervals. Quite honestly was enjoying the peace and quiet till people streamed outside! Lots of people seemed to just order a coffee or soft drink and they were playing a selection of ballet music which was lovely to enjoy. I actually thought it was a lovely use of the space.

Also went to the rehearsal and can’t wait to see it again next week. Such a lovely mix of Ballets, KoH has really got this one spot on. Particularly enjoyable as so many wonderful principal and soloist roles so quite star studded. Look forward to the first BCF reviews!

Row k stalls - 2 tickets now priced at £70 each in this area but I bought for £45 each- a steal. I have actual tickets so can either post first class tomorrow (Mon) or exchange in person if you are at the ROH triple open rehearsal tomorrow. Looking for a taker by Mon 3rd lunchtime or I will try to return to box office.

Prob in the bin then- 🤦‍♀️ Thanks for sharing!

Where was this? I didn’t see it in my mag... In terms of is friends worth it- I have fluctuated between friends and friends+ for the past few years and have seen the benefit. Early booking is helpful and package discounts a benefit although wish they would allow in other tiers. In terms of general rehearsals, if you work in central London and can afford to take a half day off work it’s worth doing for that. I work a 5 min walk from the ROH and have taken along someone from work which meant I was able to take the time off without cutting into holiday. This and packages are the main reason I am a friend. 10% off in the shop is also pretty good esp with their new range but dvds and books still better value elsewhere. I upped my membership originally to try to access insights when they always seem sold out. Membership doesn’t help with this- but regularly checking the site does! ENB membership gives access to rehearsals at night (7pm start) although they aren’t always full dress rehearsals. You also get 20% off most tickets (except Royal Albert Hall) so excellent value.