Blossom

Excellent! I would happily make a grand tour of Europe to check them all out!

Rojo’s Raymonda is enjoyable despite being a completely different storyline. The best thing about the production is that it keeps the spectacular music alive (albeit rearranged), given it is not performed widely (Denmark and Netherlands are the only full productions I have been able to find outside of Russia which is not currently an option).

I emailed the friends team.

Me too - and it seems I was not opted in. If you don't receive the post performance surveys, this is usually a clue.

Happy birthday @Silke H, what a lovely birthday treat. Gutted I didn't book for this - leaving for hols at the crack of dawn and I think it would have been too much to take on (and it wouldn't have gone down well with my husband while he is left to finish packing, deliver dog to sitter etc).

I reached out to the Friends team having not received the survey. Note that if you haven't received it, you're probably opted out again... All survey emails were sent on Fri and Sat.

Links – Tuesday 16 April 2024 Review - Zoonation Youth/Company of Elders, The Exchange, Lilian Baylis Studio, London: Nicola Claire, Seeing Dance Review- Acogny & Malou/ Louise Lecavalier,/Ben Duke, Elixir Festival, London: Graham Watts Gramilano Review- Patrick Bone & Molly McGeachin, Giselle Remix, The Pleasance, London: Frank Milazzo, Broadway World Review - Pacific Northwest Ballet, The Seasons’ Canon, Seattle: Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times Review - Queensland Ballet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Brisbane: Ruth Ridgeway, Bachtrack Review- Hong Kong Dance Company, The Legend of Lanling, Hong Kong: Natasha Rogail, South China Morning Post Preview- Rambert/ Jill Johnson, Analogue, London: Teresa Guerreiro, Culture Whisper Preview - American Repertory Ballet to present a Midsummer Night’s Dream: Chloe Rabinowitz, Broadway World Preview- Carlos Acosta performs in the US for two nights only: Carrie Seidman, Pointe Magazine Preview - Oakland Ballet Company to Celebrate Graham Lustig With Lustig LIVE! Chloe Rabinowitz, Broadway World Preview - Ballet & Billy: Festival Ballet Albuquerque brings the New Mexico outlaw's story to the stage: Adrian Gomez, Albuquerque Journal Preview - “Despertares” Returns to Revolutionize Ballet in Mexico: Staff, Latin American Post Season Preview – Chicago’s National Landmark Auditorium Theatre 24/25 Season: Chloe Rabinowitz, Broadway World Season Preview - New York City Ballet’s 2024-25 season to include world premieres by Justin Peck, Camilo Quan and Alexei Ratmansky: Natan Zamansky, Playbill Season Preview- New York City Ballet unveils 2024-25 season featuring 58 ballets: Chloe Rabinowitz, Broadway World Feature - Yasmine Naghdi: Why is dance being cancelled in schools? Debra Craine, The Times (share token) Feature- Ballet star and survivor Steven McRae says dance must change: Mohammad Ali, Urdu Point Feature - Quantum Leaps: Balletina and Quantum Physicist Merritt Moore connects humans and machines: Nina Pasquini, Harvard Magazine Feature - Much loved ballet Swan Lake lures back RZNB dancer: Rose Treadwell, The Post News- Elmhurst Ballet Company will perform MODE in Birmingham and London: Stephi Wild, Broadway World Vera Liber, British Theatre Guide News- Bolshoi dancers’ Seoul show cancelled amid global cancellations of Russian arts: Yonhap, Korean Herald News- How an American ballerina is helping MS research in Scotland: Staff, BBC News News - Ballet Hawaii Welcomes Richard Vida as Executive Director: Chloe Rabinowitz, Broadway World

Links – Monday 15 April 2024 Review - Elixir Festival, Triple Bill, Sadlers Wells: Sarah Crompton, Observer Review- Patrick Bone & Molly McGeachin, Giselle Remix, The Pleasance, London: Terry Eastman, London Theatre 1 Review- Anarchy Dance Theatre, Second Body, Coronet Theatre, London: Nicola Claire, Seeing Dance Review- Matthew Bourne, Edward Scissorhands, Bradford: James Ballands, British Theatre Guide Review- Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Ottowa: Courtney Castellino, Broadway World Review- Madison Ballet, Timeless, Madison, Wisconsin: Dan Van Note, Cap Times Review- Benjamin Millepied & Alexander Theraud, Unstill Life, Los Angeles: Victoria Looseleaf, Fjord Review Review- Toronto Dance Theatre, Spring Double Bill, Toronto: Ilana Lucas, Broadway World Review- 10th Alembic Artists Residency Cohort, Performance Works North West, Oregon: Hannah Krafcik, Oregon Arts Watch Review- Philadelphia Ballet, Bailando con Maria, Philadelphia: Cindy Moukaro, Etownian Review - National Taichung University of Sport, Dance Department, Graduation Performance: David Mead, Seeing Dance Article- Why using dance to help with MS is an inspiration for us all: Staff, The Scotsman Article- Why Misty Copeland says this dance competition helps students thrive: Alex Ross, People via Yahoo News Article - Ballet star and survivor Steven McRae says dance must change: Eric Randolph, Fox 41

Not received it. I am guessing it will go out in waves as so many Friends. Or I am hoping as I do always like to have my say!

David Bintley wise I would love to see Still Life at the Penguin Cafe danced by the Royal Ballet. I fulfilled a childhood wish seeing it with my daughter in 2017/18 when she was 10 or 11. I remember first seeing it in a ballet book when I was 8 or 9 along with Elite Syncopations. I don’t think either ever made it to Manchester where I grew up. I know the digital rights situation makes it a little difficult but would love the Bintley even if it only made ROH Stream.

On the Onegin front, is this a rumour or a solid prediction?

Links, Sunday 14 April 2024 Review - Aakash Odedra & Aditi Mangaldas, Mehek, Sadlers Wells, London: Teresa Guerreiro, Culture Whisper Bruce Marriott, Lifted Leg Review - KVN Dance Company, Coppelia, Chesham: Bruce Marriott, Lifted Leg Review – Dance Theatre of Harlem, Nyman String Quartet No. 2/Take Me with You/Balanchine Pas de Six/Blake Works IV: The Barre Project: Kasey Broekema, Ballet Herald Review – American Ballet Theatre, Woolf Works, New York: Jillian Verzwyvelt, Ballet Herald Review – Philadanco, Roots & Reflections (Director’s Choice), Philadelphia: Ellen Dunkell, Philadelphia Inquirer Review – West Australian Ballet, La Bayadere, Perth: Rita Clarke, Limelight Preview – Carlos Acosta, On Before, Sarasota: Carrie Seidman, Sarasota Herald Tribune Feature - The Youth America Grand Prix: ‘It was amazing to be on the stage’: Magee Hickey, WPIX NYC via MSN News - Benesh Movement Notation to train young dancers in Frederick Ashton’s repertoire: Graham Spicer, Gramilano

It's the music. Joby Talbot did the music for the Wonka movie which was quite pleasant and.... musical vs what he creates for Wheeldon. I am guessing that therefore the style is as directed by Wheeldon.

Schools’ matinees are confirmed for next year - having just been emailed about a Friends’ new season event I decided to check… Alice - high on my list to try to convince my son to come Cinderella - we knew this already R&J A nice taster of what’s to come! https://www.roh.org.uk/schools/school-matinees

I was on the left hand side if facing the stage, entry via door 3B. The loose tall seats are incredible value and feel quite snug and secure if you don't like being exposed. There can also be some obstructions depending on the kindness of the row infront (last night 2 people pulled their chairs together and further forward, somewhat obstructing the view of the young man sitting next to me) . The row B loose seats however are on a raised platform vs row A, so you're not sitting as snugly behind others (but this has benefits in terms of the view).

Had a particularly lovely night at ROH last night for my 3rd and final viewing of the triple bill, sitting in the balcony on the loose tall stools. Really enjoyed seeing the alternate cast of Danses Concertantes, realised I was watching Marco Masciari and of course Giacomo Rovero who was lovely to see in a lead role, but due to the funny headdresses I didn't quite realise another favourite, Liam Boswell was dancing so looking forward to the recording hopefully making it onto the ROH stream next year (crossing fingers, toes...). I relish the opportunity to see Valentino Zuchetti back on stage after so long off, plus got me thinking about whether this piece has been any inspiration for him in terms of his own creations. Ashley Dean really stood out among the new cast - there seemed to be an excellent personality fit with the piece, she had the right spark for the role. Isabella Gasparini has got better and better in the role over the run and have really enjoyed seeing her lead. Having had a chance to see both casts of Different Drummer, it was great to revist what I have to admit is my favourite, which is interesting as I don't always feel that way about a first cast. I think the choreography particularly suits Marcelino Sambe's more compact frame, but in particular, found that every muscle of his body conveyed the progressing emotional depression of Woyzek as the ballet ensued. Bumped into (hopefully he didn't feel accosted) Edward Watson on my way up Floral Street and confirmed that he had indeed coached both Sambe and Clarke as found the physicality of their interpretations so different. Requiem continues to deeply move me. I much preferred the view from the balcony which not only allowed me to see the shapes of movement on the stage better and a more interesting view of Sarah Lamb rising from among the dancers, but also provided a different perspective on some of those really difficult lifts where the women were carried, in horizontal pose, across the stage. Viewing from above strangely made the lifts look even more of an impossibility than viewing at a similar level from SCS. I wasn't sure how Matthew Ball's lyricism could be matched by another dancer, but William Bracewell was different, yet equally mesmerising to watch. As with Gasparini in DC, I've enjoyed being able to see more from Melissa Hamilton that ever before, she really is a beautiful dancer. The night was even better having bumped into Xander Parrish in the new foyer, he is here to dance in International Draft Works over the next few days (also always lovely to bump into @Balletbloke).

Links, Tuesday 9 April, 2024 Review - Scottish Ballet, Swan Lake, Glasgow Bruce Marriott, Lifted Leg Vivien Devlin, Edinburgh Guide Review - Ballet Am Rhein, Mixed Bill, Dusseldorf: Vikki Jane Vile, Bachtrack Review - NDT, Mixed Bill, New York: Erin Bomboy, Bachtrack Nadia Vostrikov, Ballet Herald Review – Dutch National Ballet, Dancing Dutch, Amsterdam: Vikki Jane Vile, Bachtrack Review - Milwaukee Ballet, Cinderella: John Schneider, Shepherd Express Preview – American Ballet Theatre, Woolf Works, New York: Kyra Laubacher, Pointe Magazine Graham Spicer, Gramilano Preview – State Ballet of Georgia, Swan Lake, London: Staff, Martin CID Preview - Korean National Ballet, Season:Spring, London Hwang Dong-hee, Korean Herald Feature – Gabriela Hearst debuts sustainable costumes for San Francisco Ballet’s ‘Carmen’: Jennifer Braun, Fashion Network Feature - Love is in the air at the Royal Ballet: Meet the four ballerinas preparing to waltz down the aisle this summer: Astrid Joss, Tatler Article - Francesca Hayward becomes lead ambassador of the Royal Ballet School's affiliate training and assessment programme: Staff, London Post If there are any horror film fans out there… Film review - ABIGAIL trailer: Don't let the tutu fool you: Shelagh Rowan Legg, Screen Anarchy

Ticket sourced - with thanks to BCF!

Links, Monday 8 April, 2024 Review – Royal Ballet, Swan Lake/Macmillan Celebrated: Sarah Crompton, Observer Review – balletLORENT, The Velveteen Rabbit, Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadlers Wells: Lyndsey Winship, Guardian Review – Kidd Pivot, Assembly Hall, Sadlers Wells: Grace Times, Yahoo Finance Review – Scottish Ballet, Swan Lake, Glasgow: Mark Brown, The National Review - Chou Kuan-Jou, Tomato, Taipei: Helen Davidson, Guardian Review – San Francisco Ballet, Dos Mujeres, San Francisco: Jim Munson, Broadway World Toba Singer, Culture Vulture Review – National Ballet of Canada, Alice in Wonderland, Toronto: Denise Sum, Danceview Times Review - Taiwan Aboriginal Culture Foundation & Neo-Classic Performing Arts Foundation, Palamal: Fire Festival,Taiwan Traditional Theatre Center, Taipei, David Mead, Seeing Dance Preview - Lone Star Ballet concludes season with Shakespearian comedy: Brianna Maestas, Amarillo Globe News via AOL Preview - Colorado Ballet's jazzy work about mountain climbing: Marc Shulgold, Denver Gazette Feature - Young Nigerian lives dream of being a ballet dancer: Staff, Malay Mail Feature - Metamorphosis celebrates 30 years of dance: Staff, Trinidad and Tobago Newsday New season announcement - Ballet Arizona in Phoenix announces 2024-25 season lineup: Staff, Daily Independent New season announcement - Sarasota Ballet plans two world premieres and three company debuts in new season: Jay Handelman, San Francisco Herald Tribune

Is anyone else seeing ads on Facebook and Instagram for ROH productions specifically encouraging Stalls bookings? https://www.facebook.com/share/zFVEZiiSRZxYQUZq/?mibextid=WC7FNe I have also seen for Winter’s Tale.

Links, Sunday 7 April, 2024 Review – Royal Ballet, Macmillan Celebrated, Royal Opera House, London: Jenny Gilbert, The Arts Desk Review - Choreographers! Enough with the reworkings of Carmen and Frankenstein: Rupert Christiansen, Spectator Mark Bruce, Frankenstein, The Place, London English National Ballet, Carmen, Sadlers Wells, London Review – balletLORENT, The Velveteen Rabbit, Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadlers Wells: Nicola Claire, Seeing Dance Review – Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, Classical Programme, Kennedy Center Opera House, Washington DC: Emily Berger, Broadway World Review – Ballet Kelowna, Macbeth, Kelowna Daily Courier Feature - How to Integrate Acting Skills Into Dance: Sophie Bress, Dance Magazine Feature - Justin Peck on ‘Illinoise,’ Spielberg, Dance, and His Movie Directing Debut: Tim Teeman, The Daily Beast Obituary - Eleanor Fazan: choreographer who played key role in Beyond the Fringe: Alasdair Steven, The Herald News- Tickets for National Ballet of Cuba sold out in Spain: Staff, Prensa Latina English Edition News - San Francisco Ballet Names Associate Artistic Director and Director of Artist Development: Courtesy of SF Ballet, En Face And finally, covering the continued debate on ticket prices:- Feature - Brian Cox: ‘I can’t afford $110 each for one night at the theatre’: Charlotte O’Sullivan, Independent

Ideally looking for 1 or 2 tickets in Central SCS (D14-D41)/Central Balcony Standing (D30-33)/Balcony loose seats - row B or C

Me too! Really looking forward to seeing a version post MacMillan and excited that people find it even more engaging.

I usually head over to ROH from my office for 5.30/6 and tend to work while I have a bite to eat and a coffee. I am always careful not to over spread, plus as I usually spend a good £15-20 I see no issue in taking the opportunity to finish off a few bits and pieces if I am alone for a performance. Staff do tend to remove empty cups and plates quite swiftly so I don’t think it’s always fair to make judgement and assume that people haven’t consumed something.

I only logged on at 2 and managed to secure some balcony standing for my house guest/sitter for Easter Monday's matinee with plenty of options - and no wait to get in.