AlisonS35

What an incredible story above. Giving someone their life back, you must be very proud of your wife and the decision she made. Perhaps a little off track but in terms of autographs... My 8 year old daughter is lucky enough to have a signed pair of pointe shoes from some of the dancers as my friend is a past soloist of RB. I would think that would be a great way of using the old pointe shoes and raise some money for the pointe shoe appeal? Anyone know why they don’t already do that?

I agree completely with above, I think progression in the ranks is a lot to do with the type of dancer you are, height, build, how useful you are to certain roles coming up as much as it is technical ability. We know too that fast learners and people who can step up at short notice are very useful. Heap seems to be a very useful dancer who fills the ‘tall girl’ roles well. I suppose partners need to be thought about in terms of height. I liked cuthbertson/Clarke partnership very much, I believe he will be principal soon, he’s still very young, there’s no rush.

Brilliant news for all involved, esp Ball. His artistry just shone this season i believe. And very pleased to see Heap and Magri rising. Just a bit disappointed not to see Clarke. Next year I’m sure. All those involved must feel in top of the world. And rightly so, after so much hard work. Congratulations!

I agree with above, the company is hugely talented but I think there are dancers who just fit in certain ranks and who I can’t imagine as principal. I don’t believe once they have ‘done their time’ as first soloist they are considered for principal.. I just don’t think that’s how it works. To be taken into the company In the first place is a huge achievement and only the v v best would be considered for principal I believe. For instance although choe is a stunning dancer( and I may be making myself v unpopular here) I can’t see her becoming principal. But first soloist in (what I believe to be) the best company in the world??... incredible in itself. People like Joseph sissens- I believe you can just tell he will be principal, just has to wait till the time is right. First soloists I believe who will step up to become principals- stix-brunell and ball, and soloists- magri and Clarke. Just my opinion. Be interesting to see in the coming years. We are so lucky to witness the careers of these incredible artists!

Yes I agree with above too on reflection thinking of the purely classical roles Tierney is maybe better suited to the modern ballets? loved her in winters tale and corybantic games. Fumi is stunning and ‘has it all’ doesn’t she so perhaps this is her year also?. In my humble opinion Anna rose is just beautiful ,perhaps she just needs more strength which will come I’m sure.

Very interesting reading everyone’s view on this. I for one suspect there will be very few promotions this year, as the first soloist and principal ranks seem to be quite full at the moment. And I also think it will be a year for the gentlemen.. my predictions Joseph Sissens-artist to first artist(and I’m sure he could skip ranks but realise this is not in his best interests...) Calvin Richardson-first artist to soloist William Bracewell-soloist to first soloist Reece Clarke-soloist to first soloist Mathew Ball- first soloist to principal Appreciate it’s highly unlikely to be only men promoted but apart from Tierney Heap and Mayara Magri as possibilities I’m not sure who else from the ladies this year.. would be interested to hear opinions on my thoughts.. all very interesting, the company is just bursting with talent it must be extremely hard for the director but I agree with above he knows his dancers better than anyone

I believe William bracewell has had a brilliant season, as has Tierney Heap. I wonder whether anyone has any predictions on promotions once the tour is completed?

What brilliant news on promotions!

Thanks- looking forward to hearing! Must be such a difficult choice- there are so many wonderful dancers. And thank you for the warm welcome. I've just recently started following ballet again after some years preoccupied looking after my 3 young children. Been to the cinema live streamings and hoping to take my eldest daughter to Covent Garden for the nutcracker later this year!

Apologies if this has already been talked about but does anyone know when we are to expect the announcements? I noticed last year it was June. I too think Yasmine must be promoted to principal- she is just stunning. And I think Marcelino and Valentino also. So much talent...