Sharon

Well maybe now KoH will commission a full length ballet from Marston - her fans have been requesting this, or hoping, but if she's 'good enough' for ABT, NBoC and earlier this year SFB then he may be tempted (fingers crossed). I've had enough of WM.

I'm sure there are lots of people who would like to debate this. It's a difficult and sensitive subject for some. Automatically a lot of people get defensive. A lot of people are worried to speak in case they are accused of being elitist or worse racist. I was quite interested in the news item. I am always happy to see ballet mentioned and I am even more interested when the subject of race and colour is discussed. Because ballet is perceived as elitist and white, and generally speaking it is. This is reflected in the predominantly white audience and mostly white ballet companies. Black ballet dancers and mixed race dancers are rare. Only two mixed race ballerinas in The Royal Ballet - are you kidding me? It's 2018, no wonder it's on the news! That is hardly a good reflection of our multi cultural society. And the RB knows this otherwise they would not be doing the outreach work with youngsters that was mentioned. It's not about assuming people can't make up their own mind - it's about introducing people to an art form, encouraging both children and adults to participate and enjoy it. And what's wrong with that. Why not support this initiative and interest. The more people interested in ballet can only be positive surely. On a personal note as a mixed race girl growing up in 70's Liverpool - I can assure you that I was always the only 'coloured' girl in every single ballet class I took. We were rare. The visiting ballet companies were always white except for the occasional Asian and the audiences were 99% white. Thank God for the DTH. It was lonely. And sometimes it still is. This is my experience. So I welcome acknowledgement of the status quo - it wasn't a perfect report but it was mentioned, and it will generate discussion which hopefully will encourage those with the power and means to create change. Which can lead to a more diverse audience, and kids of all races attending ballet class.

No wonder her ballets are amazing. I hope K o'H has her booked to create a future work for the company. Imagine the narrative ballet she could create on the talented youngsters. I would love to see the Royal perform a dramatic, narrative ballet by Marston than another 'modern' ballet from MacGregor.

I love Cathy Marston's ballets - she is one of our greatest present day choreographer's. I'm sure Lady Chatterley will be another success for her and hopefully we will get to see it over here one day. I look forward to reading the reviews.

Lucky you! I would love to go.....

And they - host & AD, annoyingly chatted right through class! I have no idea why they thought having a conversation was so much more interesting than watching company class. Big mistake!

How fantastic was she?! I was struck by just how serene and calm her expression was - she was just beautiful. I hope she is given further opportunities.

Stayed up till 2am to watch the AB but wished I hadn't what with the host and AD chatting non stop throughout the class it was ruined for me. I then overslept and missed the Bolshoi class - this is the class that usually has the incessant chatter - but I caught part of the rehearsal or should I say the shouting man section... The RB section was brilliant. Kristen & Alexander did a fantastic job especially during class were there was no needless commentary. I thought the company looked to be on much better form than last year, cleaner and quicker well just a joy! I loved the music the pianist played throughout I actually laughed when he played "Delilah". Wasn't it great to see Marianela standing next to Yasmine, the oldest female principal next to the youngest, ( in terms of how long they've been principal's) and see them perform the first centre exercise side by side and notice they're different style. My transmission failed during the BRB section - so disappointing. Hopefully I can catch it on YT. I was disappointed that NBofC & SFB were too busy to participate this year... But I really enjoyed my RB day.

It has been announced that the remarkable Arthur Mitchell has passed away. This wonderful dancer and founder of DTH was an inspiration to generations of children of colour who had a dream of being a dancer one day. I feel so very fortunate to have met Mr Mitchell and admit that he also inspired me. A great loss.🙏

I especially want to see Nagdhi & Ball who I think will be really special. After they're debut a couple of years back it would be silly not to give them the opportunity to let they're interpretations develop and grow. Osipova partnered with Corrales would be exciting. But I would also love to see Mayara Magri be given the opportunity and James Hay.....

I will never forget the first time I saw Esplanade a beautiful, joyous work... R.I.P

Stevie - AKA Sharon - beat me to it 😉

Would love to see this particular gala, the ballets and dancers chosen is just great!

Having recently seen Nunez perform excerpts from The Merry Widow in Argentina which she posted on line, I again wondered why this beautiful ballet is not performed here. It's a ballet that would have been perfect for SWRB year's ago... But it's not too late. KoH invite Ronald Hynd - one of your principal's already know it 😉 Would it be considered too 'old fashioned' for the RB now - what with costumes that look like underwear or choreography that has the dancers legs round their necks.. I though would love to see the RB or BRB perform this ballet - also it would be a lovely tribute to Ronald Hynd, former RB dancer and much underrated choreographer.

My Ashton DVD arrived today and I immediately watched Symphonic Variations - I've waited forever to have this on DVD, this utterly beautiful ballet and with this divine cast - I'm in heaven......

Yes me too - what's so annoying is I can't even remember why I couldn't go to Leeds to see it in the first place! Note to self - do not let anything stop you from seeing important productions 🙄

It was wonderful to see Nagdhi & Ball in Giselle. Then, in a fantastic seat, watching Nagdhi in Swan Lake, what a treasure she is! I'm only sorry I didn't get to see her dance it with Bonelli - or Ball in Madrid. Jane Eyre was amazing! I can still picture the final moments when Cathy supported Edward in arabesque in their pdd. It was a deeply moving moment and spoke volumes. I greatly enjoyed my trip to San Francisco in April, to see the Unbound festival where I was spoilt with not one but two fantastic New ballets by British choreographer's - "Amina Aminus" by David Dawson and another narrative ballet by Cathy Marston "Snowblind". Both were a huge success and have been chosen to be performed again when the company (SFB) goes on tour! Again I would like to appeal to Kevin O'Hare to please request the services of Cathy Marston to create a ballet for the RB. I'm so tired of the McGregor works! I also greatly enjoyed seeing the National Ballet of Canada in Paris. "Nijinsky" was an interesting ballet, there were parts that were a bit over long, however I was really impressed with the company especially Guillaume Cote who was amazing in the role of Nijinsky. For me it's been a great season and I can't wait for the next one to begin.

I too looked into it, as there are flights from Liverpool to Madrid, however the incredibly expensive theatre prices have snookered that idea - I would so love to see Yasmine Nagdhi dance with Matthew Ball or Bonelli.....😥

Oh yes and mine too Jan. I can remember him clearly during the European & Olympic's. I was mesmerised by his beautiful balletic style and line. All other skaters, except for a special few, failed to inspire me, as technique alone will never match dance ability and artistry.

My goodness what a fantastic documentary. It was great to see some of his wonderful routines in rehearsal and performance. I particularly liked L'Apres midi du faune. Despite his success he was portrayed as being very melancholy and moody was said several times. It was therefore bittersweet to see him happy at the end of his life.

Jealous Jan, wish I'd been there too. Love NBofC went to see them in Paris last year - in the very uncomfortable Theatre Champs Elysee. Would love to see the Crystal Pite ballet...

I knew there was another reason why I liked you! 👍

That's exactly what I'm hoping for Sim 🙄

How sad. RIP Gillian and my condolences to her husband, family and friends.

So happy about this release! I'm buying it for Symphonic Variations - one of my favourite ever ballets - and with this dream cast. Heaven! Can't wait for it to arrive......😍