Sharon

In the 90's when I was working at the Liverpool Philharmonic I was thrilled to discover that Lynn Seymour was appearing there, so after the event, and 'armed' with a couple of her books, I approached her and basically just gushed. I was such a huge fan. I was shocked at just how tiny she was - she didn't appear small when she had danced. She signed her old books and was sweet and patience with me this star struck scouser. Happy memories.....

I really enjoyed Curtain Fall by Jean Ure also - and Ballerina by Edward Stewart, which if I'm not mistaken the film 'The Turning Pointe' was based on. I used to collect old ballet books from second hand shops, and have a nice little collection. Not all well written, but usually containing good photos of past stars. Some like Theatre Street by Karsavina I treasure. I unfortunately bought a couple by Arnold Haskell and was horrified at the racist language and opinion. I was even more horrified when I discovered that he had been connected to The Royal Ballet School and I used to wonder if that was why they didn't have any black students at the school then or in the company.. after all Haskell hadn't hid his racist opinions. So avoid them. Anyway - my favourite autobiography is Irina by Irina Baronova, I have always loved stories of the 'baby ballerina's' so was really happy to get this, it's wonderfully written and full of beautiful photos. On a lighter note I recommend a ballet quiz book called Balletomania by Andrew Mark Wentink, which is full of facts and great photos and is such fun to do.

Good to know.

Totally agree Jan. Although would be interesting to see Jurgita, I won't be travelling out of town to see this production again.

Is there any possibility of Viviana Durante dancing do you think? - or is that just wish fill thinking?

A bit late to add to this topic I know, but I wanted to give my impression of Nijinsky. I thought I was really lucky to get a couple of tickets for the opening night as it appeared to be almost sold out, according to the online site. The Champs Elysses Theatre was beautiful to look at, but I was so disappointed to discover all the negative reviews regarding the seats to be true. I'm very short and even I was uncomfortable - be warned, it has the worst seats and views I've experienced - the leg room and width of the seats were obviously made with short, (skinny) children in mind. However contrary to the online plan there were many unsold seats - and we all moved as one to other seats - just as uncomfortable, but nearer. The performance itself was interesting if not totally successful. The Act 2 pdd was so long. Guillaume Cote as Nijinsky was mesmerising, I could not take my eyes off him. He dominated the show and I am now officially a fan. His interpretation and technical skill was amazing. The company as a whole were wonderful and I would love to see them perform here. But this opening performance was about Guillaume.

Looked online but found the ticket prices so expensive! Pity I would love to see Matttieu Ganio.....but ticket plus train etc is one performance too many for me this year. I look forward to reading all your reviews.

Thank you Jan. I saw Svetlana Beriosova sitting in the audience at the Empire one year the Royal were performing here. I was struck speechless, I just sat there staring at her. It was a photo of her in arabesque in a really old book that ignited my love for ballet. I so wish I had spoken to her. She was utterly beautiful. Maybe I will go to the stage door for really special occasions after all... Love this forum - it's wonderful knowing I'm part of a ballet crazy gang 😍

I started going to the Liverpool Empire stage door in the 80's and I have to say all the dancers without exception were really kind and patient with me - this super, star struck ballet fan. The SWRB dancers in particular were amazing and I became great friends with the then principle Nicola Katrak. So my early experiences were very positive and I know the dancers really appreciated the fans at the stage door. A couple of years ago in a moment of nostalgia, I decided to go round to the stage door again after an ENB performance. I was delighted to feel that same excitement when the dancers finally came out. Although rather depressed when I noticed just how young and tiny they all were, but that's another story..... Following the premier of AK Giselle last year I again went to the stage door and met Alina Cojucaru, who exited with Johan Kobborg who quickly stepped away leaving her to speak with us. Irek Mukhamadov was also there and when I said hello and told him how I had admired his dancing he thanked me and then pointed to the young ENB males and said they were great and were the future. Which I thought was really lovely. Tamara Rojo exited and recognised me from the previous year - maybe she was just polite? (I do it all the time 😉) and asked what I had thought of the show, I was very generous with my praises and enthusiasm and and I was thrilled when she then reached out and touched my arm thanking me. My favourite, recent, stage door story though was meeting Ed Watson, he was just so friendly, polite and humble. Really wish the RB toured up north, or that BRB came to Liverpool every year like they used to - and that really is another story.... Generally speaking my stage door experiences have been positive, although I have met a grumpy ballerina/rude ballerina, but I excused her as she had been nice previously and we all have our off days don't we? And I was rather disappointed when I met a Canadian principle in Paris after Nijinsky....Anyway I've decided not to go to anymore stage doors, I want to remember the performance not a grumpy dancer.