JNC

Excellent review nogoat, pretty much agree with everything you said! 

Ah thanks for the knowledge Douglas! An RB le corsaire may be brilliant to showcase the wealth of male talent in the RB now! But I'd rather have other things first I suppose, and as long as they bring back the pas de deux every now and again I'll be quite happy!

I agree that I'm not sure if I'd want a full Ondine to come back, but perhaps we could get one act as part of a mixed bill to test it out? Although I guess the costs of this would be similar to a proper revival (or not? I don't know how it would work out) so perhaps they may as well do the whole thing?

30 minutes ago, capybara said:

 Anna Rose O'Sullivan as Chloe (after only two days' preparation)

What!! How do you know this capybara?

I am even more amazed and my respect for her only grows! She was one of the standouts for me (along with Hayward/Naghdi and of course Vadim!) 

Also as someone had already mentioned but it was also tweeted by the RB that it was twelve years to the day to Darcey’s farewell performance - what serendipity! I wonder if KOH knew this when we asked her to perform - what knowledge! 

What a missed opportunity for filming but agree some performances weren’t perfect (completely understandable considering rehearsal time and other commitments) so understand they didn’t want to do so; but all the more reason for a similar event in the next season, or at least the following. I wonder what the next anniversary event is for the RB? 

Thanks for the reviews above @Irmgard and @SPD444. 

I was wanting to go to this to see this for Alina mainly (and as I've not seen a Cinderella live, hopefully RB for 21/22?) but I have to say I was put off by the high prices of the Albert Hall, as it seems the venue is so big you would end up being so far away from the dancers (unless you paid a lot). I hope they bring this production to the Coliseum if it is good, as I feel even in the balcony there you'd be closer to the dancers for a better price. 

As others have said above, a lovely and very special evening. 

Marianela was lovely in the Sleeping Beauty, but having never seen the RB's version before I have to say the costumes weren't to my taste (the men's were completely unflattering in rather horrible shades of brown, and Marianela's tutu looked cheap, a bright pink with glitter). However Marianela's dancing was executed perfectly as you would expect, and with the history of SB it had to be included. 

Stix-Brunell was good in Nocturne, as was Pajdak in Wise Virgins - nice to see both of these two getting solos and whilst rather short pieces, good to add to the variety and works that aren't seen anymore . 

Birthday Offering was lovely. Kaneko technically confident and her smile always wins me over. Lamb and Hirano so so elegant in their pdd, moments were they were completely in sync with their movements were just glorious and having not seen Lamb properly before it certainly made me want to book for her in future! I hope they bring Birthday Offering back for the 20/21 season as I feel this evening demonstrates that RB now have at least 7 dancers who are capable of doing this justice, and how lovely would it be to see that variety again (similar to this evening with its many divertissements). 

Ondine, well wow was Hayward beautiful and glorious. As someone else has commented I felt she came closest to capturing Margot in this piece tonight, how lovely and what beautiful dancing and emotion. To b honest Watson didn't do much but nice to see him on stage again. Controversially I have to say despite the beauty of Hayward here, the plot didn't do a lot for me so I think I'm one of the few that wouldn't be clamouring for a revival but I'm willing to be proved wrong! 

Sylvia was brilliant and I really hope this comes back for the 20/21 season as it's something I haven't seen before and this brief flavour makes me want to! Magri, whilst I haven't been a fan of hers in the past, was very good in this. I have to be picky and say I noticed Calvert in the back was able to raise her leg higher but Magri was very confident, and some of her jumps were very high (a bit osipova) and her strength of character came through well. 

Daphnis and Chloe may have been my favourite of the night. Sad to see Morera wasn't able to dance, but what a worthy replacement in Anna-Rose O'Sullivan. Her dancing was perfect, real emotion and not a single wrong step. Just pure delicacy and Campbell partnered well. I felt very moved by it all and whilst I already admired O'Sullivan, this proves she can do the 'deeper' more 'adult' roles and she is definitely the one to watch for me in future with regard to debuts and new opportunities. 

Having seen Osipova/Hallberg in RJ a week ago, I was slightly disappointed it was them again rather than some variety (and I felt their performance whilst it had potential lacked a little something when I saw it). However, I don't know if I was not in the mood when I saw them before, or if something else has changed/developed (which seems unlikely, all I can think is Hallberg's additional rehearsal time plus perhaps me being won over by them in A  Month in the Country) but I really enjoyed their balcony pdd. Yes Hallberg still seemed to struggle a little with some of the lifts but he brought a level of emotion I didn't feel I saw in the full-length and he just seemed to have more stage presence and true harmony with Osipova. Osipova isn't everyone's cup of tea (it always interests me that she seems to divide opinion more than any other ballerina on here, truly marmite - perhaps it's her Bolshoi training) but I found her brilliant her - her facial expressions always convey such emotion (which is what I feel some on here don't like) but I feel even if she's not your favourite, you can't fault her technique. Similarly to 'A Month', I'm glad I saw them again as it went some way to redeeming their partnership for me as I was disappointed in the full length RJ, but this shows what they are capable of. 

Facade - not much to say here apart from what a clever surprise from KOH to bring back Darcey! And that 360 turn which was executed so quickly and with such humour from Avis and Darcey. A nice break from the heavy ballets and added to the variety of the evening. Audience enjoyed the humour here and seemed very pleased to see Darcey back.

Le Corsaire - wow what a crowd pleaser and definitely makes the argument for more evenings like this in future (with samplings of ballets and divertissements). Vadim always amazes me how high and quick he can jump, all the while looking effortless and assured. Utter perfection and he probably got the loudest applause of the evening! Naghdi was excellent too, one small slip as others have mentioned but an impressive recovery and just goes to show how difficult all of this actually is - which sounds obvious but when it's executed so brilliantly 99% of the time it's easy to forget! I'm so glad they included this and look forward to seeing ENB's production next January in London. I know some people don't like Le Corsaire but this makes me feel the RB should revive it - even if not the whole thing, one act (like Raymonda)?

Have to say I was a bit disappointed with Apparitions. I felt whilst the dresses looked lovely, they obscured some of the dancing and footwork. Controversially I think Ball wasn't giving a performance he is capable of and some of the lifts with Cuthbertson didn't look very smooth. I think I would have preferred to have seen them both in other pieces (Cuthbertson in Sylvia for example!) and whilst I know understand the reason why this closed the evening but without this context (and even so) I just think after the sparkle of Le Corsaire it did feel a bit anti-climactic. I too was surprised not to see Marguerite and Armand as whilst it may not be to everyone's taste it was created for the famed Fonteyn/Nureyev partnership. I feel if Ball/Cuthbertson had danced this as the finale rather than Apparitions perhaps? 

The video of Fonteyn was so so lovely, and a perfect end to the evening. The orchestra were brilliant throughout but especially here accompanying this video performance. Overall what an absolutely glorious night, well done to KOH and the dancers for pulling it all off and what a treat to see so many principals and different flavours of ballet in one evening. I think we were all in ballet heaven. The programme is lovely, full of photos of Margot dancing each piece and I do hope they keep up the photos of her and the Firebird tutu in the Amphi bar area as a tribute for a little longer (or at the least replace them with something rather than nothing). My admiration for RB and its dancers has grown leaps and bounds (from an already very high level) and I am so looking forward to what they can bring to 20/21! 

On 06/06/2019 at 01:00, HelenLoveAppleJuice said:

Chatted after today's show at stage door.

It is indicated that following the Swan Lake, last year's LB, nutcracker and the coming Coppelia and Ramonda is going to be released DVD/Blueray.

Such a delightful news! 

I think that last year LB Nela/Vadim/Natalia is a truly "dream team" for La Bayadare. I watched the previous 2 recording (Asylmuratova/Darcey and Rojo/Nunez) and personally think that last year's performance is the best of all three, or probably the best of all time.

 

I for one loved that performance of LB and was actually in the audience that very night (if it was the one that was live streamed, not sure exactly how filming for DVDs works and if it corresponds with the live filming) so it will be a very special DVD which I feel I must have. I haven't seen another LB but have to say I do think Nela/Vadim/Natalia were truly suited to the roles and danced brilliantly that evening. 

Does this mean Nunez is in all LB/Sleeping Beauty/Nutcracker/Swan Lake DVDs for the RB though? (Not withstanding historical recordings of course.) And presumably Coppelia as well as I believe it is her and Vadim being filmed this year? As much as I love her, I feel this is a bit much surely as she then dominates the classics and the recent RB DVD output. 

I note the Raymonda being filmed has Osipova at least! And SB this year will be Cuthertson and Bonneli, though it looks unlikely for a DVD release perhaps. Feel we need a bit of variety and could do with Naghdi/Hayward particularly getting some DVDs (someone correct me if I'm wrong and they already have them!). Perhaps we can hope for a Naghdi/Ball RJ release, but I note Manon isn't being filmed this year it seems, so no chance for Hayward. 

But I'm very pleased about LB, I've been waiting and hoping for that to be released so thanks for the news!

Yes please report back onemouseplace and anyone else who goes. Exhibitions are so expensive now I only go if I know it's going to be very substantial and what I am interested in! 

I too am rather shocked at the number of available tickets for this. Interestingly I don't think it's gone to student standby as with the timing of Friday Rush it didn't seem to work out (Student Standby tickets have to be purchased by midnight the previous day). I hope this doesn't mean empty seats though, would be a real shame and wouldn't want to put ROH commissioning such one-off gala/celebrations in future. 

I have to admit I was hoping for Naghdi in Firebird too (as I've already seen Menzibal this week) but if this means she can do something elsewhere I can't complain too much as I'm not missing out (seeing her in Firebird next week!). 

I am sightly curious as to whether gala/celebrations usually do a full one act ballet rather than a full mix of divertissements. I do wonder if they are only doing the whole firebird  (rather than select firebird extracts) because the company has a lot on (to be fair to it) and because this seemed to be a fairly last minute scheduling and firebird happened to be showing at the same time. But perhaps this is a little unfair/cynical of me, and I look forward to tomorrow night immensely, I hope it will be a very special evening. 

I note they haven’t posted castings for the Enigma mixed bill online though other castings are up. Come on ROH! 

Oh good to hear there was some good stuff, sad I missed this! Hope there will be another one at some point! 

So interesting reading all the diverging opinions! I made a quick note of what I thought of an excellent evening last night! 

The firebird 

My first time seeing this and wow, it was stunning. Yes it’s not a classical ballet in the sense of a lot of pointe work, but you can see how Ballet Russes were shaking things up. The costumes and sets were stunning, and I was glad to hear the orchestra were on good form, and I’ve never heard the whole score live yet so that was an experience in of itself! 

I thought Mendizabal was a fantastic firebird - even up in the amphi her expressions (her eyes!) were brilliant and she did the ‘trembling arms’ fantastically. She looked so light and airy as she flitted about, but brought that steel and determination in the static poses. Having said that, I wish some of the jumps were a little higher with more of a perfect split in the air - I think Naghdi will deliver this. But this was a minor thought for an overall stellar performance.

Calvert was good as the princess - some may find the apple throwing and other non pointe scenes not to their taste but I loved them - I thought the choreography was magical with the patterns created by arms and the movements really told a story. I much prefer this style of non-pointe work as I think it is clearly not naturalistic style movement as you get in MacMillan’s crowd scenes, and more contemporary dance with clear lines/patterns. I don’t think I’ve explained very well but was pleased to see that despite others not enjoying firebird as much due to the lack of ‘pure/classical ballet’ I found it an absolute delight. I’m very much looking forward to seeing what Naghdi will bring to the role, and Watson of course as I’ve not seen him before!

A month in the country was absolutely lovely. I have to confess; I wasn’t a huge fan of two pigeons and AMITC got off to a bit of a slow start. I saw Osipova/Hallberg in RJ and their famed partnership didn’t quite reach the level of passion and chemistry I expected. But after a bit of a hesitant start, they brought it here in devastating waves. Osipova was brilliant as Natalia, the pure emotion and drama. I was worried she may ‘overact’ it but I thought it was spot on. Her technique was flawless too. Hallberg was much more suited to Beliaev than Romeo, all light air and dandy, not requiring the aggression and heat of Romeo. Whilst his technique was near flawless, sometimes it did feel as he was only bringing/able to bring 80% to the role, and I wonder if his injury has affected him or if perhaps he was still warming up to the role, it being his first live performance. Having said that, when he clutched Osipova’s hands at a crucial pause the spark was lit, and their second pdd brought it in spades. I could feel the famed partnership igniting and understand all the platitudes now. Shame it didn’t quite happen in RJ with all that potential but so glad I saw it here. Saying this though, I’m not sure if it was enough to make me book for them again which is odd as I did really enjoy their partnership here. Make of that what you will! I do think Hallberg is a very different dancer to other RB males which somewhat justifies his numerous guesting this season and next, but don’t think it justifies it enough in my opinion! 

Hinkis as Vera was good at showing pure puppy love and petulance, but I felt there was a certain depth of emotion missing which I felt Hayward would have brought. It’s unfair for me to compare as I’ve not seen Hayward though, and Hinkis made a promising debut, though it’s certainly not there yet. Acri was similar - a lot of potential but some elements of technique etc need a little more work. He brought good ‘character’ though and projected well. 

The end was utterly heartbreaking and I’m so glad to have seen this ballet and Osipova/Hallberg’s pure emotion - and so excited to see what Cuthbertson and Muntagirov will bring to the roles, and absolutely keen to see O’Sullivan as Vera.

Onto Symphony in C. Absolutely delightful! I was sorry to miss this in the Autumn so glad it’s getting a second showing. I think it showcases the talent across the RB. It wasn’t perfect but it was near enough! Kaneko was lovely, her brilliant smile and absolute elegance reminded me of Nuñez and I think she’s definitely on track for principal at some point. Of all the first soloists I imagine she is best places in my opinion for Odette/Odile. Muntagirov was absolutely stunning; what more can I say. Pure perfection. 

Nuñez brought it too, I always forget how good she is technically, and she has great stage presence. Not much for Hirano to do really, so can’t comment much but I think he partnered effectively. It was nice to see Campbell back on top form, again I was reminded of how good he is and he brought out some additional flair and grace with some of the arm movements. It would have been brilliant to see Takada; but well done to Choe for stepping up. I admit she wasn’t quite as graceful and technically assured as Nuñez/Kaneko/Naghdi but when you’re playing at this level, few are. Naghdi was spot on, I don’t think Zucchetti quite had the same level of stage presence but I suppose having 8 out of 8 star performances is probably too much of an ask, even for a stellar RB. I’m more than happy to settle for an superb 6/8, with excellent work from the corps too. 

Overall, what a night!! Despite the late finish I felt so energised after and all three ballets were so different and yet excellent - this is what mixed bills should be; why should we always accept one (or two) will be a bit of a ‘filler’? Really made me feel so lucky to be able to see the RB in a time where they have such great talent across all levels of the company. I’m very much looking forward to round 2 next week, and the sheer brilliance of the mix makes me so glad I decided to get a last minute ticket for the Fonteyn gala on Saturday. 

9 minutes ago, Bluebird said:

 

The TBC is for the other works. Monotones II only has three dancers so they’re all named. 

 

Edit: just checked the prices and they’re £5 - £25

Brilliant thanks! 

Whilst this is great news I'm now wondering if they are so 'cheap' as to incentivise more people to book so I won't get a ticket anyway ha! I'd rather this though then them being overpriced so luck of the draw on booking day! In some ways it may be a relief as I'm already looking to spend far too much on the Autumn season anyway! 

3 hours ago, capybara said:

 

From what it is possible to gather from various online peeps, the Veras and Kolias are: Hayward and Hay with Nunez/Ball; Hinkis and Acri with Ospova/Hallberg and O'Sullivan/Yudes with Cuthbertson/Muntagirov.

The RB/ROH themselves posted the lovely rehearsal photos of Anna Rose and Vadim - a gorgeous pairing.

Slightly disappointed not to see Hayward as Nunez/Ball are the only pairing I'm not seeing! However delighted and excited to see O'Sullivan! 

The rehearsal photos on social media etc look stunning. I look forward to reading reviews tomorrow of those attending tonight! 

2 minutes ago, Bluebird said:

Casting is up for the performances of Monotones in the Linbury:

 

https://www.roh.org.uk/productions/cross-currents-monotones-ii-new-tanowitz-by-various

Thanks! A lot of TBC though...also intrigued that they are doing two performances an evening, wonder why this is. Perhaps not enough free evenings in the Linbury, surely not?

I'd like to go but not sure about ticket availability once general booking opens, plus would be interesting to see the prices. For a 45 minute performance I'm hoping it will be cheap, I wouldn't go if it was priced similar to a mixed bill on the main stage! 

26 minutes ago, Shade said:

Well on Saturday the box office couldn’t find my tickets for R&J (which I had asked for them to hold) and then gave me the wrong ones (My Firebird ones) and then told me that the ROH aim was to phase out paper tickets. 

I have to say I do find it surprising ROH do paper ticket still as a default, especially with free postage. I'm not complaining and I actually do like a paper ticket (a good way of remembering seats for performances without consulting your webpage), but if e-tickets become the default (and or paper tickets come with postage costs) then I do find it understandable. I only hope this means they will lower some ticket costs (wishful thinking!) or at least put the money into new productions/dancers' salaries etc rather than other ventures. 

I for one actually find the ROH in the minority nowadays in not charging a booking fee which I really respect and hope they stick with. However I have noticed that they do automatically put a donation of £3 in your basket which you have to actively remove which I find a bit annoying. Bur rather this than a booking fee I suppose, although I always wonder how many people actually donate through this method. I especially hate those booking fees which charge you more either per ticket or charge a higher booking fee if you've booked a more expensive ticket - so please never introduce these ROH!!! 

21 minutes ago, imogensevans said:

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading all the reviews of R&J, and have learned a great deal from them too.  I’m really interested to know which dancers in the Royal Ballet have excellent classical technique. 

I noticed Matthew Ball’s feet during Saturday’s performance sometimes looked a bit flat when he was turning fast (apologies for not knowing the correct terminology!) It certainly didn’t detract from his wonderful portrayal of Romeo, but to my novice eye, Yasmine Naghdi’s technique looked ‘cleaner’. 

I was one of those who stood up on Saturday to applaud the dancers-it was an incredibly moving performance. I’m really looking forward to the live link up next week as well! 

I too feel like I've learnt so much more since joining this forum! Thanks to all those who have provided reviews

Just now, Dawnstar said:

 

Ouch! This season, with more frequent ROH attendance, I've mostly been making do with cast sheets, but I guess this probably is an occasion to buy a programme.

I'm hoping it's a bumper edition with lots of gorgeous pictures and hoping for interviews with dancers to justify the additional cost! I am excited though. 

I think as long as the conversation is about those who watched Polunin's dancing for those who are interested in reading such comments it's a valid topic for the forum? Those who aren't interested don't need to read it surely (I don't mean this in an antagonistic way). As long as reviews are honest and written by those who have genuinely attended they are entitled to their opinions. 

I haven't seen the show so can't comment, but wouldn't rule out ever watching him live if the programme appealed to me (and if I felt I could separate his politics from his art which I'd like to think I could but I don't wish to re-ignite that debate!). Therefore I'm somewhat interested in hearing what others have to say about his dancing/programme. 

To conclude - let's stick to the topic of dance and encourage those who have watched him to comment so others who are similarly interested in either going to the performances themselves, or just simply following a well-known figure in the dance world and their artist output are able to access a diverse range of opinions, not solely the professional critics' reviews. If the conversation goes off topic etc I trust the mods to step in as appropriate. 

Anyway I'll shut up now and won't comment further as I haven't seen this show - let's reserve this thread for those who have, and those who would like to engage in discussion on Polunin's dancing and this show generally. 

Wonder who will replace her if not for a Month in the Country with Hallberg? Nunez or Cuthbertson, or perhaps another (do they usually have a back up 'understudy'?). I hope she recovers so this would be a moot point anyway!

Anyone have any idea about timings for the Gala? Managed to snap up a ticket on the ROH website (there's still a few going, albeit the more expensive ones) because I'm willing to take a gamble (though it does mean three firebirds in a week!). I guess this sort of thing doesn't come round very often so felt it was worth the risk, and I've never seen a gala before so there's also a new experience at least! 

Is casting for the Linbury usually announced in advance? Curious as to who will be in the Monotones mixed bill. 

With only four performances I feel I am probably unlikely to get a seat though! Do Linbury performances get included in Friday Rush or not? 

8 minutes ago, annamk said:

 

Dear Rob S no ! Don't feel you can't comment if you would like to say something. There are many different levels of knowledge on this board, some people have been going for years but have never danced a step themselves (me !) and others it seems to me to me must be ex dancers such is their knowledge of the detail. Personally, I enjoy reading all the different ways of seeing ! 

Rob - I think the whole point of the forum is for people to share their views (of course only if they wish to do so!) and agree with  annamk that I enjoy reading reviews. I personally don’t have a good technical knowledge of ballet and wouldn’t be able to describe particular movements/positions, which whilst certainty they can add additional detail for those who do know (or those who want to find out more), it doesn’t detract from anything if you don’t! (If that makes sense!).

I for one find it really interesting the different responses people have (eg Osipova/Hallberg seemed to have a lot of contrasting reviews, and one person was brave enough to say they didn’t enjoy Naghdi/Ball as much as the others had despite the countless glowing reviews). Dancers are all different, and we as the audience also have different preferences and notice different things and that’s part of what makes it so interesting! 

Osipova was a marvellous Juliet - very 'bouncy', youthful exuberance, such energy! Even up in the amphi you could feel her emotion. I always forget how high she can jump (Bolshoi!) and that there is great technique behind the energy. 

Hallberg was very clean and elegant and yes, a bit more reserved. There were a few moments where their partnership came alive through their closeness in the pdd but they did seem a bit mismatched at times (Osipova coming from the angle of young crazy love and all over the place, and Hallberg seeming a bit more serious). 

Hallberg was good - you could tell he's got fantastic technique and is incredibly elegant. However, I felt he seemed to struggle with some of the earlier higher lifts (they just didn't look effortless and he seemed conscious of Osipova's weight - not that she would be heavy! - and or not dropping her). You could tell the immense respect they feel for each other in the curtain calls, which in some ways I found more moving than in the ballet itself (not sure this is a good thing...).

Overall I enjoyed it and glad I was able to see their partnership live. I also saw Hayward and Corrales and I think I preferred their version of young passionate love (although I went to see their debut which was incredibly promising but I felt one of their second or third performances would have really been better to go to as that's when it seemed to have really ignited!). Also Hayward and Corrales had the excellent supporting cast of Sambe/Ball etc which I think added an overall element of a fantastic performance.

Perhaps I always feel I'm missing something a bit with RJ because it's not one of my favourite ballets - I find there to be not enough 'pure dance' (I prefer Manon or one of the classic ballets in this respect). I don't think it necessarily helps perhaps that I'm also up in the amphi which means I struggle to catch a lot of facial expressions which makes me feel that I often miss certain nuances etc. I am going to try and catch the live screening of Ball/Naghdi as this may help me feel the passion being able to see their faces! 

Coincidentally I am also going to see Osipova/Hallberg in A Month in the Country so it will be interesting to see them again for comparison - I didn't book for them but it will be interesting. I doubt I'd necessarily book to see Osipova/Hallberg again in future as I have other casts that I prefer but I wouldn't rule it out and think perhaps Hallberg would be suited to other types of roles the involve more princely/elegant characteristics rather than the young fiery passion of Romeo, so perhaps Sleeping Beauty or even the 'good' and pure Des Grieux would play to his strengths more. 

52 minutes ago, HappyTurk said:

I would say a combination of things. For one, I think Mcrae has often been paired up with Takada for height reasons as I don't think they have chemistry at all. Ball does have chemistry with Naghdi as does Nunez and Muntagirov (although the former is much more prominent to me). The problem is just that it seems as though there isn't very much flexibility/diversity when it comes to casting in the classics especially for Nunez and Muntagirov. I would love him to be paired with other ballerinas much more frequently in the classics as he is 99 percent of the time paired up with Nunez in those. Yes, he does often pair up with Lamb in the MacMillan repertoire but rarely the classics. I think that is the issue I have. 

Thanks for explaining! I wonder if it would really be so odd for a female dancer to be taller than the male - would it really look *that* bad to affect casting? It would be interesting to see if anyone has seen something a performance where the female has been taller! 

Whilst I've never seen McRae and Takada perform, one reason I haven't booked is because I agree that I think they look a bit odd paired together. I feel Takada would work with almost any of the other principals! So I personally find it odd that height seems to dictate so much, and feel it's a bit of a shame when it may limit who dancers are paired with or whether they are even cast for certain roles. 

I actually really like Nunez and Muntagirov as a pair - because they are such happy, sunny dancers with excellent classical technique so I think they work really well together. Agree that it would be nice to mix up the pairings sometimes though! 

2 hours ago, HappyTurk said:

I think Ball and Muntagirov and even McRae have great chemistry with Osipova. The only issue is that all three are on the reserve for Naghdi, Nunez, and Takada respectively. So the issue is availability.

 

Curious as to why this is? Is it a height thing, or is it simply because the dancers like working together and KOH (and possibly the audience) etc like to have set pairings? Or a combination of all of the above?