art_enthusiast

Indeed, height definitely doesn't affect dancing quality!

I found her performance as a young Beatrice in the Dante Project very impressive.

So who danced with Fumi in the Nutcracker matinée today?

What's worrying is how their entire website system is built - its failure shouldn't be dependent upon the absence of one or two people (especially not in this current day and age!). I'd be interested to know how they built the website, and how its format leads to things like this happening...

Indeed! It seems very absurd to want to let go of a Principal, especially due to the additional maturity and artistic expertise they bring to their dancing - as evidenced by many of the most experienced principals now.

Thanks for all the above replies everyone - sorry to have misdirected the topic slightly. Regarding the series, I watched a few clips on YouTube and found it quite distasteful to see all the arguing (and swearing) about funding, and architectural complaints from the Covent Garden community. It seems more like a sustained reality TV argument than an in-depth portrayal of one of the most renowned theatres in the world, I assume that's what the producers were going for. Also disliked the references to an 'elite' audience of the ROH, and the way they referred to such audiences as 'special' - it seemed quite derogatory to others. Still great to see Fiona Chadwick (I've never heard of her much before, and have consequently looked up some of her performances) and also Anthony Dowell, and Darcey Bussell.

Just watched a few clips of the House on YouTube - very interesting historical look at the ROH and the different experiences and problems encountered by the RB and RO. Is there a thread about it potentially?

Interesting, I didn't see this option when using the site today

Wow, it must have been very strange to hear that incredibly familiar music without the choir - I'm actually intrigued at to how it would have sounded though, and how they may have felt dancing without it.

I believe they did Manon together before? I've seen the recording and it's definitely amazing.

Oh really? Because of Covid restrictions I assume.

If Covid permits!

Really makes me wish that they had recorded it!

Definitely. I loved his performance as Romeo with Fumi Kaneko, just incredible. Very evocative acting from both of them.

Yes sure - I'm guessing it won't be William Bracewell, as he's already on that day!

Such a shame! But of course recovery is most important. Do you know who might be standing in for him?

Yep, would love to see that. Did she do Manon with Roberto Bolle? I saw a video on the ROH YouTube of her rehearsing Manon with Matthew Golding. I don't believe there's any recordings of that performance? I suppose it's not possible to predict when she might be doing the Arabian Dance in the Nutcracker again? (After tonight). I'm going in a few weeks and I was hoping to see her in that role, or as the Rose Fairy.

I believe it's streamed live directly from the Royal Opera House to cinemas? So all real time.

Thank you for the recommendations. Just wondering if anyone has read Holding on to the Air by Suzanne Farrell? I'd really like to read it, to get more of an insight into the New York City Ballet's early years.

Yes, I've heard that her book is quite detailed about this. It seems like she went through a lot (I haven't read it yet). I'm interested to see more of the performances she did with the Royal Ballet, if I can find any. I think I found a recording of her Juliet performance, which was amazing. It looks like she had a great experience with the RB.

I've read that - probably my favourite, it's an amazing book.

Just wondering if anyone can recommend any other good ballet biographies/autobiographies? I read Rudolf Nureyev: The Life recently (by Julie Kavanagh) and found it extremely detailed and interesting.

Sure (love all the Juliet costumes). I also have nothing against beautiful tutus - the Raymonda Act 3 ones are amazing. I was just observing that they have played a part in giving ballet the "frilly/feminine" reputation it has had for a while, which may have put potential dancers off, boys being teased for choosing it, etc. I used to think that ballet was reserved for a girly/feminine type myself, until I realised that it is actually extremely athletic and requires immense strength and skill, just as much as an Olympic sport. It's also interesting to see current artists exploring different representations of gender within this art form (men wearing tutus and pointe shoes, women being encouraged to try more male-specific choreography, etc). I'm fascinated by gender-based variations of famous ballets, like Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake. Also I think in the ROH Late cabaret event in November, an LGBT reinterpretation of Giselle was performed? Not sure as I didn't attend, but the schedule looked very interesting.

I'm also not a pink tutu/tights/tiara fan. But I think a lot of ballets now are veering away from that "pink and frilly" costume stereotype (except for the classics like Nutcracker and the Sleeping Beauty). That might be why I loved the Dante Project so much - I thought the costumes were very interesting, fresh and dynamic. And the costumes in other abstract ballets and Wayne McGregor works of course. A lot of the Balanchine ballets are commonly known as "leotard" ballets - no tutus needed. Tutus are also quite hard to dance in due to their weight, I've heard.

I work in the technical field so I understand how unpredictable and complex these things are. However, I think maybe the ROH should switch their services provider, because technical difficulties do seem to be quite prevalent on their website. (I've had upcoming events disappear for me before, and well maintained websites should not be prone to crashing due to numbers of visitors). Given that mostly everyone accesses their tickets digitally now, it is important that people are able view current bookings and upcoming events digitally without difficulty. (Indeed, printing something out and showing it is quite abnormal for many consumers now, and also leads to more spreading of variants!) It's simply part of the 21st century good customer service experience.