art_enthusiast

I won't be seeing the Nutcracker at all then, as I believe there are hardly any tickets available after January 3rd. Oh well - I hope they all recover soon, extremely sad for Magri/O'Sullivan and the others debuting roles. I was especially looking forward to seeing Magri in the SPF role.

Yes...oh dear.

Indeed - and Natalia Osipova is 35, definitely still an amazing dancer. I know they've all had injuries during their career, as every dancer experiences - maybe not that many though? I believe Steven McRae has said that minimising injury is the best way to prolong a dancing career, and it seems that these dancers have been able to do this well, given their demanding schedules etc. I suppose the pandemic period of physical rest has also helped them in this respect.

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.