Bruce Wall

The Nutcracker that Alison has so very kindly referenced above being broadcast on Sky is in fact the SAN FRANCISCO Nutcracker ... Sky did, in fact, broadcast the Royal's Peter Wright production a couple of weeks back. They have broadcast both previously.

I thought the Neumiere was in all very refreshing. I love the idea that the real gift was that of dance ... and the kingdom of sweets was represented by all the potential and wonder that is locked in that magical world which this board celebrates - what a wonderful idea for christmas .... and that the nutcracker doll would, in fact, watch this as well. Loved the fact that the figurine the young girl first wanted to emulate was that of a dancer, much as her sister had before her. Loved the Petipa reference in terms of Drosselmeyer - and his association with the immediate family - and the family of dancers as a whole - and the fact that it traced the development of a young woman THROUGH the joy of dance (and not just horror a la Nureyev). Loved the fact too that Petipa could fall ... and pick himself up. That he wasn't a monster or merely a reverential image. Love the pas set for Marie's sister, Louise, to the interlude which is so frequently cut or simply employed as an orchestral element. Loved, too, the fact that all the key characters were followed through. There was much to applaud here in terms of the imaginative use of the music and it is clear that Neumiere has the choreographic skill that was, sadly, so lacking in, say, Bourne's take on Sleeping Beauty ... albeit in a different idiom. This too was nice idea ... but it was the clarity and focus of the steps that made it work successfully ... and that will allow it to last.

On behalf of all, thanks so for spending the time searching and typing, Joan.

Also the NYC Ballet sponsor major educational talks and events - such as the Royal Ballet charge FAR TOO MUCH FOR IMHO - for FREE ... sometimes in tandem with the New York Public Library at Lincoln Centre .... and have done so for literally decades ... thus building generations of informed viewers and, dare one say it, a future. One might like to suggest that the Royal Ballet - with MUCH more publicsubsidy (even with the intended cut) than NYCB EVER received - might want to give this a try on behalf of both old and new devoted partrons ... but I sadly fear that this has probably been suggested MANY times before ... without ANY effect. Money and the short-term still, I fear, seem to speak over all ... or at least that - in comparison - is how it would appear at the RB. Please, I beg of you, to correct me if I am wrong. (I would certainly be delighted to be.) Wishing one and all a VERY happy Xmas.

Just wondering ... Usually by this point some of the dance goodies that will appear on TV during Christmas have been revealed ... I haven't heard of any .... Has anyone else? I did attend the operalia gala ... and I was told at that time that it would be broadcast around Xmas ... but I haven't heard of any of the dance fare ... short of the stuff currently on Sky Arts 2.

Tonight - 20.11.12 - Dame Monica Mason and Sir Derek Jacobi will be in conversation for an hour on LIVING THE LIVE on Sky Arts at 8.00 pm. Please forgive me if this has already been mentioned. The programme will be repeated several times on Sky if you understandably miss it.

i agree with you Aileen. I was disappointed with Osipova last night and I am, sincerely, a HUGE fan. Somehow the time seemed to be, as Shakespeare would have it, 'out of joint'. I guess we are, after all, ALL human. Bless you for your honesty, Aileen.

Just wanted to say that I was in and out in no time and got all I wanted including two Nabucco performances with Domingo and all three of the Rojo farewell .... It all went swimmingly. Must give credit where credit is due.

A sure sign Legris might well have the job .... !!!

Surely no list is complete without the name Maneul Legris (currently Director of the Vienna State Opera Ballet) on it ... Well, one can dream can't one?

Should also mention - if you are lucky - you can go to Paris one way from London on Megabus for £1 ... That's £2 return ... cheaper that one stop on the tube in London with an oyster at peek times.

Take a peek at this link ... may not be the quickest ... but certainly the cheapest ... http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/cheap-dover-calais-tickets#euro9

Funny, I had mentioned Nicholas la Riche in another association on this Forum with reference to the magnificent Madame Rojo ... but I'm certain such is simply all too oblique ... Still, of course, today's announcement is a most happy turn of events. More power than ever to her extraordinary arm. This is, without doubt, an excellent start in a most troubled environment, e.g., no need to set a ballet to the New Democrat hit: 'I'm sorry; I'm sorry'. I am certain there is much imaginative excitement to come.

THAT'S GREAT .... If only ABT came to London more often ...

When it comes to Solars ... surely the guest to have will be Ivan Vasiliev ... who danced the role with Alina in NYC ...

Not as far as I am aware, Alison. I have always been a member ... and yet not yet used one of the 'regular' free tickets ... I have a store of them on my account ... and this year will add more it seems. I don't begrudge it through, because you do get the active discount, can book easily on-line and help support a cinema - in my case the Ritzy in Brixton - which itself does much social good.

Just want to confirm that I got the Gala ticket in the post today ... All round a fantastic service ... Credit where credit is due ...

I still find that documentary about the two young dancers from Rio (one who ended up with ABT II) very touching ... Such a wonderful portrayal of the two sets of parents ... so, so very moving ... without being sentimental ...

I agree Anjuli - The documentary on Ms Farrell does great honour to her book. In that regard it is a great rarity in my experience. (Not that I am suggesting that you should see the one without reading the - principal - other.)

Just wanted to confirm that the ROH just called me back (excellent service) and I have a amphi seat for £18 for 30th October ... I am absolutely delighted. Bless them ... and ALL here for letting me know about it .... Can't wait to see Osipova (whose three SLs I already have tickets for) and ALL ... Bless you AGAIN.

I just wanted to say I have received a MOST kind response to my email and a selection of reasonably priced seats. The response was most kind; generosity personified.

Thanks much bangorballetboy. This is obviously FAR beyond my modest capabilities. For that kind of money, I'm surprised they don't give more detail as to the content of the programme. I would assume, given the resources that are obviously going into this, that they may well film ... or relay this programme .... (He says 'fingers crossed') ...

Thanks much for your kind note, John

Sent an email to Ms. Price vis a vis 30th October performance ... but she is out of the office until 28th August ... She left the name of Yolanda Sze in her message. Her number is 0207212 9356 and email yolanda.sze@roh.org.uk ... although it does say this is for 'urgent' enquiries ONLY ... and I'm not sure that mine falls in that category .... In fact I'm sure it does not. I am hesitant to write myself .... especially as the ROH has not yet made awareness of this performance public knowledge as far as I am aware. If anyone else follows this route, I would be grateful to know of the response (if any) received. Bless you all.

An entertaining and well-written article. This young man (Polunin) obviously made the right decision for himself. I'm glad it has for the moment worked out for him... even if it had to sadly leave so many (RB) others in the lurch. I am glad too that Polunin is now able to feel comfortable and appreciated in a culture that is obviously far more native to him than the UK ever could and to which he so obviously belongs. The mentoring situation with Zelensky will I'm sure be a long-standing and a positive one; Zelensky, himself, I think, always felt distant at NYCB. You could see that clearly reflected in his performances .... However, NEVER has there EVER been a smile so broad as his at the end of Western Symphony. Both he and Polunin are very Slavic Cowboys ... or at least desperately wanting to be. May they both be happy.