Dara

Casalinho has a truly extraordinary stage presence, combined with immaculate technique and an elegance that makes him a joy to watch. He lights up the stage, he is always true to the character, it is never about him. I have spoken to him a few times at the stage door in Munich and he is about 172/3cm. I am 165cm and he is taller than me in my heels. Which makes him taller than Baryshnikov and about Nureyev’s height. He has a photo on his instagram page with Baryshnikov. Aside from Fernandes, I have seen him partner Bianca Teixeira and Carolina Bastos in Munich. He is an excellent partner. From his Instagram posts, he has performed in numerous Bolle galas with various partners- the ones I remember are Inês Macintosh (Paris Opera) and Madoka Sugai (Hamburg). I would love to go to Munich more often but the cast lists only go up a few weeks before the performances making it difficult for people who have to travel. I do wish they would adopt the same system as the ROH which gives me ample time to purchase tickets and plan a trip to London.

Couldn’t agree more about Julian Mackay, so much hype and no substance, Madison needs a better partner. I also found Caixeta’s pas de deux with Magri lacking. Antonio Casalinho was just sublime on every front and so clearly enjoying himself. It’s a pleasure to see.

I saw his Puck in Munich and couldn’t take my eyes off him, he commands your attention even when he isn’t dancing. He had stunning reviews for his Ariel performance in Ratmansky’s new ballet, I would have liked to have seen that. Can’t wait to see him next week at the Coliseum. I agree with the other posts that not joining the Royal Ballet as the Prix de Lausanne Dancer for the season was fortuitous. He would never have had the opportunities he has had in Munich, already a First Soloist.

It is thought that he was offered a Soloist contract by both the Bolshoi and Munich. He said in interviews at the time that his family and teachers were considering all aspects. With hindsight it was the right move.

What a disappointing performance from Julian MacKay both technically and artistically. Even making allowances for the difficulty of some of the lifts, it all looked so laboured. Madison was lovely to watch as Cinderella. The standout performance for me was Maria Chiara Bono, her stepmother was wickedly funny, just perfect!