annamk

What are you saying here ? I'm not capable of doing any of the things the dancers do on stage but I don't see why that means I should refrain from making any criticisms.

I also think it would be too soon. This is only his first year as soloist and IMO his dancing is inconsistent.

I felt the same, what a memorable performance. I've never seen such emotional intensity from Muntagirov; I was spellbound watching him in that moment when Beliaev sits on the chaise longue after they have been discovered. He and Morera were a masterclass indeed, absolutely wonderful. I was very impressed with Liam Boswell's Kolia in the Osipova/Bracewell cast.

They really were incredible.

It seems that the ROH website has now migrated to the new seat selection system, only the whole auditorium seat map appeared which at the moment doesn't even seem to work - trying to "grab" a seat is getting me nowhere.

Ticket spoken for.

£7 - DM me if interested. Anna

It is indeed Alison. When Jean de B returns in Act 2 he sees that Raymonda and Abd are in love and he attacks Abd. In the ensuing sword fight they injure each other before Raymonda intervenes to stop them. Jean realises Raymonda is lost to him and he leaves. Abd wears a white costume for the wedding and as far as I was concerned it all looked harmonious but I don't know the original choreography well so I can't say for certain whether there is a noticeable difference in the style of Abd's variations and dancing between the acts of this version or between the different versions. Whether someone who was very familiar with the Russian version might find it odd and jarring, possibly. Anyway they have been filming the first cast and there is a broadcast (6-8 May) so I'll have another chance to see it. I have to add that Smirnova is not "warm" in the Nunez sense of warm which radiates to the far reaches of an auditorium, but here we were sitting quite close to the stage and her smile was happy and relaxed. I'd also say that in spite of the presumably considerable personal difficulties and pressures she's had recently she seemed very comfortable on this stage with this company, there was no tension in her dancing.

Maia Makhatelli's performance was excellent Buddy. She is technically very capable and danced all the steps with ease and confidence. Young Gyu Choi, was her energetic and charismatic Abd and he danced with panache. What is that elevated Smirnova's performance ? Hard to find the words, to pinpoint what makes a particular performer and/or performance exceptional. When you see it you just know it and you know you won't forget it. Possibly with Smirnova it's how she uses her upper body, her exquisite arms and back, and her general luminosity. In the "handclap" solo you could almost feel the audience holding its collective breath. I think Fumi Kaneko at the Royal Ballet has many of these same qualities.

Largely an uninspiring selection in odd categories ...... I don't think I understand what Outstanding Male CLASSICAL performance means here .... The Statement is a terrific piece which I really enjoyed and Joe Sissens was indeed excellent but it seemed to me to be dance theatre and not much to do with classical dance ? Ed Watson stood around in a dress for most of The Dante Project ..... why not just give him a lifetime award if they want to recognise his achievements rather than this odd nomination.

Friends and I went to Amsterdam to see the Dutch National Ballet’s new Raymonda. We saw 2 casts: the “first cast” featuring Maia Makhatelli in the title role and yesterday evening Olga Smirnova - who was the reason for the trip. It’s a typically traditional production with resplendent tutus and all the choreography that we recognise from the Russian Raymondas. The only tweak in the story line is that instead of being abducted by Abd al-Rahman, Raymonda has been given the agency to reject Jean de Brianne and choose Abd al-Rahman. As a company DNB were very impressive; the highlight being the female corps in the beautiful Raymonda dream scene. The 26 (?) dancers had clearly been thoroughly rehearsed, were well coordinated and danced with great precision. The solo roles were well danced: we noticed the Beranga of Jan Spunda and the tall, powerful Giorgi Potskhishvili as one of Abd’s friends. Raymonda myst be one of the most difficult roles in the female classical repertory and Olga Smirnova met all its challenges with superlative elegance, warmth and flawless technique. Her arms, back and epaulement are things of exquisite beauty. Raymonda’s iconic “handclap” variation was a pristine display of classical technique. No wonder the entire auditorium was on its feet at the end. Her Abd was Constantine Allen a tall, muscular and dashing dancer with an intense stage presence. His partnering was excellent and we felt a real connection between them. The now rejected Jean de Brienne was the former Mariinsky dancer young Brazilian Victor Caixeta. His dancing was neat and he partnered well but it’s a difficult role to make appealing (unless you have the charisma of the Mariinsky’s Vladimir Shklyarov). The lush Glazunov score was beautifully played by the huge orchestra. I had wondered about the wisdom of reviving an old warhorse like Raymonda in the 21st century without adapting the storyline significantly but with dancing of this quality on offer I found it easy to accept solely as a vehicle for superb classical dancing.

Both tickets now spoken for.

£7 each. Message me if interested.

I have returned to the BO.

I’m sorry I don’t know. Guess is it’s probably the Ashton triple bill.

£20 message me if interested. Anna

It seems Caley is leaving, Emily Suziki put this on her instagram "I’ll definitely miss performing it but it won’t be the same because it was also those amazing dancers @chapulo7 @jeffreycirio and @joe_caley22 and @anjhuds ‘s last shows in London. "

Angel station is closed so the forum is more reliable than TFL’s website !

Where did you see that Angel station is closed ? There's nothing on google maps or citymapper ......

Do go !!!!

What a FABULOUS evening of brilliant choreography, superbly danced by ENB; one of the most uplifting evenings at the ballet. Sadlers Wells was on fire and this old lady joined in the whooping and hollering like an excited teenager. Surely this is the way to attract new audiences to dance.

Returning to the BO

These tx still available

Message me if interested. Anna

D45 now spoken for.