jmhopton

Thanks oncnp. I did look at her last 2 Instagram posts but didn't see anything. Haven't really grasped how it works yet!

Does anyone know anything about Beatrix Stix Brunel? Just realised she wasn't in the concert (couldn't see her name, anyway) and can't see anything recent on social media (though I'm not at all expert on it!)

Thanks very much for this Bluebird. Can't say I'm surprised but if it's been decided why not announce it on their own website? I did receive a reply from Alex Beard today (he's usually quite prompt at replying considering how busy he must be). He thanked me for my letter and was pleased I enjoyed the performance but he's letting Kevin reply to my queries so we'll have to see what he says about the streaming. I can't see why they wouldn't stream the programmes but if so why not say so when they're announced?

Yes I agree. I didn't really think there would be any promotions this year given the financial circumstances but it would be nice to be told this and had it official. Would also be nice to know about whether or not the Nov performances are going to be streamed. The problem is, if they're paid streams most people will have seen Elite Syncopations already. I assume casting will be much the same because of the bubble situation. Still, it will be worth paying just to see everything else. I did praise the live concert very highly and say what an emotional joy it is to see the RB back on stage again.

I have emailed both Alex Beard and Kevin O'Hare a week ago to ask if the Nov programmes are being streamed and also if there are going to be any RB promotions this year but haven't heard back yet.

I thought I had posted this review earlier but can't see it on the Forum. Mods please remove it if I'm duplicating myself (senility setting in early, alas!) Well! What a fabulous evening! It was very well planned and fabulously executed. No one would think only a few months ago all dancers were doing classes on Zoom in their living rooms and kitchens. it was as if they've never been off stage at all and as if these last few terrible months had never existed (if only!) Seems terrible to single out individual performances out of so much excellence but for me there were a few stand out performances. Best Discovery of the night. Sir Kenneth Macmillan's Carousel pas de deux danced so fabulously by Mayara and Matthew. I've never seen it before. Have the RB danced it before as it was created for the National Theatre? It was so passionately danced, and the choreography was so wonderful it just heightens the loss of Kenneth Macmillan if that was the last piece he created. So much nicer to remember him for that rather than Judas tree. Most joyous performance of the night. Definitely Marcelino and Anna Rose in La Fille. I really got quite emotional when the audience joined in clapping along to Anna Rose. This is what live theatre is all about, and then Marcelino joining in as well. Made me realise it's been too long since la Fille was staged and it's the sort of ballet we all want to see right now, to bring life, colour and, above all, FUN back to our lives. Best classical performance of the night. Of course, it had to be Marianela and Vadim, she of the infectious smile and amazing balances, and his split-level leaps and amazing turns and wonderful partnering. Wow!! Doncaster Dances. A brilliant short film on how dancing can change and inspire lives and a little-known part of the RB that people should know about. Finale. Inspired choice to have the colour and light-heartedness of Elite Syncopations - and so many dancers! it was really terrific. Melissa Hamilton was superb (why isn't she given more chances?) and great to see Fernando Montano again. I expect I'll be dipping in and out of the entire concert many times in the next month (maybe I'll even get to like Medusa!). The whole programme was a wonderful encapsulation of the strength and depth of the RB and their incredible, (definitely world beating!) repertoire and talent. It was so emotional to see them back on stage and with an audience which makes all the difference, and their enthusiastic response meant you hardly noticed they were so reduced. The stress on light-heartedness and love of dance was just what people wanted after six months of doom and gloom. It's inspired me to raid my dvds and watch many of these wonderful performances again as well as see the performance itself again and again.

I just watched it on iplayer thanks to the tip off from here. Elite Syncopation looked fabulous and loved the few words from Marianella and Vadim, especially when she referred to him as her 'work husband' on account of them being in the same bubble.

Went to see the Red Shoes at my local Vue cinema this afternoon and really enjoyed it, and the feeling of attending a performance again, albeit on the cinema screen rather than a live show. I'm not at all a fan of Matthew Bournes's productions and this is the first full length ballet of his I've enjoyed. Of course the storyline was terrific. The Red Shoes is one of my favourite films (could watch Anton Walbrook for ever though he so often play slightly creepy characters). I thought it great Matthew Bourne kept so close to the film scenario and used the score. Loved the sets and costumes and the scene on the beach at the Riviera (was it taken from Le Traine Bleu or just a pastiche of it?) The music hall scene near the end was really good too. The sand dance like the old Wilson, Kepple and Betty music hall act was terrific and had us all laughing at the cinema, though where was Betty? Adam Cooper was uncannily like Anton Walbrook though I wish he'd had more dancing to do. I thought Matthew could have given him a solo at least or perhaps a fantasy like dance with Vicky. The only snag was I kept thinking back to when I last saw Adam in a great classical role, as Onegin with the RB. he was possibly the best Onegin I've ever seen. Of course the two characters were rather similar. Anyway, a really good afternoon and I hope it will be on TV sometime as the BBC were involved. It would make a great Christmas ballet. Incidentally, still haven't seen the RB Giselle or Nutcracker on the Vue or Odeon calendars yet. has anyone else seen them advertised at all? I know it's early days yet, especially for the Nutcracker but Events are often advertised well in advance. I hope cinemas will take them as they're repeats though the Bolshoi seem to manage.

I vividly remember when the Forum was forced was forced to close for a short time. It was a nightmare. I felt so cut off and bereft. Not living near London I am almost totally reliant on the Forum for news, information and discussion and what a boon it has always been being easily able to find out so much about so many Companies and programmes. I log on most days and it's like returning to an old friend. Even in these difficult times there is always something to read and think and comment about and it is a great way to forget about other problems (especially the virus!) Worth every penny I can contribute! Many thanks to the mods for all their hard work and enthusiasm. It wouldn't happen without them and we're all so grateful.

Yes, the first thing that struck me from the Guardian article is it only mentioned three 'bubble couples' whereas Alexander and Claire make 4. I'm glad Alex at least is mentioned in the list of principals as I was rather disappointed he and Claire were omitted from the previous short concerts and was really hoping to see them this time.

Thanks for this Rob. It sounds great. I too long to be back in London at the ROH but goodness knows when that will be. Were you allowed to take photos of the theatre from the stage? I recently had a reply from Alex Beard to an email I sent him. In it I mentioned Open House specifically and said it would be a dream to set foot on the ROH stage but couldn't get tickets or make it to London at the moment. He said they were considering continuing the Open House tours after Open House had finished so fingers crossed they do and I might yet set foot on the ROH stage.

Me too. I love Leticia Dias and Francisco in particular and hoped they might be promoted at year end but possibly not to be this year unless there are promotions announced later. I suppose now is the time they're usually announced but difficult with so little dancing done not to mention financial implications.

Lucky you Richard. Let us know what it's like and who the RB dancers are. Thanks for putting up a separate thread as well. I wasn't sure but I think you're right as it is an actual performance with audience and there aren't too many of those at the moment!

I just added details of 3 live performances by artists including 4 RB dancers at Rye in East Sussex, Sat 26-Sun 27 Sept. Some ticket prices rather expensive and in tables for two but still... Also seen the Mousetrap is re-opening in London on Oct 23rd back at St Martins Theatre. https://uk.the-mousetrap.co.uk/ On the opening page it says 'Proud to re-open the west End' so perhaps there are hopes for other venues. It can't come soon enough for me though with all the Covid problems returning I hope it won't have to close again.

Sorry I misread your posting Jeanette (I seem to be getting scattier by the day!) but thrilled there may still be a chance of some (hopefully) rare Ashton. I'm not bothered what it is. Anything will be gratefully received! Joan

Many thanks for this Jeanette. Great to have their programme confirmed though I have to say I prefer Bruce's version! Where is the Ashton?! For a Company who specialises in Ashton I'm very disappointed he doesn't even get a short ballet and I was so looking forward to seeing his Romeo and Juliet again. I'll just have to go back to the dvds, a bit of a comedown when I thought I was going to see something new.

Thanks Alison. I suppose I should have thought of that but didn't!!

Dave, do you know what the Royal Ballet Mixed Bill is, please, that you mention in the Upcoming Events on Oct 9th? I can't find it on their website though all the other streamed and cinema events are there.

Thanks for this, Jeanette. I did register with Sarasota but good to know details/prices should be available soon. I hope they do at least some of what was mentioned earlier but any Ashton will be good!! I know you can watch dvds but to see something different would be fabulous and slightly compensate for lack of The Real Thing!!! I'm on my computer now and can copy Bruce's post exactly. It sounds definite and Bruce certainly mentions it as a digital autumn season. Sarasota Ballet have announced a true 'Heritage' programme for their upcoming Autumn digital season and for which you can buy tickets to watch. I have a feeling that many hereabouts may want to do so as it features some true Ashton gems that we don't oft get to see hereabouts nowadays. PURITY IN MOTION (Program 1) 23 – 25 October 2020 FSU Center for the Performing Arts George Balanchine's Donizetti Variations Ricardo Graziano's Amorosa Paul Taylor's Company B BEYOND EXPRESSION (Program 2) 20 – 21 November 2020 Sarasota Opera House Sir Frederick Ashton's Birthday Offering Sir Frederick Ashton's Dante Sonata Sir David Bintley's The Spider's Feast ROMEO & JULIET (Program 3) 18 – 19 December 2020 Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Sir Frederick Ashton's Romeo & Juliet Composed by Sergei Prokofiev

Bruce Wall published details of the new digital season in August under Sarasota ballet tag, Jeanette. As I'm using my phone I don't know how to copy details but there seems to be three programmes. 23-25 Oct Purity in Motion which includes Balanchine and Paul Taylor 20-21Nov Beyond Expression This programme does contain some Ashton including Birthday Offering and Dante Sonata and also David Bintleys Spiders feast. 18-19 Dec Ashtons Romeo and juliet I too have signed up for information and am eagerly looking forward to these programmes and the chance to see rarely performed Ashton works. Why can't the RB honour their founder choreographer in this way? Bit of a shock if Washington Ballet aren't thinking of live performances until next May. How many companies will survive if they are laid off until then? Its very sad.

Lovely it's launching its Freeview schedule with two of my favourite ballets and casting. However, I'm afraid most opera and ballet on SkyArts is shown about 6am so always check the early part of the schedule. The prime evening slots tend to go to more pop music type programmes. I think advert breaks take place at a natural break in the programme. It certainly won't interrupt the dancing, though with this programme I'm not sure if there will be just the one break between ballets or an additional break at the end of the first act of Two Pigeons.

Me too! Sounds a wonderful evening when even the weather behaved. Well done to Meaghan and everyone who took part. Also if someone could give their thoughts on the livestream opera from the ROH I'd be interested. I'm not purchasing it myself (waiting for the ballet!) but would be interested in how it was staged, were there proper costumes etc. Also, if anyone is lucky enough to see Vadim's Swan Lake in Latvia (?) I'd love to know how that went.

The ballets and opera being shown in this initiative are the ones being shown at the drive in cinemas so presumably a deal has already been struck about rights etc and can easily be extended to London. Seems a good idea and a boost for local cafes as well. I always used to like the Covent Garden screenings, more intimate than Trafalgar Square, though the cobbles are terrible to sit on! I used to bring a cushion and sit at the back and use the crash barriers as a back rest.

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The article by the magazine/journal Rhinegold in today's links answers one of my questions about the streamed performances; they will be kept up for a month so plenty of opportunity to revisit them for your money. Bit surprised other more mainstream newspapers haven't picked up on them yet. Perhaps tomorrow.