jmhopton

That was my thought exactly, Balletfanp and I was just going to say so when I noticed your comment. Vadim's realisation of her death and his silent scream is the most emotional part of the ballet and should have told me he could indeed be as great a Mayerling as he undoubtedly was. I don't know how any dancers can perform that pas de deux right at the end of such a long, taxing, emotional ballet. Just shows their incredible mental and physical toughness. Have booked for both of Vadim's 2 performances and Frankies 2 performances and really looking forward to them.

I would love to see ENBs Mary Skeapings Giselle filmed for cinema or streaming, especially with Frola, but I'm sure any cast will be great.

In yesterdays Links (Dec 8th 2023) there was an article about Finnish Ballet commissioning a new version of Christmas Carol choreographed by David Bintley and streamed on Arte.tv for 3 months beginning Dec 23rd. For me, Northern Ballets version will always be the Gold Standard Christmas Carol, especially the amazing Scrooge portrayed by the wonderful Jeremy Kerridge; just as good as Alistair Sim. However, I will be interested to see what David Bintley has made of it, especially as I fear opportunity to see his ballets may be in short supply in the future. Audiences worldwide will have the opportunity to view A Christmas Carol beginning December 23, 2023, for three months, on the arte.tv platform, the Stage24 virtual stage of the Finnish National Opera and Ballet, and the Yle Areena platform of the Finnish Broadcasting Company Yle. Principal casting of this recording accompanied by The Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera includes: Scrooge: Johan Pakkanen Young Scrooge: Martin Nudo Belle: Abigail Sheppard Bob Cratchit: Frans Valkama Scrooge’s Nephew: Jun Xia The Spirit of Christmas Past: Zhiyao Chen

Yes, have my ticket. It is online so no travel/accommodation expenses so especially great for us out -of -towners.

Not sure where to post this but as it relates to the RB Nutcracker thought I'd post it here. Subscribers of the Daily Telegraph (not at all my politics. I just subscribe for the fabulous Matt cartoons) get a weekly email of offers and competitions and this week the first offer in my email was an online invitation to see Annettte Buvoli being coached in her SPF role by Darcey Bussell. This is followed by a Q and A session with Annette and her cavalier, Nicole Edmonds. It is on Wed 20th Dec 6.25-7.30 and is free but you do have to be a DT subscriber. You book your (free) ticket and get sent a link to be activated on the day. I don't know if this is original or has already been covered in the Insight or WBD but I didn't think so. Anyway, for free, it's worth watching especially as I hope to see Annette in the matinee on Jan 1st. Just thought I'd mention it as people don't always check the offers list.

Yes, I wish they were bringing Bayadere too! Swan Lake isn't a favourite and I don't know if my bank balance will have recovered even by August from all The Ashton performances I'd like to see. Then it also depends on the RB season next performing year. If they're doing Fille, Onegin or Sylvia... The only time I've ever seen Nina dance live was when she did a performance or 2 of Raymonda in a wonderful Bolshoi visit in 1999 at the Coliseum and she was stunning. Some great performances that season. Svetlana Lunkina debuted Don Q on her 21st birthday and Sergei Filin was wonderful in everything he did. Perhaps I'll manage a visit.

Oh, I didn't realise it was a new recording. Perhaps I'll give it another go. I seem to remember it as being quite gothic but the only strong memory I have is this rather creepy, sinister 'baby' crawling about and that seemed to have blotted out everything else about the production. I really didn't like that baby! I'm not a massive fan of Matthew Bournes full length ballets but about 10 years ago I saw a programme of his short ballets and loved them.

I'm pretty sure the Bourne SB was shown on Christmas TV about 5 years ago. Didn't like it then and if that's the best the BBC can do I'm glad I've got a good collection of dvds.

Yes. I was very impressed by this article and hope the next government can take these important points on board. As the author says, culture can improve people's lives, their sense of community and their mental health for relatively small sums of money, whether it's enjoying a performance or helping out backstage. It's also important that children are exposed to different art forms from a young age so they can decide for themselves what they enjoy. No early exposure risks many young people growing up thinking the Arts are not for them which is tragic for future performers and audiences.

Thanks, Pulcinella. I hope to see Ballet UKs Wizard of Oz at the Lowther Pavilion, Lytham next Feb. I really enjoyed their Beauty and the Beast (saw it twice) and think they are a very creative and talented Company. Well worth seeing if they're performing near you.

SkyArts Monday 27th Nov 6.15-8am Bolshoi Ballet Coppelia. No indication as to date and casting. Possibly the Margaret Shrainer/Pavel Sorokin version but difficult to tell. SkyArts Friday 1st Dec 6-8am RB Rhapsody/Two Pigeons (again!) But I firmly believe you can't get too much of Two Pigeons, especially. I was watching it this week for the hundredth time and still loved it and still get tearful at the end. Would love to see it live again sometime soon.

Yes, I love the pony in la Fille. Wouldn't be the same at all without 'naughty Peregrine' or an equivalent. I suppose these days talking of ballets that have aged badly its usually because of woke or politically correct reasons but there are also ballets that were once standard rep that are now never or seldom performed such as Les Sylphides, Graduation Ball and most of Ninette de Valois ballets to name just a few. Is it because they have aged badly, tastes have changed or they've just fallen out of favour with their respective Artistic Directors?

As they have shown Aiden rehearsing Drosselmeyer in the Insight I'm surprised he still isn't on the cast list. Presumably he's replacing Bennet Gartside who is injured but I'm sure plenty like me would love to try and get a ticket to see him but daren't risk buying one until it's definite because of living so far away. Ironically, the 2 performances I may be seeing (cinema broadcast and Jan 1st matinee) have the other 2 Drosselmeyer's performing. Never thought I'd choose to see anyone other than Gary as Drosselmeyer but I would like to see Aiden. I just hope if it works out for him he will be given a chance next year even if Bennet is back.

Shows how long it is since any ballet was on TV. I had to go back a page to find the thread. SkyArts are showing the RB Bayadere tomorrow at 6am. Muntagirov/Nunez/Osipova.

Ours go behind the settee which is up against the wall, so like a little 'den' for them. Quite an achievement as they don't normally get on. I'm looking forward to Don Q and Nutcracker tonight. Hope they enjoy them too!

We have 2 collie crosses. The younger one (Summer) is quite highly strung and gets very stressed by loud noises. Her mother (Jessie) is more laid back but even she put her tail down and ran inside when there was a bang when I let them out. I've tried to attach a photo but it says the size is too large and i dont know how to reduce it. I know about the classic fm initiative but I thought ballet dvds would entertain me as well as help them.

We have a very nervous dog where fireworks are concerned and last night I played ballet dvds quite loud to try and drown out the noise of the fireworks. It seemed to help a bit and I certainly enjoyed it! I played Onegin, The Dream, Symphonic Variations and Marguerite and Armand. I think symphonic ones are better than mainly piano music as they tend to be louder. Might play the Nutcracker and Don Quixote tonight.

Like Janet, it's my favourite Romeo and Juliet. It's got everything; great sets and costumes (Lez Brethesrton is a genius), wonderful choreography and, I'm sure, great dancing. Don't miss it!

Yes, although they were available to all, they were aimed primarily to benefit those of us who lived a distance from the ROH and who couldn't get back after an evening performance. Sadly (but predictably) this courtesy was withdrawn and now we have to pay full price and the cost of a hotel if we attend an evening performance.

You and me both, Sim. Also several of the RB female principles, certainly regarding Onegin.

Wonderful news. Like others I have fond memories of seeing LCB in the late 80s. Did they do La Sylphide? Would be wonderful to see that again. I thought I remember seeing them at the Blackpool Grand Theatre and it would be great if they could perform there, even with the small stage. Am especially interested in the idea of resurrecting old ballets by great choreographers. Frederick Ashton? Why couldn't Kevin have this attitude instead of inflicting new ballets that I have no intention of paying to see and that (apparently) not many other people want to see either. I await their rep and touring announcements with great interest. Seems amazing they have private funding for 3 years and such an ambitious touring venues list. How can RB say they can't afford to tour England when this 'new' company can do that ? Admittedly the RB has a hugely expensive old building to maintain but even so...

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/oct/20/avanti-west-coast-cut-services-december-rail-train More cuts to northern rail services from the 'improved' Avanti rail company that's just had its franchise extended by the government. You do despair, especially when some unions have just voted to continue strike action as well (not that I blame them for that). I'm just glad I've nothing more booked in London until January.

Sorry I didn't see this before Angela as I went tonight. For once I waited inside and Vadim emerged after about 30 minutes, as always very smiley and thanking people for their support and happy to sign, and pose for selfies. Eventually he emerged into the street to a loud cheer which indicated there were a lot of people there. Marianela was just emerging at this point and after chatting, signing and posing eventually she managed to try and emerge into the street to even louder cheers. Everyone inside had to wait quite a while until there was space to eventually emerge, only to find Vadim still smiling and posing for selfies. I don't know how long Marianela was there as I still couldn't see her for people when I left! So don't hesitate Angela. They are all incredibly good at giving their time to people who just want to thank them for their amazing performance. They really appreciate your support.

Me too Dave!

If only the RB did more Robbins. I adore Dances at a Gathering but I would like to see more. Sadly he seems to slip through the net by not being a big name or traditionally classical or very modern, rather like the Ballet Russes rep and de Valois and much of Ashton.