jmhopton

I've had a quick trawl through the Christmas Radio Times and spotted a few things (nothing earth shattering)

Saturday 22nd Sky Arts 2. 2pm Swan lake Probably the one recorded for the RB a couple of years ago; Marianella?

7pm Mystery of Coppelia. Doc. about POB Patrice Bart production.

8pm Coppelia itself. Doen't sound too traditional; a bit more Gothicthan normal.

11.10pm. Mikado. fabulous Jonathan Miller 1920s style production with some dancing.

Sunday 23rd Sky Arts 2. 2pm Nutcracker (and repeated). Probably RB version starring Steven and Yoshida filmed 2 or 3 years ago.

Sunday 25th. BBC4. 8pm. Swan Lake. Mariinsky version starring Lopatkina and Korsuntsev (I think)

More4 11.15pm Matthew Bourne's Christmas. Dance film celebrating his work.

Saturday 29th BBC4. 7pm. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Repeat of RB production.

New years Day BBC2 11.15am. New years day concert from Vienna.

BBC4 7pm. Extended coverage of New years Day concert including a performance by

Vienna State Ballet.

For me, posibly the most interesting offerings are on the French tv channel Arte (www.arte.tv) . On New years day at 2.55 pm they are showing the Opening gala of the Bolshoi Theatre. and on 4th Jan at 8.50pm what I think is a new 2012 recording of POB Don Q, starring Agnes Gillot. I'm hoping a friend will be able to record these for me. Joan

I too am disappointed with the ballets announced in the Dancing Times. For the last several visits the Bolshoi have been a Tchaikovksy free zone and still seem to attract good audiences. Perhaps they think without Osipova and Vasiliev they need the 'old warhorses' to attract good audiences but it seems a lost opportunity to regular balletgoers who would like to see Esmerelda which they haven't performed here and hasn't been released on dvd. Also, Bright Stream and Pharoah's daugher haven't been performed here for ages. I know there has to be a balance between more established ballets and not so well known works but even so I think they could give Swan lake at least a miss.I seem to remember when they used to bring Swan lake it always got panned by the critics.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Hochhausers don't try to get Osipova and Vasiliev to 'guest' for certain ballets such as Flames and Bayadere. I'm sure in a 3 week season they will be performing more than 4 ballets. They could very well be finalising a triple bill and hopefully deciding what other full length ballet/s to bring. My vote goes for any of the above and also Don Q if they could get Osipova and Vasiliev.

I see the Odeon has announced its cinemas showing Pharoah's daughter. They are Blackpool, Braehead, Colchester, Covent Garden, Guilford, Hatfield, Kensington, Milton Keynes, Salisbury and Wimbledon. Rather an odd selection but great for me that Blackpool is the only Odeon cinema in the north of England showing it. I know other cinemas show the Bolshoi but it means travelling to Liverpool or Lancaster so I hope they continue showing them, especially Don Q. I'm dying to see that again. Joan

Interesting that you say Pharoah's daughter is in the Odeon's 'Culture' leaflet Alison. I have Culture Plus saved as a favourite and there is no mention of it there yet. However, I noticed last year they broadcast Esmerelda at very short notice and also this year they advertised la Sylphide also at short notice and at a very few cinemas (none that close to Preston where I live). I have raised the issue of Bolshoi broadcasts several times with Preston Odeon as we get quite good ballet audiences considering they only started broadcasting them this year. I pointed out the discrepancy between opera shown at the Odeon (many by Glydebourne and the Met) and even the ROH film twice as many operas as ballets. I was told the decision is taken by the distributor not by them. So I will keep checking Culture Plus and hope this time they will show Pharoah's Daughter somewhere local. Joan

Just been back to the Paraclassics website to see if I could track down the Novosibirsk Swan Lake and it is still there despite being streamed on 20th October. it didn't seem as easy to find as I couldn't find the direct link on the homepage but if you do a search for Swan lake you should find it eventually. Unfortunately, although it is another Igor production he's not starring in it this time though as I only saw the first few minutes he may have a smaller role.

No Polunin wasn't there but it was great to see Igor as Ali again. He still has the marvellous jetes and soft landings. My computer was playing up last night so I've only just finished watching it. I'm surprised it was still there today. Often these live streams vanish overnight. it was virtually the Kirov version. Wonderful sets and costumes and good choreography and dancing, though the fountain was dry, alas! I look forward to seeing more performances on Paraclassics. I think they're doing the Mikhailovsky Nacho Duato triple bill at some stage and their Swan Lake also. I see on the Mikhailovsky website Duato says he is doing a Prokofiev Romeo and Juliet with some additional pas de deux for Osipova and Vasiliev. Perhaps a live stream for the future.

A friend has sent me a link to a live streaming of Le Corsaire by Novosibirsk Ballet staged by Igor Zelensky who is dancing Ali. It took place earlier today but the stream is still there. I've not long checked my emails or I'd have posted it earlier. You need to go to www.paraclassics.com and click on the relevant link. This is the same Company that streams the Mikhailovsky ballets. Sometime later they are doing a Novosibirsk Swan Lake. Hope it's still there tomorrow as it seems to be nearly 2 and a half hours long. I've seen the first 15 minutes and so far it is identical to the Kirov version but there must be differences later if the timing is correct as the Kirovs is only about 90 minutes though I've just realised the times will include an interval as it's a live stream. Must get back to it! So much for an early night! Joan

just a couple of snippets about Carlos.

1st. There is a new series called Masterclass starting November 13th on SkyArts 1 hosted by Michael Parkinson. Apparently one of the programmes features Carlos though no details as to which.

2nd. he has just appeared on the Whats On section of the London Coliseum for next summer, Carlos Acosta visiting Company, presumably doing one of his small scale shows. it gives the dates as Friday 30th August to Sunday 4th August which doesn't make sense! I think it must mean 30th July to 4th August. Will clash with the Bolshoi if their website dates of 29th July and 17th August are correct.

Northern Ballet also do a really good Christmas Christmas Carol with music by Carl Davis. I think it is or was available on dvd, with the incomparable Jeremy Kerridge playing Scrooge (easily the best Scrooge since Alistair Sim). I've booked to see them at Blackpool. Really looking forward to it.

I suspect she can do them that fast! it would be interesting to compare her and Nina Anashiavilli to see who can do the speediest fouettes.

For anyone who missed the broadcast it still seems to be on the Mikhailovsky website. Hopefully they will archive it as they have with other broadcasts so we can still enjoy it.

Like Meunier I thought the camerawork could have been better. it seemed to zoom in on Don Q himself while there was other action going on. Also, it missed half of at least one of Vasiliev's most stunning leaps. He seems to have got even better at those if that were possible. At one point I too wondered if the camera operators had seen the ballet before!

However, it was a stunning production; great sets, colourful costumes and brilliant dancing; and also very well lit (ROH take note!) apart from some dark bits in the gypsy scene.

The only thing was it did make me wonder if the Royal Ballet are really the company to tackle anything so alien to their usual style of dancing. Comparisons will inevitably be made to Osipova and Vasiliev as they are the most recent exponents people in this country have seen yet their training and traditions are very different.

Don't Forget!!! Mikhailovsky Don Q starts online on their website in just over an hour. Hopefully about 4.30pm our time. Possibly our only chance to see Osipova and Vasiliev together this year (though Osipova is, of course, guesting at the ROH in Swan lake later this year).

Bolshoi dates are 29th July - 17th August 2013. it is on their website. No details of rep. yet. Joan

I suspect they will not update their website until all details of the tour are known; what ballets being performed when etc. I don't think they ever have just bare details like on the Bolshoi website. They like to have all the info. before they go public so it may be a while yet. I suppose this is fair enough; as the promoters they would be bombarded with enquiries so they're better waiting. From a personal point of view I find it helpful having the dates so I can think about booking time off work.

It is worth registering with their website as you do often get some advance notice for booking though not , alas, any discount. it is a pity they can't adapt the Coliseum policy of giving a discount for multiple bookings. it would especially help those of us who have to add transport and hotel costs to a hefty theatre bill. Joan

Yes, I would like to see Pharoah's Daugher and Bright Stream too. It seems ages since they were performed in London. It would be great to see ballets we don't get the chance to see in this country.

Just been on the Bolshoi website and under 'tours' it announces Ballet Company tour in London, 29th July - 17th August 2013. No further details at all; you can't click on the link yet. Still it's great to know the dates so far in advance. Do you think the Hochhausers will request Osipova and Vasiliev to 'guest'? I hope so though the Bolshoi are stll great even without them. A three week season too. Hopefully, we'll see some rep they haven't danced here such as Flames and Esmerelda. Joan

I booked 2 tickets on Tuesday evening. No problems with the actual booking though like some other people I think the colour coding of seats leaves something to be desired. In particular there are 2 shades of blue that look identical. it would help if when you hovered your mouse over the seat it gave the price as well as seat number.

Still haven't had my email confirmation (2 days later). Am going to email the site as I have a reference number. While I was logged on I did go on something like 'forthcoming visits'? and that did list the 2 tickets I thought I hd booked so hopefully it did go through but it would be nice to know!

Replying to my own topic but just to say I think the time here is 3 hours behind St Petersburg so it should start about 4.30pm which is about the time I used to see their performances at the cinema.

Also, the website seems to contain an archive of past broadcasts so even if it can't be seen live there will hopefully be an opportunity to see it later.

Having waited for over a year for the Bolshoi Don Q on dvd just to be told by Bel Air it will be released sometime this year (but never any sign of it) this may be the nearest we get to see them performing this role for a while.

Who needs the Olympics when you can see Osipova and Vasiliev? Joan

Just been on the Mikhailovsky website (www.mikhailovsky.ru/en) and under forthcoming live broadcasts there is a performance of Don Q on Wed. July 25th starring Ivan Vasiliev and Natalia Osipova. It says it is a premier of the revised version of the ballet. Time is 7.30 pm, presumably St Petersburg time so not sure what time that makes it here. Running time 3 hours including 2 intervals. Can't wait!!! Joan

I agree with everything said by Jenny. I love Steven McRae's performances and it is not just showing off. he has the talent and technique to support his possible flamboyance. it is this combination of personality and technique which makes his performances truly memorable to me. Clement Crisp said he is the second best James he has ever seen (never heard of his first choice) and I agree. it is a great pity his performance wasn't recorded for the cinema as there isn't already a recording of the Royal ballet's Sylphide and if ticket sales were disappointing they may not do it again for a while. This is a shame as I think they are the only UK company who perform it and it is a great classical ballet.

As regards the waistcoats in la Fille. I think it is better to have the floral waistcoat first and the classier dark one for the final pas de deux.

Already looking forward to seeing him in some of the full-length ballets later on next season. Joan

As regards my mention of Steven in Bayadere and Onegin next season it is just my wish list rather than any concrete information. I was just so impressed with him in the Fille broadcast and again in Sylphide last Saturday. I just feel he has come on so much as a professional this season, both personally and critically I would be very surprised if he doesn't get a performance in either ballet though of course Onegin casting depends on the Cranko estate. if he does get a chance at Onegin do people think it would be Lensky rather than Onegin? Joan

I went on Saturday and saw 2 casts; Tamara and David and Steven and Roberta; both were excellent but it was Steven's performance I found the most memorable. Is there any style he can't master? I was captivated with his Colas at the cinema (wonderful to get all those wonderful facial close-ups you miss when you're in the amphi), and though his James was brilliant. Superb dancing and footwork and great acting. Can't wait for next season and Bayadere and Onegin! Incidentally, I too can't understand why the ballet hasn't sold better. It was virtually full for the matinee and quite full for the evening so perhaps word is getting round. Perhaps Ballo is a bit short. it seemed silly to have 18 minutes dancing followed by a 30 minute interval! I thought they could have put something else with it (voices of Spring?) or perhaps another ballet altogether. Flower Festival of Genzamo (?) would be great. Also, didn't the Royal Ballet do Dances from Napoli a few years ago or am I imagining it? If so, I don't think that has been repeated and would be a great accompaniment to Sylphide.

I see from adverts for the new series of the South Bank Show on SkyArts they are having a programme devoted to male dance. This seemed to include an interview with Baryshnikov. No idea when it's scheduled for but the series starts this Sunday at 10pm, and features Nicholas Hynter from the National Theatre. Joan

Just got home from seeing La Fille at the cinema in Preston and had to log on immediately to say what a joy it was. I thought the whole cast was wonderful but special mention to Roberta and Steven. They were sensational!!!!!!!!! I can't remember such an enjoyable and moving performance in all my 25 years of ballet going. I was moved to tears for the final pas de deux which sounds a bit strange for Fille but it was such perfect dancing and such a perfect interpretation. Being able to see facial expressions in close up made such a diference too as you often miss out on such details when you're in the amphi. I only regret cinemas don't show repeats of ballets. I would have gone every night for a week (or longer). Please issue a dvd of it, despite the others available. This was such a special performance I'm already desperate to see it again. Joan

SkyArts broadcasted last years ballet and opera cinema broadcasts (including the Carlos Bayadere). I was surprised at the time as I thought the BBC had some sort of 'agreement' with the ROH and Opus Arte but perhaps the arts are going the way sport has been going for quite a few years - to the highest bidder - and these days that seems to be Sky. Though that is very frustrating for the majority of tv owners who haven't got Sky.

Also, as regards the choice of ballets for cinema broadcast, why couldn't they do La Sylphide this year? It is a lovely ballet and a bit different but still very traditional and Ballo della Regina sound traditional enough too.

Also agree with the previous poster who highlighted the wonderful programmes performed by Birmingham Ballet (the splendid Two Pigeons Double bill) and their Beauty and the Beast. Also Northern Ballet do some wonderful ballets too. I know I've mentioned this before but how can such a relatively small touring company stage a full length ballet every year (2 last year!) while a big company like the Royal ballet has to wait 17 years!! I know Northern Ballet have got David Nixon, a classical choreographer, but even so....

Joan

I'm very disappointed with the Royal Ballets choice of broadcasts. All have been shown fairly recently either on tv or at the cinema. I don't think I'll be going to any and, living in Lancashire, I rely a lot on the cinema broadcasts. I've said it before but I'll say it again, what is the problem of recording Onegin? Is it Reid Anderson? The fact that 2 performances have been officially recorded; the Marcia Haydee one and Canadian Ballet must have meant either Cranko himself or Reid Anderson gave permission then so why not now? it is such a beautiful ballet (possibly my favourite), it deserves a modern recording.

Bolshoi cinema broadcasts are more interesting though I was disappointed with the music for Lost Illusions. I don't see the point of rejecting what was probably a quite tuneful and traditional score by Asafiev and having a rather spiky modern score created for a ballet set in the 18th (?) century. The Vasiliev/Osipova Don Q is definately worth a second broadcast, though I hope this doesn't mean the dvd is going to be delayed even more. When I contacted BelAir Classique they said they were releasing it sometime this year but I don't know what's taking them so long as it is over a year after the original broadcast and I would have thought it is the dvd everyone is waiting for. Joan