jmhopton

Well, quite a varied list. For male dancer, difficult to choose between Brandon Lawrence and Bracewell (don't really know the others) but I think Brandon just about edges it for me because of his terrific Don Q, whether as Basil or the matador and his wonderful stage presence in anything. Similarly, best female dancer for me is touch and go between Laura Morera (who should have been nominated for outstanding performance for her Natalia Petrovna in Month in the Country) and Francesca Hayward who is incredible in anything she does. I'm very surprised that RB Daichi Ikarashi and Marianne Tsembenhoi weren't mentioned as emerging dancers. Of course, the Outstanding Male Classical Performance has to be Vadim as Prince Rudolf in Mayerling. The most incredible and moving performance I've seen in a classical ballet - ever!

Interesting mix of the new and the traditional. I do love NBs Romeo. It's my favourite staging (Lez Brotherston?) Tiler Peck and Benjamin Ella choreography as well. Two shows for Christmas, both family friendly is a great idea too. Will be very interested to see where they tour too. Fingers crossed for Grand Theatre Blackpool like they used to do. or the Everman, Cheltenham. I think Federico is to be congratulated for a varied and interesting sounding programme. Let's hope Kevin O'Hare can do the same.

10 hours ago, OnePigeon said:

I could imagine ENB doing it a good few years ago or the BRB under David Bintley  - what a shame they never did.  I saw the ENO perform it so it feels like the Coliseum would have been a good venue for it.  It is very depressing that there don’t seem to be any ADs who would champion such a piece any more and the younger and further away they get from the generation that choreographed such lovely ‘heritage’ ballets, the less likely it will be that they perform them.  God forbid we have anything unashamedly joyful and indisputably balletic with a bit of charm and happiness that hasn’t been performed a million times by every ballet company the world over.
 

Marianela was wonderful in the role, I feel so sad we will never get to see it over here.  I kept wondering who my dream cast would be as I was watching it.  

 

Lovely posting OnePigeon and sums up my feelings exactly. Yes, David Bintley would have been great person to stage this  ballet and what a pity he didn't. However, thinking of it, now Bonelli is in charge of Northern Ballet there may be hope he might consider it as I can't see either Carlos or the new ENB AD being interested. Sadly, don't think it's Kevin's sort of ballet either though I'd love to be proved wrong. What is it with modern ADs that they don't seem to like fun ballets (apart from Don Q) with beautiful sets and costumes and tuneful music. Perhaps not 'relevant' enough for the Arts Council? They did say they prioritised relevance over excellence which I think is truly shocking.

Sadly, can't see any of them staging it Emeralds, much as I'd like one of them to do so. I thought ages ago (before Tamara) that ENB were rumoured to be thinking of staging it but when I later asked Tamara about this she said it was too old fashioned, and unfortunately, that sums up the attitude of many ADs today. They can commision way out ballets such as Like Water for Chocolate and The Creature, but give them an established ballet with traditional music and most of them shudder and refuse (or at least that's what it seems like). Although it's a twentieth century ballet the music is nineteenth century and that and the traditional costumes seem to put off modern ADs which is an awful shame as I'm sure if any ADs were looking for a new crowd pleaser this would be it. I could see any of the 3 English Companies being able to field casts galore, no problem, (don't know enough about Scottish ballet) but sadly the trend seems to be for modern ballets or classics. Just hope the RB have some good acting or 'heritage' (ASHTON!) ballets in their new programme and don't just rely on endless swan lakes and Nutcrackers with possibly Don Q (another 19th century ballet) as well.

I've been fantasising for years about a company bringing Merry Widow over here but I don't know if it will happen as Sadlers Wells is the obvious venue and they do mainly modern ballet. Having said that, Stuttgart came about 10 years ago and did Taming of the Shrew. Merry Widow is the one favourite ballet I've never seen live and I would love to see it. Have several recordings; Canadian and 2 Australian ones, but my favourite is the Argentinian one with Marianela.  She is so wonderful in the title role. 

2 hours ago, Ondine said:

It must have been confusing at times, remembering who he was supposed to be and 'doing' the appropriate choreography 😊 How wonderfully versatile.  Shame he wasn't also The Nameless Prince, a full house! 

 

Also that ballroom which isn't a ballroom scene, back to the new coach which looks better each time I look at it, I notice the interior is all properly 'coach trimmed' with a buttoned, padded interior. The attention to detail has been phenomenal, it's worthy of appearing in the upcoming coronation procession.

Yes both BRB and the old and the new RB productions could do with at least 2 full circuits of the stage. You can't take it all in with just one circuit and with all the work that goes into it, it's definitely worth seeing it for a bit longer. Prolongs the magic too.

9 minutes ago, Scheherezade said:

 

 

Yes, if you haven't seen her Kitri, Dawnstar, you really should. She is pure dynamite. She took London by storm around 15 years ago when she and Ivan Vasiliev came over with the Bolshoi as two unknowns and returned home as global superstars. Clement Crisp said, iirc, that anyone who was at that performance would never forget it and that's pretty much true. I really would put her at the top of your list for Don Q.

I too was at that first performance with Ivan Vasiliev at the Coliseum and I've never seen anticipation or a performance like it. Audible gasps going round the auditorium and the shouting and cheering at the end like I've never heard before or since. One man nearly fell out of his box as he was jumping up and down screaming. Possibly the nearest thing to early Nureyev performances. Together they were dynamite and even today she is my number one Kitri and I'll be keeping everything crossed for Coralles as he's possibly the nearest the RB have to Vasiliev and to creating that amazing partnership magic.

4 minutes ago, Scheherezade said:

 

I'm not too keen on the moveable sets either. Or the costumes. All a bit of a beige-fest. I much prefer the BRB sets and costumes, which bring much more of the colour and vibrancy that, for me, should characterise Don Q.

 Yes, me too, Scheherezade. The BRB vision scene is an especial favourite with those beautiful fronds creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Far superior to the RB hideous, garish tropical flowers 

Sun 30th April BBC4 8pm Dance Passion Liverpool: Find the Feeling.

A day in the life of the city through a series of dances, as soloists, choreographers and troupes - both amateur and professional - use pavements and landmarks as their stage, performing everything from high-energy Afrodance and beautiful ballet to energetic hopak and vibrant vogueing

Tues 2nd May SkyArts 6am Australian Ballet Merry Widow. Doesn't say which recording this is but I suspect it may the be the latest that was at the cinema 2 or 3 years ago. Whichever version, it's worth watching.

2 hours ago, JNC said:

ditto. Depends on pricing, casting, and if I can make the dates. Wouldn’t be a “must see” for me. Is it a crowd pleaser that sells well (more than say Sylvia, Bayadere or La Fille?)

Not wanting to seem cynical but if it outsells the above it is probably on the strength of Carlos Acosta's name as he is someone many non regular ballet goers have heard of and usually like. Having said that I do enjoy Don Q (though I don't like the moveable sets which always look dangerous) and will probably book several casts. Wasn't Coralles due to dance it last time then he was injured and didn't? Would love to see him dance it, especially if he was partnering Osipova like they did in the Nureyev gala Laurentia. That was stunning and I'm sure Don Q  will be even more so.

Not especially to do with the ROH next season but I didn't know where else to put it and it didn't seem worth starting a new thread. I've been thinking for a while of trying to renew my ROH Friends subscription with the gift certificates I've accumulated from performances cancelled or changed. However, I thought I would have to phone and I didn't know whether to contact Friends or box office so kept putting it off. Anyway, today I signed in and went to renew membership and there was the opportunity to do it online, just follow the prompts and decide which certificates you wanted to use. Any that were only partially used you had the remainder credited to your account as if you were using them to buy tickets. It was very easy and straightforward and saved me using my bank account, so I thought sharing this info. might help those who were also considering doing this.

Not on tour as such but I couldn't find a closer Matthew Bourne match. Apparently this Sleeping Beauty is being shown at the cinema Wed 28th June and Sunday July 2nd as part of the ballets 10th anniversary celebrations.

9 hours ago, AnneL said:

We had a little scare in our cinema when in the second interval the screen was filled with a large message saying that the device (computer?) was about to shut off into standby and that another key needed to be pressed to stop this! Fortunately a member of staff was located and the proper picture restored in time for the final act.

We had exactly the same in Preston and I went to find someone and it was quickly sorted. I'd have mentioned it in my previous post but I assumed it was specific to Preston. 

5 stars to the Preston Odeon who provided not only cast sheets but plot summary, principal dancers biography and information about the costume, set and lighting producers. I made sure to tell them you don't get service like that at the ROH these days! After that, it seemed churlish to point out they didn't put the lights on at the end. I usually do it myself as an usher showed me how to do if as it happens so often.

Really enjoyed the performance. Vadim, Marianela and Fumi were terrific, possibly even better than when I saw them on the 1st. Really like Luca Acri's sister especially.  He shows great comedic flair though its a shame he and James Hay don't get to do more classical roles. (I am seeing James in SB. ) I agree with those who say the prince is underutilised.  I suppose the nearest comparison is the Nutcracker prince who has even less to do. Not criticising the choreography at all. I'm sure it was very difficult and Vadim made it look as easy as he always does, but it would have been nice to have a bit more and give him a bit more of a character. I know you're limited by the score but other versions 'find' the music to give a party invitation scene which was sadly lacking in Ashton, so you think they could 'find' the music to give the prince more to do. Also, I thought the clock should be more prominent as I'm sure it is in the BRB version.  It's very tiny and from where I was sitting when I saw it at the ROH I couldn't see it at all. However, the production itself is growing on me. Just as well as I'm seeing it 4 times in the next 3 days!

5 hours ago, Benjamin said:

Livestream Tonight! Who’s tuning In? 

I'm at the Preston Odeon with a friend who's always very excited and appreciative of the cinema screenings as she couldn't see ballet otherwise. The Odeon have put the price up to £20 and no pensioner discounts like there used to be.

5 minutes ago, Peanut68 said:

I see me too of ROH/Linbury…. Are they coming to UK? Do hope so!

I emailed Mr Webb a while ago, after the brilliant Lockdown programmes they livestreamed; all that Ashton(!) and asked if there was any chance Sarasota could come to the UK. He was enthusiastic about the idea but said it was unlikely because of cost and also said 'the first step would be an invitation from one of the theatres', so venue obviously important. He concluded by saying 'if you ever find yourself looking for a warm holiday destination, it would be lovely to see you here in Sarasota' which I thought was lovely even though I'm never likely to go.

1 hour ago, Fonty said:

 

Two out of three for me.  I am not a huge fan of Marguerite and Armand.   A triple with Symphonic Variations, The Dream and Les Patineurs?  I would probably buy a ticket for every performance.  

 

I am curious to know exactly why the non performance of Les Sylphides is based on an "artistic decision"?  I have to say that the last time I saw it, I wasn't keen, but mainly because I thought it just wasn't very well danced.  I don't see why it would be considered old fashioned though.  It is just beautiful classical ballet, isn't it?

When I said  'artistic decision' earlier I was trying to be tactful as I

couldn't see it being a priority for Kevin O' Hare to stage it. Perhaps too old fashioned for someone who seems to prefer modern choreographers.  However, I've no actual knowledge about this. Just an opinion. And he did rescue Two Pigeons from obscurity for which I'll always be grateful, so he isn't totally in thrall to modernity. 

1 hour ago, Ginny said:

I love hearing everyone’s ideas! I am a longtime ballet lover but fairly new to the RB repertoire (American fan girl from afar!). I have recently subscribed to the RB stream and have spent the last months devouring all the ballet I can get my hands on. It is a wonderful thing for this of us who live across the pond!  
 

A few questions to this group:  

 

1). Does anyone know if new productions (Cinderella?) will eventually make it into the stream, and if so, how long it will take? 
 

2) Since I don’t have a long term history with RB repertoire, there are a few ballets that I have never seen mentioned and so just wonder if RB ever does them, and if not, why not? 
- La Sylphide?

- Les Sylphides? 
- Le Corsaire? (Is this because ENB does it?) 

- Jewels? (Although I did see that Diamonds was part of the Jubilee last fall) 

 

And I echo the desire to see La Fille - I just love that piece and it has so much wonderful (and unique) choreography, both for the corps and the leads. I would hate to see it disappear.  
 

I also would love to see Sylvia show up again. 

Hi Ginny

Re your rep queries I can fill you in a bit and others may be more knowledgeable and add more.

Les Sylphides has been in the ROH rep in the past but hasn't been performed for quite a few years. As far as I know it is an artistic decision not to perform it (too old fashioned?), not that it's been officially retired from rep. 

La Sylphide, again the RB had a wonderful production by Johan Kobborg with great Danish sets and costumes which have now gone to Sarasota Ballet for their new Kobborg La Sylphide. So it looks as if the RB will have to acquire a new production if they want to stage it.

Le Corsaire, the RB have never performed it and probably won't now that ENB have it.  Also, for some reason it's never been thought to be a good 'fit' for the RB though Nureyev did introduce the famous pas de deux which was performed terrifically by Yasmine Naghdi and Vadim Muntagirov for the Fonteyn gala a few years ago.

The RB do perform the full Jewels and it was done not that long ago  (2018?) so I'm sure is still in their current rep.

I'm with you as regards both Fille and Sylvia. Fingers crossed for the new season announcement which is supposed to be on the 26th April. 

Hope this helps.

Sat 15th April 2.10am-3am, repeated 8.10am-9am a programme called Art is Our Voice on Japanese Channel NHK World, Sky channel 507. Don't know about other broadcasters.

 In summer 2022, 21 Ukrainian dancers from Kyiv's National Ballet toured 16 cities across Japan - most sought refuge in Europe, but the tour provided a chance to reunite and dance in honour of Ukraine.

The picture provided in my online tv guide shows a group of men dancing a gopak so I don't know if it's more folk than ballet but looks potentially interesting.

SkyArts are also doing the RB Giselle (again!) at 7am Wed 19th April.

9 hours ago, Naomi M said:

I really don’t want to say depressing things and I love La Bayadere, but I was interviewing one certain RB dancer a couple of months ago (I am a journalist) and she said RB won’t be doing La Bayadere without revising some of the production, as they are saying about complaints from the audience which was very sad for that dancer who was hoping to get a major role in this ballet that she also likes. (again!) What a pity.. 

I do get very angry that these days the wishes of a tiny vocal minority of protesters are often listened to and acted on. What about the vast majority of viewers who really enjoyed the ballet and would love to see it again? Presumably our wishes don't count. Why are management so terrified of offending anyone these days? Do they think they will sue the ROH because they don't like the way India is depicted on stage? It is just ridiculous, and if this is the case I'm really offended that my right to see a great nineteenth century classic ballet has been taken away from me. It's just the worst form of censorship because it masquerades as 'protecting' an audience from potentially 'offensive' material. Well, I don't want protecting, thank you very much. I know what I like and what I don't like and I'm quite capable of doing my own form of censorship and not attending performances I don't like, though it's more a matter of personal taste than being offended and I certainly wouldn't want anything I don't like not to be staged. If this iniquitous form of censorship goes ahead where will it stop, rape in Manon, drug taking in Mayerling, national stereotypes in the divertissments in the Tchaikovsky ballets, madness in Giselle, donkeys in The Dream. Any and every ballet (and any art form) can have something in it than can offend someone. If you censored anything that might offend a minority you'll end up with a tiny repertory that would probably please no one. So don't censor and let people make up their own minds and if anyone complains don't give into them but politely remind them this is a free country with a varied Arts sector which is the envy of many countries which don't have the freedoms of expression we take for granted, and we should be very grateful for this and celebrate it not censor it.

9 hours ago, Sim said:

If neither ballet appears in the season announcement I will be writing to Alex Beard and Kevin O’Hare to ask why.  

Me too Sim. Though I emailed Kevin over 3 weeks ago about the Ashton stream and still haven't had a reply.

Regarding what I would like to see next season; Onegin,  Onegin,  Onegin. And an Ashton triple and possibly Sylvia (if Fille isn't scheduled).

47 minutes ago, Mary said:

Muntagirov in A Month in the Country last year- Ashtonian enough for me.

 

 

And me!

I just said on the questionnaire what I said in my previous post with no hope it will be acted upon.

I wouldn't mind filling in the surveys if I thought they would lead to change and improvements but they never seem to. It's as if we're taking part in a tick box exercise to satisfy managers or the Arts Council and once its done they can just file it and forget it. At one point I'm sure Graham Boland got fed up with me going on about the old calendar and how useful it was for easy booking (something you'd think they'd want to encourage) but it was never reinstated and I don't know why. It was only series of links that you think could fit in somewhere on the website and be so useful for people like us who want to book multiple casts. Saved scrolling through pages of unwanted events. Sort of thing they used to have in the very useful list of links at the bottom of the website that are also gone. I thought upgrading should be making things easier for booking and information, not more difficult. 

Yes, if POB can stage La Fille there can be no possible reason for the ROH not to stage their founder choreographer's greatest full length ballet. I'm keeping everything crossed for the RB new season announcement that it will contain either Fille or Sylvia and hopefully either an Ashton triple or part triple.