lartiste

Wonderful review in the Guardian today for Osipova and Vasiliev http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2013/apr/07/quixote-laurencia-osipova-vasiliev-mikhailovsky I quite liked the projections I thought the Mikhailovsky were pushing the envelope by being willing to try something a little bit different as they were in the set design of Giselle with the moving foliage and the sparklers and the veils being whisked away for me it made the experience more memorable. But I think it's a bit of a marmite addition as the reaction so far has been you either love it or you hate it lol! Act II Laurencia also reminded me of Flames de Paris I'm not sure of the provenance of the two ballets but there does appear to be some interplay between the two.

Thanks for the info on the ampitheatre jm365 anywhere I don't have to view the back of someone's head sounds good to me and if it is more raked than the Orchestra stalls I will be booking there for the remainder of the Bolshoi performances that I don't yet have tickets for chrischris - hope you have a great time! I think those tickets are worth a gamble as there seems to be no hard and fast rules as to where you will find a good seat and a higher price doesn't guarantee the best view either. Even if it is restricted view soaking up the atmosphere at the ROH is great fun.

Thanks for sharing the link toursenlair I feel less inept now knowing it's filed away in cyberspace under Bolshoi as I was fruitlessly searching for the fb page under Hochhauser and felt so stupid when I couldn't find it! Beryl H - I just checked the ROH website that is one very long cast list for Flames de Paris! I saw Lantratov in La Bayadere alongside Zakharova in the cinema live broadcast from the Bolshoi in January 2013 and he was immediately placed on my list of one's to watch in terms of up-and-coming talent. I'm pleased that I will be able to see him perform live! Will Ryzhkina and Lobukhin be coming across with the company for the season at the ROH? They were amazing in Don Quixote in 2010 so I would like to see them perform again.

I planned to visit London on 14th or 15th to see Sergei perform after I was blown away with his performance in Marguerite and Armand at the Royal Opera House in February. I'm glad I have not yet purchased a ticket. I guess if Sergei has walked away he will have his reasons, however it's unfortunate that whatever their artistic differences they couldn't work something out. There's a time and a place for never complain never explain but if Sergei isn't forthcoming this is going to negatively impact upon his reputation.

Ballet News is running a competition to win Natalia Osipova's signed pointe shoes. The competition is open until Monday 8th April http://balletnews.co.uk/win-natalia-osipovas-signed-pointe-shoes/

I've visited the ROH a few times so I thought I would chime in with my views on the seating: Orchestra Stalls - the seats are not raked so you will most probably have a view of the back of someone's head if you are seated anywhere but the front row. This is frustrating. Stalls Circle - a much better view than in the Orchestra Stalls however you are further away. I wouldn't have considered booking these seats but I started talking to a regular at the ROH and she tipped me off that these were the seats to go for. Donald Gordon Grand Tier Tall seats - a very good view of the stage you can see above the heads of the people in front of you you are however quite far away Balcony Box left side- this was for Opera not ballet but you miss about a quarter of the stage depending on where you are situated. Director's Box - amazing view of the stage and the wings however you will miss about a quarter to a third of the stage action depending upon where you are sitting in the box. Ampitheatre - I will be able to comment over the summer,if I can manage to get tickets in the ampitheatre. The one time I managed to book ampitheatre tickets I fell ill and couldn't attend the performance. I am imagining that the same rules apply if you have a seat in the front row you will have a good view, further back unless you are very tall plan to become intimately acquainted with the back of a stranger's head. I could however be wrong and the ampitheatre may be raked more than the Orchestra stalls. Ampitheatre bar - service fast and efficient, good selection of refreshments, free jugs of water and glasses are situated to the left of the service counter. It's also lovely in the summer to stand outside and look over Covent Garden Piazza. Floral hall- becomes very busy, I think you can pre-order drinks which I would advise. I always forget to pre-order drinks - if this is possible - and end up five deep at the bar waiting for refreshments. Service however is speedy. Crush Room - no idea I've never utilised it when I'm in the Grand Tier as I always have supposed it to be for dinner reservations and I don't tend to dine at the ROH.

Thanks for posting the casting! I'm so glad my guesstimates have panned out for 2/3 performances - I booked for Zakharova 29th July, Zakharova 2nd August and Flames de Paris 17th August. I should have gone with my instinct and booked for 16th August however Maria Alexandrova and Andrei Merkuriev should be epic! I will be keeping my ticket for this performance and purchasing another for 16th August to see Osipova and Vasiliev, hopefully there will still be some good seats left once general public booking opens as I used the Hochhauser code to obtain these tickets. I can also now book for 6th or 9th August Sleeping Beauty. From what I remember of the 2010 ROH visit is that there was a lot of shuffling about of castings so I seemed to be permanently attached to the phone on a call to the ROH box office trying to alter my tickets! I won't feel secure in my choices until the curtain goes up on stage on the night of the performance...certainly keeps me on my toes! Also, please could someone post a link to the Hochhauser Facebook page I may be being completely dense but I can't find a link to it anywhere!

I attended the performance of Laurencia on Tuesday evening, I had a seat front row centre in the Orchestra stalls and the view was fantastic! This was an incredible treat to watch; Osipova and Vasiliev set the stage on fire and the corps danced their hearts out I was transfixed from beginning to end. The transformation of Osipova from victim to leader of a revenge force in the final act was mesmerising she exuded wrath and commanded the stage. This was a heroine who would quite happily tear out her attacker's liver and crow over his misfortune as vengeance was claimed. From her far reaching line to her very -almost demonic- eyes and expressions she was not someone to be messed with lightly and her role was beautifully played. It is a challenge to put into words the charisma with which the final act was delivered I only wish there was a recording to demonstrate in images the expressiveness of the action on stage!The dancer who played Jacinta also gave an exceptionally emotive performance. I have to say of the three ballets - Giselle, Don Quixote and Laurencia - that I was fortunate to see from the Mikhailovsky season I enjoyed each and every one.

Don Quixote was an out of this world experience on Saturday evening everyone from the corps onwards gave it their all! Osipova and Vasiliev danced with such exuberant pizzaz. What amazes me is that DQ is the ballet they are famed for throughout the world and that no matter how many times they perform each rendition has a tireless freshness to it, for the duration of theur time on stage you can tell they wouldn't want to be anywhere else. It was as though the ballet was made to showcase their skills. I first saw DQ performed when the Bolshoi visited the Royal Opera House on their tour back in 2010 and this performance was every bit as enthralling to watch! There were at least six curtain calls and a flower throw, the rapturous applause could have lasted forever! I would however advise against trying to obtain an autograph post performance - I went to the Coliseum Stage Door after DQ with around twenty to thirty other people. I'm not sure if something was going on in Covent Garden or if there was concern over the sheer number of people wanting to congratulate the dancers post performance but three police vans turned up at the end of Bedfordbury Street . Then an elderly man arrived from out of nowhere and started insulting everyone and calling them idiots for waiting. I remember reading - I think it was on the old Ballet forum boards of people meeting Ivan and Natalia post performance in 2010 and how gracious they were about taking photographs etc so I found it quite dispirting that this wasn't encouraged at the Coliseum. A security guard did come out to ask the troublemaker what he was doing so perhaps he is well known at ENO for trying to cause a disturbance but regardless I left without waiting to meet any of the dancers so I'm not sure if others decided to wait it out through the barrage of insults and police presence. I am glad of the discussion about the correct pronunciation of Don Quixote as I have heard it proncounced so many different ways and I was beginning to think I was pronouncing it incorrectly!

I've just booked tickets for Swan Lake, La Bayadere and Flames de Paris. As casting has not yet been announced and I am taking a gamble I hope that I have tickets for the right perfomances! Hoping to see Zakharova in Swan Lake and La Bayadere, I am guessing that the two evening performances will be vehicles for Osipova and Vasiliev for Flammes de Paris so it won't matter whether tickets are for the Friday or the Saturday performance. I also plan to book for Sleeping Beauty once general booking opens and the cast lists are out. Thanks once again for the heads up with regards to advanced booking through the Hochhauser website

There are not enough superlatives to describe the performance I witnessed on Tuesday evening it was absolutley fantastic! I am very rarely moved by a ballet, I can appreciate the technique and fabulous extensions but emotionally I usually remain unaffected. However in the second act both Osipova and Vasiliev pulled out all the stops, for Vasiliev especially provoked such concern that I could genuinely believe he was being danced to death it was incredible. Combined with the speed of Osipova's turns and her ethereal lightness it was quite a sight to behold. Osipova also seems to have subdued her line, in the first act her extensions were nowhere near as high as she is capable of and this appeared to be a conscious decision - this was a much more classical than modern Giselle. I also have to say that I quite liked the moving shruberry and the veils being whipped away off stage and the costuming which the ballet critics in the press have criticised. The Queen of the Wilis, Hilarion and the corps also .gave an impressive performance . I have a ticket for Don Quixote this Saturday so I'm looking forward to another amazing performance being delivered by Osipova and Vasiliev!

Thank you for posting this info about the advanced booking, I signed up to the Hochhauser mailing list last night however I haven't received an e-mail with a code or information about advanced booking yet - fingers crossed this will arrive today! Has casting been announced yet as there are specific dancers whose performances I would like to book for?

I received confirmation today too however someone had already opened the letter on my behalf! It literally arrived through my letterbox already torn open it wasn't as if the flap had come unstuck someone had very clearly opened it! I'm not sure if I have all of the correct forms, this is what I received could someone please confirm if there is anything missing? Confirmation letter Media Consent Form Medical Form Map

Thanks for posting the provisional cast list annamk I would like to book for the 29th July, 2nd, 6th, 16th August when Zakharova and Osipova and Vasiliev are performing. Should be incredible!

English National Ballet Moving Art Dance Residency Tuesday 9 April – Saturday 13 April 2013 The Project Space, Milton Keynes English National Ballet, Milton Keynes Theatre and MK Gallery are delighted to be joining forces to offer a unique opportunity for young, up-and-coming dancers aged 16-31 to gain practical and performance experience with some of the UK’s leading arts organisations. The five day residency will work towards an innovative dance performance inspired by German contemporary visual artist Andrea Büttner, celebrating the opening of her solo-exhibition at MK Gallery. http://www.ballet.org.uk/learning/current-projects/ http://creativelearning.atg.co.uk/eventsworkshops/milton-keynes-events/#artdance

Adult summer programme 2013 Dates: Thursday 25 & Friday 26 July Cost: £45 per day or £80 for both days Venue: Rambert Dance Company studios, 94 Chiswick High Road, London W4 1SH With a long summer break coming up, Rambert is offering you the chance to take part in two special days of classes. This is a general level course for participants who have some experience of contemporary technique, and is a wonderful opportunity to work with dancers and teachers associated with Britain's leading contemporary dance company. Adult summer school Dates: Monday 5 - Friday 9 August Cost: £280 full rate / £240 concession for full-time students/unemployed Venue: Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, Clifton Lodge, St. Margaret's Drive, Twickenham TW1 1QN A unique opportunity to work closely with some of the most exciting dancers and emerging choreographers in contemporary dance today. For dancers of an intermediate or advanced level. Youth summer school for Young Movers: 10 - 13 year-olds; and Generation 2: 14 - 17 year-olds Dates: Monday 29 July - Friday 2 August Times: 10am - 4pm Cost: £185 Venue: Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, Clifton Lodge, St. Margaret's Drive, Twickenham TW1 1QN Join Rambert for an exciting week of classes and choreography. Led by Rambert’s animateurs (professional dancers and teachers) young dancers will take part in daily contemporary classes and creative workshops. Drawing on recent Rambert repertoire, this is a great opportunity to dance, create, perform and be inspired! NEW for the North West: in partnership with The Lowry Rambert youth dance summer school in Salford, 14 - 17 year-olds Dates: Monday 29 July - Friday 2 August Times: 10am - 4pm Cost: £185 Venue: The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays M50 3AZ A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in dance, develop new skills and have fun. All you need to take part is plenty of enthusiasm! Led by Rambert’s animateurs (professional dancers and teachers) young dancers will take part in daily contemporary classes and creative workshops. Drawing on recent Rambert repertoire, this is a great opportunity to dance, create, perform and be inspired! http://www.rambert.org.uk/learning_participation/summer_schools There seems to be so muh choice this year in terms of summer schools for both adults and children, it's so hard to decide where to sign up first!

I am debating signing up for this as it looks fun and I'm currently studying Swan Lake in my regular ballet classes, I thought I would share in case anyone is interested

There's a very short clip on the ENB Youtube channel I've just signed up for the Workshop, looking forward to it! I've taken a few taster classes at ENB and they are always excellent fun, especially learning repetoire There's a Youth Ballet Workshop for 14-17 year olds 20th April http://www.ballet.org.uk/whats-on/ecstasy-and-death/etudes-stage-youth-ballet-workshop/ and a drawing class Live Drawing Ecstasy and Death 18th March 1000-1300 http://www.ballet.org.uk/whats-on/ecstasy-and-death/live-drawing-ecstacy-death/ There's also the opportunity to take a class on stage at the London Coliseum in July Class: On-Stage Friday 26 July: A unique opportunity for advanced dancers to take part in a professional class on the London Coliseum stage.

Etudes: On-stage Adult Ballet Workshop Sunday 21 April 2013, 9.30am - 12pm at the London Coliseum £25 per person | £20 members rate (Circle, Friends and Ballet Buddies) A chance to explore and master basic principles and exercises that underpin the classical masterpiece Etudes. Discover how the foundations of classical ballet are transformed from the studio to the stage. To book visit English National Ballet's What's On<http://www.ballet.org.uk/whats-on/ecstasy-and-death/etudes-london-coliseum-21-april/> page

I'm not sure if it is ok to link to other forums but there is a 108 page long - and still going! - thread over at Dance.net about going en pointe as a mature adult Dance.net Ouch! Took first pointe class in 20 years tonight http://www.dance.net/topic/8433543/1/Ballet-Adult-Dancers/Ouch-Took-first-pointe-class-in-20-years-tonight.html

I went to see the mixed programme 15th February and was blown away by Sergei Polunin's performance. He has the whole package, from the elevation of his jump to the quality of his line, his acting ability he becomes the character and projects every emotion so well, the quality of his technique few dancers can tick all of the boxes but if this his ability now - and it is astronomical for one so young - I can't wait to see in a few years how he progresses! I also managed to get hs autograph and Tamara Rojo's autograph post performance at the stage door so it was a win all round Friday evening!

The Hochhauser website has been updated with details of the Bolshoi tour: http://www.victorhochhauser.co.uk/

Arts Desk Bolshoi Summer season announced with prodigals returned http://www.theartsdesk.com/dance/bolshoi-summer-season-announced-prodigals-returned Osipova and Vasiliev are back for the tour alongside Zakharova and Hallberg! Should be incredible

Thanks Caspermil! The cinema live stream of The Pharaoh's Daughter last year was wonderful I fell in love with the ballet from beginning to end I agree that it would have been wonderful to see it performed live.