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Everyone I spoke to was, but of course that was just those I spoke to; it doesn't mean everybody, so... to each their own!

And so….about last night. This hardened old balletomane, who has been watching Swan Lake for many more decades than I care to remember, was turned to mush by the glorious performance of Yasmine Naghdi as the swan. The beauty, the technical perfection, the intensity and intelligence of her interpretation meant that I was moved like almost never before. A couple of the regulars told me in the interval that they had never been so moved in the Act 2 pdd, and I felt the same way. This is because Yasmine took us all on a journey in those few minutes. I could understand the clarity of her mime, her story, her emotions. No words needed here; her eyes, her luscious arms, every startled movement of her head…they took us from her initial fright and distrust on the journey to love and faith in her prince. Nothing was rushed, and it gave us time to absorb the story. It made her grief in Act 4 so much more poignant: her initial gut feeling was to escape, but the gentle and patient efforts by Matthew Ball’s Siegfried paid off, and she melted into his arms, maybe against her better judgment, but here was a possible way out of her awful situation. And then came Odile. A minxy seductress, having loads of fun playing with this poor sap of a prince. Her collusion with Von Rothbart was great to watch; so much communication just using her eyes, a slight nod of the head to show that she has understood what she needs to do. A sexy smile, a batting of her eyes, a bit of teasing, and Siegfried was doomed. A rock solid balance (had Matthew not taken her down she could have stayed there and had a drink until she was good and ready to continue), and then a fabulous set of fouettes, en place and whipped out without even breaking into a sweat, dazzled Siegfried (and the audience) into final submission. I had the feeling that this Odile was holding her laughter, then when the deception was revealed let it all out; there was no doubting her glee at her wicked achievement. Act 4 was beautiful. Not only was the forgiveness pdd deeply felt by Odette and Siegfried, but again it was so clear what was going on in her heart and head. Her grief and devastation at the deception brought a lump to my throat. Her initial reluctance to allow Siegfried back in, again her conversion from mistrusting him to accepting his apology and letting him back into her heart was, well, heartbreaking. When she ran towards the rock I felt like shouting ‘noooo, don’t do it!’, but that was as much because I didn’t want to stop seeing her dance as it was for her character’s sacrifice. A simply glorious performance that I can’t really describe. This is the best I can do. I really enjoyed Matthew Ball’s dancing, but found him a bit more understated than usual last night. Their partnership is so solid, and they understand each other so well, that risks can be and were taken (e.g. the falling backwards in both of the pdd were very deep and made someone in front of me inhale deeply). He made it very clear to us in his emotional solo between Acts 1 and 2 that the world was weighing heavily on his shoulders and that he didn’t want the responsibilities being imposed upon him. There was some sloppiness from the supporting cast and I am sure this will be ironed out by the cinema broadcast. But the night belonged to Yasmine Naghdi, and she deserved her standing ovation. What she doesn’t deserve is to have been overlooked yet again by the NDAs. But who cares? It is we, the audience, for whom these wonderful artists dance, and if we love and appreciate them, that is what matters. In the case of Miss Naghdi, I do, and so do many others. I can only hope that she felt that love and appreciation last night. After a performance like that, it is the least she deserved. Brava Yasmine!

Yes.

Yes, but she is way too good to be a little secret!

Interesting that Wayne McGregor and Sara Baras are in the classical categories. And very disappointing that once again Yasmine Naghdi is overlooked. But awards are meaningless, whether this one or any of the others. It’s the audience that counts. Of course they are great for the winners, though!

Well that was one sensational performance from Yasmine Naghdi. I need to bring myself back down to Earth…so more tomorrow.

I agree, although I don't necessarily agree that the name Shimmer and Shine is cringeworthy: after all, that is what they are hoping to get their students to do. It did make me smile that the name of the teacher is that of a jewel that shimmers and shines! And I am reading the book from the point of view of a very young person (10 years old), in a day and age where kindness, inclusivity, diversity and everyone being a winner in their own way are the norm. When I was a child, many moons ago, I was always told that hard work would pay off. Sometimes it's true, sometimes it isn't. But I am glad I was told that, even if it turned out not to be the case. If no child is told to work hard to achieve their dreams, then none of them would. We don't all achieve our dreams; probably more don't than do, but it's a life lesson and you just have to deal with it and do other things, no matter how deep your disappointment is. But to shatter those illusions in a book for children would be quite cruel, I think. As Aruna said, the descriptions of a ballet class, and why things are done the way they are (even a reminder to drink water to keep hydrated) will be very helpful and interesting for little readers who are interested in learning ballet. I wish Yasmine and Chitra the very best of luck with this book and those to follow.

And then take a photo and share it with the group!

I will be there tonight and on Saturday afternoon and I cannot wait to see these two dance together again, especially in this ballet.

James and Ryo have both posted on social media that they are having surgery today. James is having his knee cartilage 'cleaned up' and Ryo looks like he is having ankle surgery (just a guess as he hasn't specified). James has confirmed that his season his over. I wish them both well and hope that their surgeries are successful. James is hoping to be back for a full 24/25 season. I do hope so; he has been much missed this year (although he has managed a few appearances).

There’s a lovely interview with Yasmine Naghdi in today’s Times, wherein she discusses (amongst other things) what it’s like to dance Swan Lake on a live broadcast, and the technical challenges of the role of Odette/Odile. See today’s links…the article is there with a share token so is accessible to all. She has also posted it on Instagram.

Done.

Ditto.

I think she would make a wonderful Juliet so I hope that she is given the chance next season.

Yes, but other dancers have dashed in when their nights were already underway and didn't get champagne. Or given just a couple of hours' notice to substitute, and didn't get champagne. I think it's a lovely gesture and I would like to think that going forward it would be accorded to other dancers who do the same thing.

Door piano??!! Autocorrect?!

Yes, absolutely deserved. I'm just wondering if this is a new thing to thank last-minute subs on behalf of the RB?

Gosh, that sounds so disturbing. I hope it didn't ruin everyone's night, including the ROH staff. Back to happier things....is that Kevin in the photo giving the champers to FH and MS? If so, what a lovely gesture of thanks. I wonder if other last-minute subs get given the same if it is a House gift?

I have been griping about black tights in ballet for years. I seem to remember that Nureyev tried to avoid them as often as possible as he wanted everyone to see his legs (but of course!).

I agree. I don't remember ever having seen a version of SL in the past 60 years where Siegfried has less to do than he does here!!

I remember seeing a version of SL many years ago (can't remember which company) where Siegfried's body is being carried out of the water (perhaps by Benno) as the curtains open to the prologue music. At the end, therefore, he and Odette are united in death. I don't believe in any kind of life after death, which is why I love the ending where there is eternal life after death. It gives me hope, even though I believe it would never happen. It is, after all, just a fairytale....and the music says to me that there is this redemption. They have defeated evil, and their reward is to go to a better place together for all eternity. I'll take that.

More's the pity, as I think all of your suggestions are excellent!

Clearly I wasn’t referring to after he has been knocked unconscious. That shouldn’t have happened in the first place.

I didn't say anywhere that he triumphs. I just said that he should fight. I would hope that with the imminent prospect of the death of someone you love, you would fight to try to avoid it happening, irrespective of whether you are male or female. I did mention further upthread that I like the 'girl power' aspect of the swans getting their revenge on VR. But I would like it more if Siegfried had put up a good fight, then gone over the rocks to join Odette, then let the swans finish off VR. Nothing to do with 'macho' fights, all to do with fighting for someone you love.

I love things about Act IV: the pdd, the beautiful swans, the way the swans slowly leave the stage during the pdd, the atmospheric lighting. What I dislike about the act is that Siegfried is consigned to the floor for much of the last part. He should be up, fighting VR ! Nor do I like the ending (my preference is for them both to die, then reunite in the apotheosis for eternity, as in Dowell's version), although I think I'm getting used to it.