Sim

Tomorrow! 😁

If I had one, I would be doing the same.

Can someone please tell me how long the programme actually lasts? On the SW website it says 2h15m including two 20-minute intervals. On the email I got reminding me to turn up today, it says the programme lasts 1h50m including one interval. Which is it to be?? Thanks!

So beautiful and joyous. What a lovely way to start the day. Thank you!

I saw you going down the little staircase and called your name but you didn't hear through the noise...I was sitting in the middle so couldn't dash out to grab you. Next time. x

If the usual table is given over to formal dining, then we sit wherever we can, usually to the right of the little stairs (as you are looking at them in the FH) either in that corner by the door that leads out onto the terrace, or next to it. Do come and say hello next time. @Richard LH, thanks for finding us; it was great to see you again!

And how lovely to see Akane on the stage again!

Beautifully put, @bridiem A very special night, one in which we were reminded of just what it is we are losing with Alex’s departure. I am so glad I was there, and as you say, so glad and grateful to have watched his RB career from start to finish. I wish him the very best for the future, and thank him from the bottom of my heart for all the joy he has given me over the years. ❤️😢

Thank you Richard, but no apology necessary here.

They should be, for those prices!!

Hi all. I have hidden a few posts (after a report) that refer to RB couples and ex-couples dancing together. No real breaches of AUP, just trying to nip it in the bud so no further discussion ensues. Thank you.

Perfectly fine to link to a bona fide article, although the Telegraph is behind a paywall.

Ditto.

And Oberon.

OK, starter for 10. I really enjoyed last night's performance, as much as for the relief of seeing CC back onstage as anything else. It is a good ballet for him to make his return as technically it is not demanding for the man. Understandably, I felt that he was a bit tentative and was holding back. He was certainly not the powerhouse I have come to know and love, but I could see it lurking beneath the surface and I am sure it will be back. His dark and broody looks complemented the internal misery of Siegfried being forced into marriage and having to assume the role of king. Speaking of dark and broody....as per the above, wow, what a debut from Lukas as Von Rothbart. He was menacing but enticing, evil but sexy, elegant but scuzzy. He walked the walk, indeed almost glided across the floor. Wonderful use of his eyes and his tall presence onstage. I found it a struggle to take my binoculars away from him. As I said above, I would have happily tripped over to the dark side last night... I liked Mayara's swan. I think she is naturally more of an Odile than an Odette, but having said that I found that although her dancing was wonderful in both roles she wasn't evil or duplicitous enough as Odile. She was a smiling seductress which I totally get, but I like my Odiles to show much more malice aforethought. However, that's just my own opinion. The fouettes were marvellous and she got a good cheer, well deserved. Her Odette was deeply felt and her expressive face left no doubt as to how she was feeling. Although Cesar and Mayara danced well together, I didn't feel a deep chemistry there. Maybe in their next performance they will relax a bit more and that will come. Joon-Hyuk Jun was a wonderful Benno. It was this role last time out that made me notice him, and this time he was even better. His jumps are so high, his landings so soft, his turns pinpoint perfect...but this time, added to all that, he really made something of the character. Big bravo, Benno! The corps delivered beauty throughout: gorgeous arms and expressive heads, perfect synchronisation and a very moving performance from them. The night before International Women's' Day they really imparted the notion of a gang of girls protecting each other. Lovely. I also found much of the music played too slowly for my liking, but maybe it's the dancers' liking so there we are. Disappointingly, there were no weird shadows in the sky to look at in the final moments! I do love the designs of all the acts, and the lighting is the correct shade of moonlight and moody in the lake scenes. Having danced the lead role the night before, it was great to see Nela in the audience supporting her colleagues. So a very good start to my upcoming visits to the lake. Welcome back, Cesar.

Ooooo Lukas as Von Rothbart. Tonight I could imagine myself going over to the dark side! 😅

He seems to be becoming quite the character dancer.

Interesting to read such varied opinions already! I have to wait until Saturday matinee to see for myself.

I was also wondering that. Instead of two SLs in a row, why not have SL last night, Manon tonight to celebrate the 50th, and the second SL tomorrow night? Very weird.

I agree wholeheartedly regarding how much this improvement started with Ms Stock and her vision for the school. An absolute tragedy that we lost her so young. But she has left a wonderful legacy....for now, at least. Credit also to Kevin for concentrating on dancers from the school.

Returned to BO.

Oh dear....now I'm going to be looking out for this through my binocs tonight! Maybe they will have sorted it out by then, but I kind of hope not! 😂

They are lovely shows but the reason I didn't suggest it is that it is for younger children. If your boy is 9 and already into dance of some form, I think the grownup version would be fine. My first ballet was Nutcracker when I was 4, then Swan Lake when I was also about 9. Loved both and thus began my lifelong passion! Please let us know how you get on. If you can get a seat in the front of the Grand Tier, Balcony or Amphitheatre that would be great as you don't have to worry about being blocked by any heads in front of you. Good luck!

How lovely! I think Swan Lake would be a great ballet to start with. Beautiful music, costumes, sets and of course, dancing! Nutcracker would have also been good but you have missed it. I think that SL would be more suitable for a first ballet than Giselle is. If he likes SL, you can then try him with ENB's Giselle next season (coming back to the Coli).

Me too!