zxDaveM

You won't (unless lucky) get a ticket for Alice now anyway, as its sold out. But yes, go see the ENB Beyond Ballet Russes bills - they are terrific. I love 'Alice' too mind - all 3 dancers playing the lead are, in their own ways, utterly superb

Well, if ever there was an example of how to grasp the nettle of opportunity, there was a masterclass in it from Beatriz Stix-Brunell in Saturday's 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'. I can't recall a more assured debut in a 3-act ballet before, not even from seasoned Principals. Beatriz danced the whole 3 acts like this was her 3rd or 4th revival, not her debut. When she smiled, hers outdid the Cheshire Cat - but this was only one element in a multi-faceted acting performance; joy, fear, surprise, marvel, mystification, delight, annoyance, frustration, humour - all radiated out. Her dancing shone, the steps flowed naturally out of her, allowing a full on characterisation to come through, naturally through the steps, and a personality OF Alice. It was nothing short of astonishingly accomplished. I can only add that I think we're lucky to have her here in London, and earnestly hope that the RB hang on to her. Hope to see many more performances, in many roles, from this young dancer, whose potential I reckon is almost limitless. As someone else said - we saw a star being born. I feel privileged to have been there to see it.

here are a couple of samples of ENB's prog 1 - more to follow via DanceTabs: Some pictures from the ENB: Beyond Ballet Russes (Prog 1)... Firebird: Laurretta Summerscales (Purity); Ksenia Ovsyanick (Firebird); Adela Ramirez (Celebrity) © Dave Morgan. Courtesy of DanceTabs / Flickr L'Apres-midi d'un faune © Dave Morgan. Courtesy of DanceTabs / Flickr Faun(e) © Dave Morgan. Courtesy of DanceTabs / Flickr The Rite of Spring - Erina Takahashi © Dave Morgan. Courtesy of DanceTabs / Flickr See more here, before long... Dave Morgan's English National Ballet - Ballet Russes set Courtesy of DanceTabs / Flickr

12noon - James Hay was Doormouse, Liam Scarlett March Hare 14.00 - certainly looked like both casts, though with injured from original casting, can't be ceratin 17.30 - interview was 10-15 mins, then they started some highlights from throughout the day, until the McGregot bit (which I missed, as had to leave to go to the Coliseum) @Sim - I think the plan is to put some highlights on their Youtube channel - though what, and how much of each, I can't guess

Fantastic stuff. The live rehearsals fascinating, and the 'filler' clips are many I've not gotten round to watching before. Interesting interviews too (though George Lamb not a fave of mine, he nearly brought down 6Music!!) Not getting much work done!!

Thanks for the report - sounds FAB! I was tempted to forego my back-of-the-amphi ticket to watch it at the cinema myself, sounds like I should have done so! Whenever they do these broadcasts, whether to cinema or to Big Screens outdoors, it seems they do like to do these extras in the intervals. A shame we don't get to see them in the ROH!

well, I didn't need sleep anyway... :-)

hope they are keeping those online somewhere after the event, so us working stiffs can see it too! Sounds really exciting!

:-) very good!!

Akane was Sugar Plum in Nutcracker...

She ALWAYS dances with a smile! :-) Its not that big a surprise really when you think about it, as Chris Wheeldon knows her well. She danced for him in his Morphoses company, so would be a natural choice I'd have thought. But yes, a big opportunity whichever way you look at it, and one I'm sure she'll grasp (have a look at the Ballo de regina pics on the old balletco galleries, and you'll see what i mean)

Just Itziar and Laura? Or is there another?

I think the 'tweaks' have greatly improved the pacing of the piece - I liked it before, and like it even more now. Still a couple of sections a bit too long (the caucus race for example, though nice to see Emm-Jane win it!) but I can live with that. Enjoyed both casts Saturday, both the Friends Rehearsal, and the opening night. The two Spanish ballerinas dancing the Queen of Hearts were both terrific (Itziar Mendizabal, who particularly made me laugh, and Laura Morera) which means a clean sweep for Spain if Tamara Rojo still doing it (you could count Zenaida Yanowsky as Spanish too, as memory serves). What is it with these mad Spanish ladies!! :-) Loved both Sarah Lamb and Lauren Cuthbertson as Alice, and Federico Bonelli and Steven McRae as Jack/Knave. Mr McRae excels as The Hatter too - giving the role an extra hint of creepy malice, as well as blistering tap dancing. I think the flower waltz scrumptious, and the cards 'shuffling' as dizzingly fast paced and energetic. The jokes and classical parodies may wear a little bit after repeated viewing, but then I don't suppose any gag continues to be laugh out when you see/hear it loads of times - as meant really only to be seen the once. Mind you, I still lauged like a loon at the 'Tart Adage'. Really looking forward to seeing Beatriz Stix-Brunel's debut on Saturday. She brings joy to the stage and lights it up whenever she dances.

Some pictures from the Alice Photoshoot... Sisters (Sarah Lamb as Alice, with Leanne Cope and Samantha Raine) © Dave Morgan. Courtesy of DanceTabs / Flickr Drink Me - and Alice does (Sarah Lamb) © Dave Morgan. Courtesy of DanceTabs / Flickr Flamingo used as a croquet mallet (Romany Pajdak) © Dave Morgan. Courtesy of DanceTabs / Flickr See more... Dave Morgan's Royal Ballet’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland photo set - 32 images Courtesy of DanceTabs / Flickr

Sisters (Sarah Lamb as Alice, with Leanne Cope and Samantha Raine) © Dave Morgan. Courtesy of: DanceTabs / Flickr See more... Dave Morgan's Royal Ballet’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Courtesy of DanceTabs /Flickr

Sisters (Sarah Lamb as Alice, with Leanne Cope and Samantha Raine) by DanceTabs, on Flickr See more... Dave Morgan's Royal Ballet’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Courtesy of DanceTabs /Flickr

Alice Adventuring in Wonderland © Dave Morgan. Courtesy of DanceTabs and Flickr

I wish they were doing the dress rehearsal (for some pics). Much as I love Sarah Lamb, we had her last year for the Friends rehearsal, so would have been nice to get someone different.

pic Song of the Earth by DanceTabs, on Flickr

test pic: http://flic.kr/p/bpfE6T

... has a feature on Sergei Polunin. Blink and you might miss it - but they might be using one of my photos (claims a vague attachment to <15secs of fame)

R&J last night (with Alina/Johan) was magnificent. Though some 'liberties' taken with the choreography, i'm sure MacMillan would have approved, as it added to the emotional mangling we took from such a performance. They used the steps as a pure vehical for the story telling and dragging out of us all, the sensations and feelings of love's abandonment. Superb! The rest of the cast rose to the occasion too - Kristen McNally a playful, vibrant 'harlot' for example - the brooding, spite-ridden Tybalt magnificently played and fenced by Ben Gartside, the teasing, acrobatic Mercutio from late sub Alexander Campbell was a joy, then a sorrow in his protracted death; some of the townsfolk I wouldn't want to get into a fight with! And Olivia Cowley did a mean 'Purple Haze' air guitar on the spare mandolin too! ;-)

excellent news - can't wait!

Perhaps its the same charity as last night's gala at the Coliseum...

Me too! Think I'm just about within telescope range! :-)