zxDaveM

I think Francesca Hayward was the first since Alina Cojocaru (this century anyway). Since then they have come more frequently it seems. Used to be that the Rose Fairy's went on to dance SPF (and become Principals) rather than Claras I very much doubt the angels on point; they are supposed to do tiny steps to move around, without disturbing their 'robes' to look like they are floating

ticket now spoken for

fair point 🙂

Have to rehome my Manon ticket for the 3rd Feb at 7pm (Naghdi/Bracewell cast) - SCS D36 Can't go myself, as I'll be in Wales Cost is £14. Send a PM, and post here to say so, so we can make the exchange arrangements

I did hear a few whoops, but that doesn't bother me a lot - but I did get a strong whiff of popcorn in act 2. What ARE they thinking of!! Atmosphere shredding, or what! No probs with anything else as in the balcony front row, scrunched up to peep through the 'box' created by the board and the rail (good view - but my back not thanking me this morning!) As to the performance - what a pleasure! Katja Khaniukova is a dancer I like a lot, and apart from the dreaded 'hops' on pointe in Act 1, was glorious. Giselle is probably my favourite ballet, and it's always great to see for me. And I do like this production, no denying. One slight bother though, was whenever the Wilis were chasing anyone but Albrecht, the lighting went into 'save mode', so it seemed, making it quite difficult to see.

saves on the leccy bill for lighting...

I imagine all the seats removed and the dancers move amongst the audience, or have designated areas that the audience move around. Sounds a bit like the piece he did at Print Works (in SE London) 'The Dreamers Ever Leave You' which was terrific. Though that was in a HUGE space, so not sure how it will pan out in the confines of the Linbury stage/audience area

The insurers of those $1m legs must have watched that from behind the sofa!!!

Yes, Southern trains run into Victoria (platforms 9-19) this weekend coming

Once The Handmaids Tale left the original book, the TV series flagged a bit for sure. As so often happens (see Game of Thrones). I do like Margaret Atwood's books (the ones I've read) - and Maddaddam currently in my 'to read' pile...

I personally don't mind it being played a bit slow - watching old performances it always looks rushed, and the steps half finished or clipped I suppose it's what I'm used to

I finally caught up with it last night, and really enjoyed it. Just think, even as recently as the 90's there was ballet on Blue Peter for the country's youngsters, as well as on daytime TV. Plus of course, performances from ROH which seem to have dried up over the last few years, as they have gone to the cinemas or streaming instead

It's a terrific piece, and would recommend it without reservation. They performed it back in 2008 at the ROH and I remember being blown away!

If you don't let 'hardworking dancers' 'have go' (jeez, what a mean-spirited comment for the season of goodwill), then you won't find how far they could go. There was one dancer that last year rather disappointed when given her 'go', but then this year absolutely nailed it. I'm sure we all have favourite dancers that never made Principal (or get there much later in their career than we'd like) because they never 'had a go' when it could have made a difference, but are very capable of doing some, if not all, Principal roles given the opportunity. There are some Principals I wouldn't go watch if given a free ticket, but I wouldn't wish to stop others enjoying their performances

not fun anytime! If I could get tickets anywhere else in the Coli at the upper circle price, I would jump at the chance... except for their Nutcracker. Wild horses, and all that

I find their current production an easy swerve, tbh. I went a few times when it was brand new, wasn't keen, so only went when a favoured dancer was in a lead role - but now, even that is too much (especially as my budget only stretches to the concrete, padded steps at the top of the theatre). A few of us were discussing this the other night, and agreed we probably wouldn't go again until this current production replaced

I know - just my wishlist...

I too would like to see Onegin reappear. Sylvia would be a joy, and Fille of course! - and tempted to say Ondine, but then I remember that when Ondine not on stage, it becomes rather tedious More Balanchine - Symphony in C and Serenade well overdue Always welcome is Symphonic Variations, and would love to see Symphonic Dances too A season with NO 3-act MacMillan would bring relief!

Don't think I'm adding anything new to the list, but here's what is hopefully floating my boat (at least for the first 6 months of 2024) ENB's Giselle (the Mary Skeaping version - worth a numb bum on those coliseum 'seats') Alina Cojocaru's 'Strada', especially with Johan on stage too Yasmine Naghdi's Manon and Odette/Odile Fumi Kaneko's Manon and Odette/Odile Sarah Lamb's Manon and Odette/Odile The new choreography shows - could be fantastic (or rubbish!) Requiem in the MacMillan triple ALL of the Ashton triple bills The Americans visiting - NYCB and Sarasota Ballet Scottish Ballet's 'Streetcar Named Desire'

Have add my 2p worth in congratulating Annette Buvoli. A lovely, assured, graceful performance and an utter pleasure to watch. I do hope she gets to dance more lead roles

I don't use the tube as much these days, as I can use 'normal' trains all the way to Charing Cross - but when I did last, the RB poster seemed to be going extinct

Ditto. As an aside, I noticed Manon posters up in most tube stations I passed through, especially the Piccadilly line. Bit like the old days!

might be a browser setting - pretty sure it isn't the forum software - not had an update since November (or even October)

Tough one. Hard on the 'big' touring companies: when they do introduce "interesting rep" in far flung places - seems no one bar ultra-hard core ballet fans show up. Except for the Tchaikovskys and maybe R&J (or some well know story outside the ballet world, eg Cinderella) ballet remains a hard sell it seems. London has a huge catchment area for fans - especially as fans will travel for an hour or more to GET to London - so has potential for audiences no matter how 'obscure' the work is. So most companies in London, or visit London, do OK it would seem. But this hardly fair on all the fans out of travel range of London (without having to stay over) BRB's tie in with Black Sabbath a major coups, a somewhat genius idea, but how many of those are left to be unearthed? ENB are rather hit or miss for me - their Nutcracker utterly missable, but both their Giselles immensely watchable; their triple bills also vary hugely variable, from superb to 'meh'. Be interested to see what the new Director does to move forward I only see NB and SB when they visit London, so difficult to comment if they are 'there' or not. Usually enjoy their visits Ballet Black do wonders for a tiny company, touring everywhere it seems, but now seem to only do two pieces a year (importantly, two NEW pieces a year) More questions than answers it seems!

sadly, no! I had my reading glasses on and first thought, blimey, that's a big looking bird, until I switched glasses and so could see in the distance. Took a while to register what it was I was seeing, I don't mind telling you!