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I took 2 children aged 7 and 5 to a performance of ENB's My First Ballet: the Sleeping Beauty at Richmond Theatre. They loved it - so job well done. I didn't love it quite so much although I love the concept of these ballets. The ballet was narrated throughout, which was excellent and it also mirrored the mime happening on stage, which I really appreciated. Not sure any of the children did, but never mind. I learned quite a lot about mime. The story of the Sleeping Beauty was changed quite significantly. No spinning wheel (old fashioned I assume), so Aurora is pricked by a rose, not a spindle. This negates the need for the Rose Adagio (as she would have been pricked), but a version of that dance was still presented, but not to the right music! Surely if you are introducing children to the Sleeping Beauty ballet, the most famous dance of all should be represented with the right music which is so famous and so beautiful. Nothing nasty really happens, so Carabosse turns into a good fairy, and the kiss to wake Aurora up is turned into a hug. Oh well, nice for children to think the world is a happy place. The quality of the dancing did not overwhelm but the dancers deserve great credit for keeping their concentration through a noisy audience experience.

The announcement has dropped and he is (a) Ballet Master of the ENB: https://www.ballet.org.uk/people/renato-paroni-de-castro/

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! From Facebook: Nancy Osbaldston, for those unfamiliar with her, won ENB's Emerging Dancer award in 2013 and is properly amazing. Of course, I wish her all the best at her new company. May her career go from strength to strength.

And the press release: English National Ballet Nutcracker / Swan Lake / Manon London Coliseum 13 December 2018 – 20 January 2019 www.ballet.org.uk This Winter, English National Ballet presents three critically acclaimed productions, Nutcracker, Swan Lake and Manon, at the London Coliseum. The company today announces Principal Casting for performances of Nutcracker and Manon, and, an additional performance of Manon. Tamara Rojo, Artistic Director of English National Ballet said: “I’m thrilled that we’re able to give our London audiences as many chances as possible to see this wonderful production by putting on an additional performance. It's also a great opportunity for them to experience the remarkable talent shining across the whole Company, who have all really enjoyed bringing Manon to life." English National Ballet presents Manon, and also Swan Lake, at the London Coliseum in January 2019 following performances of both productions on tour in the UK this Autumn. Famous for its dramatic, challenging and expressive choreography, Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon features some of the most demanding and fulfilling roles in ballet. Manon is accompanied by Jules Massenet’s haunting music performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. English National Ballet’s hugely successful production of the timeless classic, Swan Lake, choreographed by Derek Deane with music performed live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic, will bring some of the most iconic scenes in ballet, and Tchaikovsky’s glorious score, to London audiences once again. Continuing its Christmas tradition of presenting a Nutcracker production every year since 1950, English National Ballet’s Nutcracker returns this festive season, following sold out performances in 2016 and 2017. Over 100 dancers and musicians bring to life the popular Tchaikovsky score featuring the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Waltz of the Flowers, performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. Principal Casting Nutcracker (in the order of Clara, Nephew, Nutcracker) Thursday 13 December Rina Kanehara, Jeffrey Cirio, Fernando Carratalá Coloma Friday 14 December (mat) Fernanda Oliveira, James Forbat, Daniel McCormick* Friday 14 December Erina Takahashi, Isaac Hernández, Aitor Arrieta Saturday 15 December (mat) Katja Khaniukova, Ken Saruhashi, Erik Woolhouse Saturday 15 December Shiori Kase, Francesco Gabriele Frola*, Fernando Carratalá Coloma Sunday 16 December (mat) Fernanda Oliveira, James Forbat, Daniel McCormick Tuesday 18 December (mat) Begoña Cao, Aitor Arrieta, Junor Souza Tuesday 18 December Alina Cojocaru, Francesco Gabriele Frola, James Forbat Wednesday 19 December (mat) Katja Khaniukova, Ken Saruhashi, Erik Woolhouse Wednesday 19 December Rina Kanehara, Jeffrey Cirio, Fernando Carratalá Coloma Thursday 20 December (mat) Begoña Cao, Aitor Arrieta, Junor Souza Thursday 20 December Shiori Kase, Francesco Gabriele Frola, Daniel McCormick Friday 21 December (mat) Francesca Velicu, Ken Saruhashi, Erik Woolhouse Friday 21 December Jurgita Dronina, Joseph Caley, Skyler Martin Saturday 22 December (mat) Erina Takahashi, Isaac Hernández, Aitor Arrieta Saturday 22 December Alina Cojocaru, Francesco Gabriele Frola, James Forbat Sunday 23 December (mat) Jurgita Dronina, Joseph Caley, Skyler Martin Wednesday 26 December (5pm) Shiori Kase, Francesco Gabriele Frola, Daniel McCormick Thursday 27 December Erina Takahashi, Isaac Hernández, Aitor Arrieta Friday 28 December Alina Cojocaru, Francesco Gabriele Frola, James Forbat Saturday 29 December (mat) Rina Kanehara, Jeffrey Cirio, Fernando Carratalá Coloma Saturday 29 December Jurgita Dronina, Joseph Caley, Skyler Martin Sunday 30 December (mat) Francesca Velicu, Ken Saruhashi, Erik Woolhouse Manon (in the order of Manon and Des Grieux) Wednesday 16 January Alina Cojocaru and Joseph Caley Thursday 17 January (mat) Jurgita Dronina and Isaac Hernández Thursday 17 January Begoña Cao and Aitor Arrieta Friday 18 January (mat) Emma Hawes and Rupert Pennefather Friday 18 January Erina Takahashi and Jeffrey Cirio Saturday 19 January (mat) Alison McWhinney and Francesco Gabriele Frola Saturday 19 January Jurgita Dronina and Isaac Hernández Sunday 20 January (mat) Alina Cojocaru and Joseph Caley *Debut in role Casting for Swan Lake to be announced in due course. Casting is subject to change. Please see www.ballet.org.uk for up-to-date casting. ENDS For further information about English National Ballet and to book tickets visit www.ballet.org.uk. Please note performance details are subject to change. Notes to Editors Alongside performances, English National Ballet will host a range of workshops and events throughout the Winter, aimed to provide a gateway into the world of ballet. Activities include on-stage workshops for all ages, Live Drawing, Family Events, and behind-the-scenes talks. For more details, see www.ballet.org.uk/whats-on/ Listings information for 2018 Winter Season: Nutcracker London Coliseum Thursday 13 December – Sunday 30 December 2018 Press night: Thursday 13 December, 7.30pm Box Office: 020 7845 9300 or www.ballet.org.uk/nutcracker Swan Lake London Coliseum Thursday 03 January – Sunday 13 January 2019 Press night: Thursday 03 January, 7.30pm Box Office: 020 7845 9300 or www.ballet.org.uk/swanlake Manon London Coliseum Wednesday 16 January – Sunday 20 January 2019 Press night: Wednesday 16 January, 7.30pm Box Office: 020 7845 9300 or www.ballet.org.uk/manon About English National Ballet English National Ballet has a long and distinguished history. Founded in 1950 as London Festival Ballet by the great English Dancers Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin, it has played a major role in the growth and history of ballet in the UK. Today, English National Ballet is renowned for taking world-class ballet to the widest possible audience through its national and international tour programme, offsite performances at festivals including Glastonbury and Latitude, its distinguished orchestra English National Ballet Philharmonic, and being a UK leader in creative learning and engagement practice and delivery, building innovative partnerships to deliver flagship programmes such as English National Ballet’s Dance for Parkinson’s. Under the artistic directorship of Tamara Rojo, English National Ballet has gained new acclaim as it introduces innovative new works to the Company’s repertoire while continuing to honour and reinvigorate traditional ballet.

ENB kicked off their national tour of Swan Lake last night in Liverpool. It was pretty much full house (= cacophony of rustling papers etc!) but despite distractions it was a nice performance. Jurgita Dronina/Isaac Hernandez/James Streeter took the leads. I enjoyed the performance but overall it didn't get me emotionally this time. The swans were really good very well drilled and the corps de ballet in Act 1 and 3 were also very good. I think Rothbart and the swans were the best bit last night, and I must mention the 2 dancers who replaced Ken Sarasuhi they were both great and I really enjoyed watching them. Junor Souza was in the show but only in Act 3. Sadly Dronina ran out of puff with her fouettes so we didn't quite get the full 32. (I know I'm sorry I count!) The music was beautifully played I thought and it sounded great from my seat in the Circle and thankfully drowned out some of the background noises from those rustlers! I am sure Janet will write a better review than I - I am just about to leave to go down south but just wanted to post a few curtain call photos.

Date is June 11 and the London Coliseum is the venue. Booking here.

Principal casting for The Sleeping Beauty at the London Coliseum in June is now on the ENB Website https://www.ballet.org.uk/production/sleeping-beauty/#cast-section Wednesday 6 June, 7.30pm Alina Cojocaru* and Joseph Caley* Thursday 7 June, 2pm Erina Takahashi and Aitor Arrieta* Thursday 7 June, 7.30pm Maria Alexandrova*† and Aaron Robison* Friday 8 June, 7.30pm Alina Cojocaru and Joseph Caley Saturday 9 June, 2.30pm Jurgita Dronina* and Isaac Hernández* Saturday 9 June, 7.30pm Erina Takahashi and Aitor Arrieta Tuesday 12 June, 7.30pm Maria Alexandrova† and Aaron Robison Wednesday 13 June, 7.30pm Erina Takahashi and Aitor Arrieta Thursday 14 June, 2pm Alina Cojocaru and Joseph Caley Thursday 14 June, 7.30pm Jurgita Dronina and Isaac Hernández Friday 15 June, 7.30pm Maria Alexandrova† and Aaron Robison Saturday 16 June, 2.30pm Shiori Kase* and Cesar Corrales* Saturday 16 June, 7.30pm Jurgita Dronina and Isaac Hernández *Debut in role with English National Ballet †Guest Artist

Use the promo code OLTENB onlineor call 020 7845 9300 and quote "Official London Theatre"£60.50 tickets now £46.50* £46.50 tickets now £31.50* Balcony tickets (normally £20.50 or £15.50) now £11.50*Valid for Tuesday – Thursday performances*Prices include booking fees

Casting just announced: https://www.ballet.org.uk/production/voices-of-america/#cast-section

20% off selected performances here

Does anyone have any thoughts on either of the double bills? Did anyone see it in Manchester or Milton Keynes? Is anyone planning to see it in London? I'm contemplating going, but not sure which one. I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts!

This site has 35% off tickets for the ENB performances at the Coliseum in January 2018 (except the top and bottom two price brackets).

It looks as though ENB has been invited to contribute to the Robbins celebration in the first half of the Paris Summer dance festival (Les Etes de la Danse) There are 2 Robbins programmes in the last week of June, 2018 (25-27; 28-30) at which ENB are expected to perform, in addition to New York City Ballet, Miami City Ballet and Joffrey, plus Pacific Northwest Ballet, which will be presenting contemporary ballets in the second week (July 3-7). Given ENB are doing The Cage in their Sadler's Wells season it is that ballet that they would be likely to do. The details of the season have not yet been publicised but I have gleaned this information from the website of PNB (directed by Peter Boal, a wonderful New York City Ballet dancer in the past, and one of the best Apollos. His wife is one of the former City Ballet dancers mentioned in the Peter Martins scandal). There is also information on the website of a theatre, La Scene Musicale, in the Bois de Boulogne suburb of Paris, which will be the venue. Coincidentally, Isaac Hernandez is guesting with Paris Opera Ballet this week in Don Q (Thursday and Saturday) replacing Hoffalt.

Hi, Looking for tickets for ENB's Nutcracker. Two for either 4th, 5th or 6th January, one adult and one child, matinee or evening, and a single for evening of 6th. Anyone got anything available? Thanks.

Does anyone have a spare ticket? Can't pay too much and needs to be upstairs. Please PM me if you do. Thanks.

The Khan Giselle casting for all venues is now on the ENB website: https://www.ballet.org.uk/production/akram-khan-giselle/#cast-section Just discovered the link doesn't take you straight to the casting page. You have to click on 'see casting for all dates' I've now pasted the casting below: Liverpool Empire, Wed 25 October 2017, 7.30pm Tamara Rojo Giselle James Streeter Albrecht Liverpool Empire, Sat 28 October 2017, 7.30pm Tamara Rojo Giselle James Streeter Albrecht Liverpool Empire, Sat 28 October 2017, 2.30pm Fernanda Oliveira Giselle Fernando Bufalá Albrecht Liverpool Empire, Fri 27 October 2017, 7.30pm Erina Takahashi Giselle Aitor Arrieta Albrecht Liverpool Empire, Thu 26 October 2017, 7.30pm Fernanda Oliveira Giselle Fernando Bufalá Albrecht Liverpool Empire, Thu 26 October 2017, 2pm Crystal Costa Giselle Aitor Arrieta Albrecht Sadler's Wells, Wed 20 September 2017, 7.30pm Tamara Rojo Giselle James Streeter Albrecht Sadler's Wells, Thu 21 September 2017, 2pm Fernanda Oliveira Giselle Fernando Bufalá Albrecht Sadler's Wells, Thu 21 September 2017, 7.30pm Erina Takahashi Giselle Isaac Hernández Albrecht Sadler's Wells, Fri 22 September 2017, 2.00pm (NB website has 7.30pm but this must be a typo) Crystal Costa Giselle Aitor Arrieta Albrecht Sadler's Wells, Fri 22 September 2017, 7.30pm Tamara Rojo Giselle James Streeter Albrecht Sadler's Wells, Sat 23 September 2017, 2.30pm Fernanda Oliveira Giselle Fernando Bufalá Albrecht Sadler's Wells, Sat 23 September 2017, 7.30pm Erina Takahashi Giselle Isaac Hernández Albrecht

Selling these two tickets as I am not in the UK during the Akram Khan Giselle season :sob sob: - They are listed as Restricted View: Overhang. I don't find they restrict the view unless you want to see the uppermost part of the set. Saw this production from the same seats when it premiered and had no issue whatsoever. Thursday 21 September 2PM First Circle L2 £25 Friday 22 September 7:30PM First Circle L1 £25 If interested, please PM/email. Linda.

This is the eighth iteration of English National Ballet's annual Emerging Dancer Competition. There were six contestants. Esmerelda pdd: Rina Kanehara, Aitor Arrieta ©Dave Morgan; by courtesy of DanceTabs / Flickr La Sylphide pdd: Madison Keesler, Guilherme Menezes ©Dave Morgan; by courtesy of DanceTabs / Flickr Paquita grand pas: Isabelle Brouwers, Emilio Pavan ©Dave Morgan; by courtesy of DanceTabs / Flickr More… Dave Morgan - 20 photos Courtesy of DanceTabs / Flickr Discussion of this event is here

For any of the performances.

UKMASTERCLASS JUNIORS: A DAY OF INSPIRATION We are pleased to announce a special UKMASTERCLASS event for younger dancers age 12 - 14. This day of inspiration will explore the classical technique, the characters from the musical CATS, and a creative experience to discover new moves and possibilities. The classes will be taught by three fabulous dancers and experienced teachers: ALICE CRAWFORD (former Senior Soloist dancer - English National Ballet), JASMIN COLANGELO (West End performer) and JAMIE EMMA McDONALD (Contemporary Dancer / Choreographer). Sunday 5th March Time: 11:00am - 3:30pm Age: 12 - 14 years Girls & Boys Venue: Rambert Dance Studio, 99 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PP Price: £60 (10% discount when you book before the 31st of January) There will also be a chance to win a scholarship for one of UKMASTERCLASS future events! More info and to book online please visit: www.ukmasterclass.co.uk

Hi all, After some feedback on the youth ballet workshops. DD did one a couple of years ago and found it, erm... not very challenging. I'm wondering if they get more challenging as the attendees get older, or if, as anyone can do them, they still are aimed at 'non career aspiring' (for want of a better description) children. Thanks an advance

I was at the opening night of ENB's lovely Nutcracker by Wayne Eagling. I really rather like this production. The opening wintry scene with skaters in great coats is delightful and then the festivities inside the house with all the dance students is just lovely. The children were really good and a credit to Tring Park School. The "adult" role of Clara was played by Laurretta Summerscales partnered by Emilio Pavan as the Nephew and Junor Souza as the Nutcracker although they double up in parts. Best not to put too much store by that or it gets confusing! James Streeter was Herr Drosselmeyer and a fine job he made of the role too - James can do no wrong in my eyes - his magic tricks were great too! I absolutely loved the Snowflake scene at the end of Act 1 - the ballerinas kept really straight lines and the intricate patterns of them weaving in and out was just beautiful to watch, I wish they could have done an encore! The Snowflake scene alone was worth the ticket price. Of all the divertissements in Act 2 I really enjoyed the male cossack in the Russian dance - his leaps were fantastic and he barely made a sound on landing - the cast sheet is confusing as it names 2 men in that section but there was only one and I feel it was Fernando Bufala rather than Francisco Bosch who was also named? The Spanish dance was great as well and danced with great latino joie de vivre by Crystal Costa, Adela Ramirez and Vitor Menezes. The dance of the Mirlitons and the Flower Waltz were all beautiful as well, I could go on.... Laurretta was very fast in the SPF section particularly in her solo which was great. In the pdd with Emilio Pavan there was a quick succession of lifts and unfortunately the biggest of all didn't quite come off as it should - I felt that the lift in question came after too many others so it's quite understandable that it didn't quite work, overall though this was the only glitsch throughout an otherwise super show. I have not seen Emilio Pavan before and I thought he was a lovely partner to Laurretta. The orchestra played beautifully under the baton of Gavin Sutherland (although I could have done without the accompaniment of at times some loud talking and lots of rustling sweet papers etc...grrr) I noticed they had 2 harps - I almost thought the music was being amplified as it was loud but I think it was having the second harp that made it sound louder! I was delighted that ENB had a children's choir (Tring Park I think as no other credit on the cast sheet) to sing the "Ah Ahs" - that was the icing on the musical cake for me! The set and costumes are lovely and it all made for a lovely Christmassy feel. I think the Liverpool shows are pretty much a sell out which is great - I am really pleased that ENB brought Nutcracker here again as it saves a trip to London. I would definitely recommend seeing this show. A curtain call photo from last night showing Laurretta summerscales and Emilio Pavan.

I auditioned for this and was wondering if anyone also did. I went to this Summer intensive 3 years ago and it was great. Hoping someone can tell me when they recieve their replies and if they are going ( possibly we can meet up). I looked for a topic on this but couldn't find one, so I just created one.

Hello to all - I'm delighted to have found this community of ballet fans. I wondered if anyone here was at the ENB's season launch last night, and if so, what did you think? I loved Tamara Rojo's speech: "There's a misunderstanding in the ballet world that in order to cherish our heritage, we have to freeze it." I really admire the choices she's making with the company. And of course I am incandescently excited to see The Rite of Spring next year. How does everyone else feel about the upcoming season?

Taster Classes: Spring Term Thursday 19 May 2016 Take part in a one-off taster session in which you can sample English National Ballet's Classes programme before enrolling in the Summer Term (4 Jul – 21 Sep 2016). Classes on offer are: BalletFit, 7pm – 8pm Improvers, 7pm – 8:15pm Intermediate, 8.20pm – 9.35pm Absolute Beginners, 8.20pm – 9.35pm Taster classes are now on sale via "http://www.ballet.org.uk/classes/taster-classes/" You can also view Class Descriptions. "http://www.ballet.org.uk/classes/class-descriptions/"