capybara Posted February 1, 2016 Share Posted February 1, 2016 (edited) Osipova and Polunin are now being advertised as dancing at the World Trade Centre in Dubai on the 8th and 9th April 2016. The programme is said to include part of Paquita. and they are described as being from the Royal Ballet. Edited February 1, 2016 by capybara Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPD444 Posted February 1, 2016 Share Posted February 1, 2016 I heard he was also appearing with her in her shows at Sadlers Wells in June/July Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridiem Posted February 1, 2016 Share Posted February 1, 2016 (edited) I see that for the Dubai programme they are (prominently) billed as 'Principal Dancers of the Roayl Opera House', which is obviously inaccurate in two respects. Maybe it has been cleared with the Royal (or Roayl) Opera House/Ballet for Polunin to be billed in this way. But much as I love both of these dancers, I have to say that I'm beginning to feel quite uncomfortable with (and sad about) how they are managing/promoting themselves. Edited February 1, 2016 by bridiem 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Q Fan Posted February 1, 2016 Share Posted February 1, 2016 I could not agree with you more Birdiem. I read recently that Polunin will be paid EUR210,000 for 20 performances... Not sure where but poss in Europe. So I guess if that it is the sort of money they can command they'll take all they can get. I don't like this side to them either and it inclines me to go and see other dancers instead, apart from the fact they err toward modern dance as well.... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted February 1, 2016 Share Posted February 1, 2016 My friend and I have booked for the Sadler's Wells week. This does not fill me with hope. Should we book our train tickets when we can or should we wait. Fortunately only a matinee so only train fare and not hotel involved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aileen Posted February 1, 2016 Share Posted February 1, 2016 Well, Osipova is free to do as she likes after 29 March as she has no other commitments to the RB for the rest of the season (unless she has to rehearse for the tour to Japan). I assume that her contract with the RB was specially negotiated to allow her considerable freedom to guest and that her salary was adjusted accordingly. There seems to be an increasing tendency for dancers at many companies to spend a considerable amount of time away from their home companies, sometimes by way of a guest principal contract for a season involving multiple performances in several ballets. That is the price you have to pay to keep your 'star' dancers and it can present problems with scheduling rehearsals and if there are injuries in the home company. As Polunin is apparently freelance now he has to accept whatever comes up (within reason) as he has no company salary to fall back on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Mallinson Posted February 1, 2016 Share Posted February 1, 2016 I don't want to stir up another Osipova/Polunin storm but I really don't see a big problem here. They seem to be very keen to dance together and are only doing what most other ballet stars do which is to accept invitations to appear in galas. And if some dancers are able to command large fees why should we begrudge them that? As for calling Polunin a Principal of the Royal Opera House, perhaps one could stretch a point: after all Bill Clinton is still sometimes referred to as President Clinton – though maybe that's not a very good analogy! 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capybara Posted February 1, 2016 Author Share Posted February 1, 2016 I'm all in favour of ballet dancers being able to command big fees. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanartus Posted February 1, 2016 Share Posted February 1, 2016 Please can we be less "suburban" about Osipova and Polunin. I'd welcome him back as a guest to RB! Fabulous star quality! And bravo to Hayward, Hay, Ball, Naghdi et al. It's all in the mix! 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwissBalletFan Posted February 1, 2016 Share Posted February 1, 2016 (edited) I could not agree with you more Birdiem. I read recently that Polunin will be paid EUR210,000 for 20 performances... Not sure where but poss in Europe. So I guess if that it is the sort of money they can command they'll take all they can get. I don't like this side to them either and it inclines me to go and see other dancers instead, apart from the fact they err toward modern dance as well.... It will be in Siberia that he is paid that much for a 'Maximum of' 20 performances in 2016. I don't want to stir up another Osipova/Polunin storm but I really don't see a big problem here. They seem to be very keen to dance together and are only doing what most other ballet stars do which is to accept invitations to appear in galas. And if some dancers are able to command large fees why should we begrudge them that? As for calling Polunin a Principal of the Royal Opera House, perhaps one could stretch a point: after all Bill Clinton is still sometimes referred to as President Clinton – though maybe that's not a very good analogy! The issue always has been the reliability of them actually performing. Initially it was Mr Polunin who has been a bit unreliable, and recently for other reasons Osipova was also not 100% for RB performances, and to be fair to her due to reasons regarding injury. Now the combination and the effect that some people are concerned about: CAST CHANGE Don Q Bolshoi 7th February, Polunin and Ospiova to be replaced by Kaptsova/ Chudin with less than a week to go. the website says cast change, not injury or anything, so again it will fuel rumours and speculation. I feel rather sad, like others. Ms Osipova is wonderful, and it is sad that her amazing performances on stage are tainted by speculation, or by the uncertainty of her performances or a last minute cast change. The costs of which have been much discussed on this forum. I also feel like others here, that such happiness and magic have a shadow now, and I hope that this can change soon. Edited February 1, 2016 by SwissBalletFan 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sim Posted February 2, 2016 Share Posted February 2, 2016 John, all American presidents keep the title for life, although it isn't often used, except perhaps at public events. I'm all for Osipova and Polunin filling their boots while they can, but I hope it doesn't become at the expense of their artistry. And how I too would love to see him guest at the RB again! 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lilian88 Posted February 2, 2016 Share Posted February 2, 2016 I personally think that discuss about salary is really inappropriate, but since the issues was cited I find that twenty performances with titles very varied are not few, especially considering that with Polunin tickets literally evaporate; not to mention the incalculable gain in terms of publicity for the theater and for the city itself, because with all due respect, in general conception Novosibirsk is not Moscow or St. Petersburg or London... As often it happens criticism and attention are all focused on the artists but not on theaters and on their interests 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpaley Posted April 11, 2016 Share Posted April 11, 2016 Polunin and Osipova were scheduled to appear in Dubai just a few days ago. They did not, and according to the management this was because of an injury to Osipova. Is this true? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenore Posted April 11, 2016 Share Posted April 11, 2016 I wonder if it's the same injury? If so, I'm glad she's giving herself time to properly recover. I've found an article which says she was injured during a rehearsal, so I'm assuming it was the Giselle one. So I guess there could have been little time to rehearse as well? Pure speculation on my part though. Reading online now... McRae & Salenko replaced them. It seems the whole event was a fiasco with regards to seats & planning. I wonder if the cast replacement was even announced beforehand? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lilian88 Posted April 11, 2016 Share Posted April 11, 2016 Polunin and Osipova were scheduled to appear in Dubai just a few days ago. They did not, and according to the management this was because of an injury to Osipova. Is this true? There is no official statement, so it's just a guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpaley Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Does anyone know why she and Polunin cancelled at Dubai? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VickyPage Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 I don't know for sure, but Sergei cancelled a performance in February because he and Natalia needed to rehearse for Sadler's Wells, so it might be that. Or maybe she wants to take the time to recover from her injury last month, and he won't dance without her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Posted April 15, 2016 Share Posted April 15, 2016 This "event" in Dubai was very strange, from the very beginning so in this case it was smart decision to cancel the appearance in advance & to prevent the problems The second show was cancelled by the organisers after lots of complains during the first performance and angry comments on the website (they were removed quite quickly) For now there is a message how to claim the refund https://dubai.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/33529/gala-ballet-w-soloists-of-bolshoi-theatre-of-russia-in-dubai-2016?show=30992 FYI, some deleted comments from the audience Preeta ChristianVery badly organised. From the seating to the information provided by the organisers explaining the delay, it's absolute rubbish. Complete waste of time and money. People who bought the cheaper tickets have moved to the expensive seats that are vacant. The organisers are wearing their Magic Crowns and doing nothing. Money back please.Preeta ChristianThe show finally commenced more than an hour late. No explanation has been offered, only an apology for the delay. However, the saving grace is that the dancers are doing a great job.Lesley Holmes · Burnley CollegeI cannot express how disappointed I am. The complete lack of professionalism is astounding. An hour and 10 minutes late ! No explaination . I have waited all my life to see these astounding dancers and was badly let down . Would I pay to see them again? I can catagorically say absolutely not ! So sadAli Al Saadi · Dubai, United Arab EmiratesShameful. But I'll pay to see the performances again. What I won't pay for is anything organized by this joke of an events company. The dancers had no hand in this messHans SmeetsBooked my holiday around it and all I get is à complete disappointment. The worst is that nobody takes responsibility for this situation. I payed dhs580/ticket while people how payed half had the same seats!!!!!!! Also rubbish!! I gave them the opportunity to refund within 24 hours otherwise legal steps will follow. Just criminals who have to be handled correspondingly.Sahar Hassan · AlmutanabiVery bad show, and the worst organized event I have ever been to.... totally not worthy of the Bolshoi name.After considerable delay, the show lasted for less then 90 minutes. I wasted 2000 dirham per ticket for a complete mess, and to watch hundreds of people fighting with the organizers to get their money back because of delays. People were moving all over the place, and there was no distinction between different fare seats. I was personally treated rudely and denied entry after stepping out for a few minutes, and was threatened with security for no reason.The organizers were extremely rude, and the in-charges disappeared like cowards.A complete disappointment. For my family and thousands of others, the Bolshoi name has been ruined for ever.I would join a lawsuit to for a refund and compensation.Steph StephWas very badly organized. Shocking seating ... And the delay?!!! No even explanation. Dancers were starting their variations upfront of music because apparently whoever was responsible for it didn't turn it on time. ??? Like seriously . People going in and out the hall without any respect to others watching . Do they know how it is in the real theater ? I guess now. Extremely bad organization. Dancers were amazing, loved everything. They'd did their best on this horrible small stage which is not even for ballet!!!!Alex Karimov · The Emirates Academy of Hospitality ManagementVery bad organization, the key artist didn't show up. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sim Posted April 15, 2016 Share Posted April 15, 2016 Oh dear, this sounds like an awful mess. I bet Polunipova are very happy that their names are not associated with it (other than having cancelled, of course....). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
penelopesimpson Posted April 15, 2016 Share Posted April 15, 2016 I see that for the Dubai programme they are (prominently) billed as 'Principal Dancers of the Roayl Opera House', which is obviously inaccurate in two respects. Maybe it has been cleared with the Royal (or Roayl) Opera House/Ballet for Polunin to be billed in this way. But much as I love both of these dancers, I have to say that I'm beginning to feel quite uncomfortable with (and sad about) how they are managing/promoting themselves. I would guess its called mega-bucks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Mallinson Posted April 15, 2016 Share Posted April 15, 2016 According to Laura Cappelle (in a tweet) Osipova and Polunin are joining the cast of Adam Donen's Symphony to a Lost Generation, "the world's first feature-length holographic theatre show", at LSO St Lukes on May 28-31. The website doesn't as yet list them amongst the performers so some other confirmation would seem to be advisable before rushing to get tickets. Also, if it's holographic would one get to see them in the flesh? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
now voyager Posted April 15, 2016 Share Posted April 15, 2016 According to the Evening Standard, they will not appear live; thst's where the technology comes into play; their performance was filmed in a restaurant in Willesden. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Macmillan Posted May 8, 2016 Share Posted May 8, 2016 In advance of the Sadler's Wells show, both dancers have been interviewed by Judith Mackrell: http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2016/may/08/natalia-osipova-and-sergei-polunin-interview I imagine that Mr Polunin's stated desire to return and guest with the Royal Ballet - "a conversation I would really like to have" - may cause some stir. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Posted May 8, 2016 Share Posted May 8, 2016 According to the Evening Standard, they will not appear live; thst's where the technology comes into play; their performance was filmed in a restaurant in Willesden. The kind of glamour we ordinary folk can only dream of :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarahw Posted May 8, 2016 Share Posted May 8, 2016 It seems risky to buy any tickets to see them.... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sim Posted May 9, 2016 Share Posted May 9, 2016 From an interview with Polunin/Osipova in the Guardian in Today's Links: "Polunin is keen to return to the Royal Ballet as a guest artist (“that is a conversation I would really like to have”)" Yes yes yes yes YES!!! I for one would be VERY keen to have him return to the RB as a guest artist!! It would seem that bridges are being built so I hope this happens sooner rather than later. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanartus Posted May 9, 2016 Share Posted May 9, 2016 Well according to one dance critic I talked to at the premiere of Frankenstein (please don't tell me off for hearsay!) the deal is sealed on Mayerling and Marguerite... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwissBalletFan Posted May 9, 2016 Share Posted May 9, 2016 (edited) From an interview with Polunin/Osipova in the Guardian in Today's Links: "Polunin is keen to return to the Royal Ballet as a guest artist (“that is a conversation I would really like to have”)" Is there really no such thing as a telephone or Email directly in the ballet world these days? Must everything be discussed in the media rather than directly? (referencing Kobborg/ONB) I saw Polunin at the premiere of Strapless, Kevin OHare was there too.... as he spends so much time there, wouldn't it be more dignified to knock on Mr O'Hare's door and speak to him? Especially to make amends for how things have happened, including the other comments that Polunin made in the media about Opera Houses trying to keep him and Osipova apart. I am not sure that Kevin O'hare reading this in the Newspaper will make him run for the telephone.......sadly, .....but fairly. Edited May 9, 2016 by SwissBalletFan 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sim Posted May 9, 2016 Share Posted May 9, 2016 So.....Polunin is saying that returning to guest at the RB "is a conversation he would like to have", but a critic is saying it's a done deal for Mayerling and Marguerite?? Two very different perspectives, and I will wait for casting to come out before I get excited. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capybara Posted May 9, 2016 Author Share Posted May 9, 2016 So.....Polunin is saying that returning to guest at the RB "is a conversation he would like to have", but a critic is saying it's a done deal for Mayerling and Marguerite?? Two very different perspectives, and I will wait for casting to come out before I get excited. Which critic? Where? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sim Posted May 9, 2016 Share Posted May 9, 2016 Capybara, read Vanartus' post number 27 on the previous page.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPD444 Posted May 9, 2016 Share Posted May 9, 2016 So.....Polunin is saying that returning to guest at the RB "is a conversation he would like to have", but a critic is saying it's a done deal for Mayerling and Marguerite?? Two very different perspectives, and I will wait for casting to come out before I get excited. You may be pleased to note that Mr. O'Hare is the guest speaker at the next meeting of the Ballet Association on the 19th May, so why not come along and ask him??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanartus Posted May 9, 2016 Share Posted May 9, 2016 Polunin has done Rudolf in Moscow and Armand with Rojo for the RB as well, so it really isn't that fanciful... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now