The Royal Ballet back on stage, 9/10/20

[Christine]

Yes, I do, Alison. Quite often, in fact, as I live very close to the Staatstheater. Stuttgart ballet reopens on 17 October, but with much fewer seats available, it's much harder to obtain tickets. I also watch Gauthier Dance performances.

[Rachelm]

So many wonderful moments from the gala, but my standouts were Magri/Ball in Carousel, Watson/Richardson/Takada in Woolf Works, Within the Golden Hour, and everyone in Elite Syncopations, though I thought Benjamin Ella stood out in the male quartet- loved his style and easiness with the music.

 

I really enjoyed seeing so many pieces I hadn’t seen before.
 

I also thought the orchestra sounded really fresh and vibrant- I don’t know if it was to do with the placement in the stalls, or the young conductor I didn’t recognise, but I thought they sounded amazing!

 

It was such a pleasure to watch it all live from the comfort of the living room and I’m so happy they are all back, and for the privilege.

 

[Rachelm]

2 hours ago, Richard LH said:

I thought Akane was sublime as Odette but there are so many delights to dip into over the next 30 days!

She really stands out to me more and more. I think she’s exquisite!

[Jan McNulty]

34 minutes ago, Rachelm said:

 

I also thought the orchestra sounded really fresh and vibrant- I don’t know if it was to do with the placement in the stalls, or the young conductor I didn’t recognise, but I thought they sounded amazing!

 

 

The conductor was Jonathan Lo, who became Music Director at Northern Ballet last year.  I first saw him as a guest conductor with BRB and have also seen him conduct RB.  He conducted two performances of Fille on one day for BRB 2 years ago and what impressed me most was that the 2 casts were very different and he was able to adapt for both of them without ever compromising the music.  If you ever hear him giving a talk he is incredibly passionate and erudite about music.  Here's his biography:  https://northernballet.com/biography/jonathan-lo

 

Just going back to the performance, it was lovely watching it last night and knowing that friends were watching at the same time.  Obviously it's not as good as sitting together in a theatre but it's one step closer.

[JohnS]

45 minutes ago, Jan McNulty said:

Just going back to the performance, it was lovely watching it last night and knowing that friends were watching at the same time.  Obviously it's not as good as sitting together in a theatre but it's one step closer.

I quite agree Jan. It’s great that screening allows us to delight in performance and feel a part of an extended audience. I know screening is not the same as attending but it certainly feels like the next best thing. Many would be audience members are wary of the risks of travel, overnight stays, and attending the theatre, given Covid and perhaps underlying health conditions. So I’m certainly looking forward to further screenings.
 

And wasn’t it just fabulous to see live ballet, that edge of seat excitement/trepidation, with an audience in the theatre, and performances to match the occasion.

[Beryl H]

I only watched as far as The Dream but the standouts were Mayara Magri and Matthew Ball in Carousel, and Laura Morera and Alexander Campbell in The Dream, looking forward to seeing the other performances later, the only thing I didn't like were the interviews which interrupted the flow, except seeing Lauren Cuthbertson who I thought at first was suffering from "lockdown belly" like me, congratulations to her 

[Guest oncnp]

From the Telegraph (too late for this AM's links)

 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/dance/ballet/royal-ballet-back-stage-royal-opera-house-review-evening-elation/

[Agatha]

I thought it a marvellous evening of dance. I wasn’t familiar with the opening piece but found it very moving. Brilliant to see Watson on stage again - I do love Woolf Works and his performance is such a big part of why. I thought Naghdi looked on fine form, positively sizzling in fact, and enjoyed Magri/Ball too. But overall it was just such a joy to see the company back on stage. Already looking forward to watching it again. 

[LinMM]

Is Cuthbertson pregnant then I took that from your post Beryl! 

[Janite]

 

[Guest oncnp]

20 minutes ago, LinMM said:

Is Cuthbertson pregnant then I took that from your post Beryl! 

Yes - due in Jan I believe. 

[Guest oncnp]

14 minutes ago, Janite said:

 

This was wonderful. There is another shot on @flys.eye.view stories showing everyone celebrating with a couple notable exceptions 

https://instagram.com/stories/flys.eye.view

[FionaM]

Oh my word ... I think I held my breath for 3 hours straight, and was definitely on the edge of my seat ... couldn’t get close enough to my TV.  (I streamed via iPad connected to TV by hdmi cable).   Absolutely wonderful ... pretty much all of it.  
 

Those that were somewhat out-of-shape served to remind me how awful this situation has been for dancers used to being highly active for 8+ hours a day, reduced to the commute from their bedroom to kitchen/living room, often the same room!   And limited rehearsal time and studio space on return to ROH due to COVID distancing requirements.   On the other hand some have managed to fine themselves to even higher athletic peaks ... Matty Ball and Mayara Magri were looking better than ever 👏👏👏, as were many others.  I applaud their discipline and resilience.
 

Vadim was on another level last night.  He seems to have become a MAN on the stage overnight, no longer the boy of his 20s.  He owned the stage, not just accompanying Marianela, but leading her.  Not sure I can quite find the words to explain what I mean!  Anyway, I’m just thrilled for this new era of Vadim.  Queen Marianela was utterly sublime.

posting a photo below .... as this smile perfectly displays the sheer joy, relief and hope of us all after last night!

 

 

Edited October 10, 2020 by FionaE
Typo

[FionaM]

 

[Janite]

5 minutes ago, FionaE said:

Vadim was on another level last night.  He seems to have become a MAN on the stage overnight, no longer the boy of his 20s.  He owned the stage, not just accompanying Marianela, but leading her.  Not sure I can quite find the words to explain  what mean!  Anyway, I’m just thrilled for this new era of Vadim.  Queen Marianela was utterly sublime.

 

I could not agree more, they were better than ever.

 

Edited October 10, 2020 by Janite

[ninamargaret]

An amazing evening. After all my trials last night I was finally able to watch it this afternoon. Couldn't see any trace of lack of training, in fact the whole company looked in terrific form. Highlights for me were Fille, Don Q, Carousel and seeing Ed Watson back on stage.But it was just so good to see a live performance again. I am only sorry that all the streaming problems have prevented many from seeing it and detracted from the amazing effort put in by all concerned.

[Sim]

I spent a lot of this morning looking at all the RB dancers' Instagram posts.  The sheer joy and relief of being back onstage shone through every single one of them.  They have given their young lives to their art, and to have had it robbed from them (and us) these past months has been incredibly cruel and nonsensical.  But as I mentioned above, I hope so much that by late winter/early spring this will be over with and we will be allowed to make our own choice as to whether to attend live performances or not.  

 

A couple of people have mentioned the interviews and presenter....I understand why they decided to bring out dancers and backstage people to talk, bearing in mind that many people in the audience, as well as people watching the stream, may well have never been to a ballet before.  As there was no interval, it was also a chance for everyone backstage to catch their breath a little bit.  What I DON'T understand is why they used such an uninformed and, seemingly, unprofessional presenter.  I would have even preferred Darcey Bussell, who knows about ballet (of course!), understands what it takes to put on a performance, and knows the names of the dancers.  Gary Avis would have been brilliant too.  This presenter clearly had no idea who anyone was, nor about the ballets, and the constant reading of the cards for every little thing was very irritating.   She didn't even credit Sambe after his amazing performance in the Fille pdd.  Even if it had been inadvertently left out of the list on the card, someone who knew the company would have realised and mentioned his name anyway.  My hubby, who ended up watching all three hours of the show having said he was going to go upstairs, commented on how poor the presentation was...and he doesn't know much about ballet (except through osmosis from me and my daughter!).  I would so love to see more programmes like this one until we can all go back, but please, please, ROH...engage someone knowledgeable to enhance the experience.  It’s what dancers and audience deserve.  

[bridiem]

I liked the interviews very much, since it was a chance to hear from crucial people who were nevertheless not performing. But I agree that they were poorly conducted. I find Anita Rani very likeable and enthusiastic, but those qualities are not sufficient to conduct good interviews with people about a specialised art form. The interviewer needs to be really confident and well informed, and she appeared to be neither. She was also unable to assist the interviewees who were less confident about speaking themselves, which is a crucial part of interviewing. I was also (to be honest) distracted by her (in my opinion) appalling outfit. (And yes, no doubt that betrays my age; but either way, I don't think interviewers/presenters should wear anything that draws more attention to themselves than is necessary - they're not the point of the proceedings, they're there to facilitate them.)

[Fonty]

Anita Rani has presented the live broadcasts from the ROH before, hasn't  she?  I remember saying that I didn't care for her style, personally, and was told that she has a lot of knowledge and experience?  

 

As a matter of interest, where was Darcey?  

Edited October 10, 2020 by Fonty

[maryrosesatonapin]

35 minutes ago, bridiem said:

I liked the interviews very much, since it was a chance to hear from crucial people who were nevertheless not performing. But I agree that they were poorly conducted. I find Anita Rani very likeable and enthusiastic, but those qualities are not sufficient to conduct good interviews with people about a specialised art form. The interviewer needs to be really confident and well informed, and she appeared to be neither. She was also unable to assist the interviewees who were less confident about speaking themselves, which is a crucial part of interviewing. I was also (to be honest) distracted by her (in my opinion) appalling outfit. (And yes, no doubt that betrays my age; but either way, I don't think interviewers/presenters should wear anything that draws more attention to themselves than is necessary - they're not the point of the proceedings, they're there to facilitate them.)

I agree with every word here.  In fact, my partner said 'Her very presence jars'.  I loved the way that non-dancing members of the RB were included in this historic occasion, just not the person chosen to do the presenting.  I just cannot understand the choice of her, nor her choice of outfit, and hope there isn't some long contract with her that means we will have to endure her again.  That was the only blot on a marvellous evening.

[Balletfanp]

2 hours ago, FionaE said:

 

Vadim was on another level last night.  He seems to have become a MAN on the stage overnight, no longer the boy of his 20s.  He owned the stage, not just accompanying Marianela, but leading her.  Not sure I can quite find the words to explain what I mean!  Anyway, I’m just thrilled for this new era of Vadim.  Queen Marianela was utterly sublime.

I do know what you mean, Fiona, because I thought the same myself. He was nothing less than Majestic (the capital M is intentional!). And Marianela just looked so thrilled to be back on stage. A wonderful performance that showed clearly why they are at the top of their game.

 

The other highlight for me was Anna Rose O’Sullivan and Marcelino Sambe in Fille. I love that pas de Deux anyway and it was just such a mood lifter that they performed delightfully.

 

But I wish they could have found someone better than Anita Rani to present it. The inane comments and ill-judged jokes fell flatter than a pancake....

[Justkeepsmiling]

Finally got to watch it today after all the technical issues. ROH - you are forgiven 😂 What a performance!!! Absolutely brilliant from start to finish! Loved Akane Takada - exquisite!!! Also loved Anna-Rose O’Sullivan and Marcelino Sambe - such joy and fun in their dancing - amazing!  Other highlights were Don Q and Elite Syncopations!!! Fantastic!!! Just wish I’d been in the audience. 

[Don Q Fan]

I enjoyed the show last night when I eventually got the stream to cast to my TV. The usual ROH IT shambles again. I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed Elite Syncopations last night, yet when I saw it in the theatre I didn't like it much. How odd?! I thought Melissa Hamilton and Paul Kay's Alaskan Rag duet was brilliant and reminded me very much of characters in The Concert. I liked Diamonds with Sarah Lamb and Ryo Hirano. Such a nice change to see it danced by someone other than Nunez. As for the DonQ pdd was it just me or did the music seem a bit slower than usual for Nunez's solo sections? Fille was absolutely joyful as was Carousel which was such a lovely piece I'm surprised it's not danced more often. Ball and Magri make a great couple. I think overall the rep was a neat balance between modern and classical. The dancers did a great job. Hats off to everyone involved in the production. 

Agree re Nita Rani's outfit that was just odd! Deborah Bull would have been a good compere. 

[bridiem]

7 minutes ago, Don Q Fan said:

Fille was absolutely joyful as was Carousel which was such a lovely piece I'm surprised it's not danced more often.

 

Yes, I thought the Carousel pdd was wonderful and superbly danced. (And I will from now on make a point of remembering Carousel as MacMillan's final work, not The Judas Tree which is generally described as such. A much more positive last memory of his work.)

[LinMM]

Watching this now in roughly 30 min sections on phone and just had my first teary moment....Magri and Ball in Carousel! Absolutely loved that and have no idea about this Macmillan Ballet....is it a whole ballet or did he just choreograph this pas de deux ...will definitely be watching this a few times

But back to The Golden Hour 

🩰💖🩰💖🩰💖🩰💖🩰🩰💖🩰💖

[Ian Macmillan]

More on Carousel here:

https://www.kennethmacmillan.com/carousel

 

I've now seen bits of the show on my desktop - some good moments, and that has been one of them.

[LinMM]

Thanks for that Ian I’ve never seen anything from Carousel before and was impressed 

[JennyTaylor]

1 hour ago, LinMM said:

Thanks for that Ian I’ve never seen anything from Carousel before and was impressed 

Me neither, and I'm thinking that one of the few bright spots to come from COVID is that we have had a chance to see Matthew Ball and Mayara Magri dance together.  What a sparkling, vibrant partnership and one which would normally have been cast, I suspect. 

[Guest oncnp]

Too late for today's links....

 

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2020/oct/11/royal-ballet-back-on-stage-review-gala

[LinMM]

Second teary moment the audience spontaneously clapping along with Lise’s little spring points on pointe in Fille pas de deux. How joyous both Sambe’ and O’Sullivan looked throughout that performance......please can Fille be one of the early Ballet’s back first when everything gets back to normal such an uplifting ballet and ...in another lifetime... Lise would still be my favourite role to perform in all ballet. 

[Beryl H]

That is my favourite moment of the whole evening, the huge smile on Marcelino Sambe's face as the audience clapped in time for her, and then him joining in, and the roar of applause at the end 

[Tango Dancer]

On 11/10/2020 at 14:55, LinMM said:

Second teary moment the audience spontaneously clapping along with Lise’s little spring points on pointe in Fille pas de deux. How joyous both Sambe’ and O’Sullivan looked throughout that performance......please can Fille be one of the early Ballet’s back first when everything gets back to normal such an uplifting ballet and ...in another lifetime... Lise would still be my favourite role to perform in all ballet. 

 

Mine too, I love the lightness of the part and Ashton's beautiful choreography. It's such a beautiful role.  I hope they do it again.  

[Scheherezade]

On 10/10/2020 at 21:37, Don Q Fan said:

I liked Diamonds with Sarah Lamb and Ryo Hirano...

Fille was absolutely joyful as was Carousel which was such a lovely piece I'm surprised it's not danced more often. Ball and Magri make a great couple... 

Agree re Nita Rani's outfit that was just odd!... 

Deborah Bull would have been a good compere.... 

 

For me, Diamonds is the sort of role that sits perfectly with Sarah Lamb's onstage persona and technical precision. More of the same, please, from her.

 

Probably the most joyful and utterly life-affirming performance of Fille that I have ever seen! What a fantastic reaction from the audience in the house and how thrilling (and so well-deserved) must that have been for O'Sullivan and Sambe. Just lovely!

 

Like many others, I, too, have never before seen MacMillan's Carousel and very much hope to see more of it soon. I just adored the glorious and very special rapport between Magri and Ball, with Magri cementing that "can't take your eyes off her" appeal that she brings to everything that she does and Ball, yet again, showcasing his singular interpretative skills and proving what a wonderful partner he is across the board.

 

The less said about Anita Rani's outfit the better, apart from observing that it was the type of dress and boots combination that should never be seen on anyone over the age of six. I have already made my views upon her presenting skills known but it does occur to me to wonder whether she might have been aiming for the same age criteria in her presenting style too.

 

Deborah Bull would, indeed, have been a good compere although, to be honest, any one of the interviewees would have brought that much-needed combination of interest, know-how, enthusiasm and well-informed inquiry into the mix and every one of them would have made a far better presenter than the one foisted upon us.