FionaM Posted November 6, 2021 Author Share Posted November 6, 2021 A new show is announced in Milan on 10 December 2021 … the same format as the London Palladium event of Dance and Conversation last month. Sergei will dance his new solos of Bolero and Paradiso. Plus a “surprise” dance at the end. Everyone now knows that this will be TMTC (Take Me to Church) without it being stated. TMTC has been an unannounced extra at selected shows since Florence in Summer 2019. It’s phenomenal live. https://www.teatroarcimboldi.it/fat-event/sergei-polunin-an-evening-of-dance-and-conversation/?sd=1639170000&ed=1639177200 SERGEI POLUNIN AN EVENING OF DANCE AND CONVERSATION 10 December 2021, 9pm The rock star of world dance returns to the TAM with an exclusive evening: an intimate encounter with her fans is an exceptional moderator. An unmissable evening made up of intimate conversations and live previews of the new solos of the iconic artist on the occasion of the publication of his autobiography “Free: A Life in Images and Words”. Sergei Polunin is widely recognized as one of the most prodigious, fascinating and charismatic talents of his generation. “An evening of dance and conversation with SERGEI POLUNIN” will be the occasion to tell for the first time in person his extraordinary life story: from his childhood in Ukraine, to the beginning of his dance training in Kiev; from traveling to the UK to study at the Royal Ballet School in his teens to his astounding rise to becoming one of the most talked about and talented dancers in world dance and the youngest director of the Royal Ballet in London.Sergei will accompany the audience behind the scenes through a career that has also crossed over into fashion and cinema to share the emotional aspects of his personal journey towards artistic maturity to reveal exclusive news about future projects both on stage and on the screen. A special night and a unique opportunity to witness live previews of some brand new solos on stage: "Bolero", a dazzling new interpretation of Ravel's masterpiece and "Paradiso", from "Dante Metanoia" in three parts dedicated to the 700th anniversary of Dante. To these two performances is added a beautiful surprise ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted November 6, 2021 Author Share Posted November 6, 2021 Booking links for Milan show on 10 December 2021 https://ticket.teatroarcimboldi.it/acquista-biglietti/default.aspx?ID=421 https://www.ticketone.it/eventseries/an-evening-with-sergei-polunin-3018613/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted November 9, 2021 Author Share Posted November 9, 2021 Released today, a vlog of Sergei’s Dante Metànoia, which premiered in the Teatro Alighieri in Dante’s home city of Ravenna, where he died in September 1321, exactly 700 years before. Plenty of fabulous Polunin dancing to admire. The project as described by the Teatro Alighieri: ”An extremely personal contemplation of the Divine Comedy, retracing Dante's footsteps: Polunin and Dante, two rebellious and stateless poets, forced to dig deep within themselves in search of meaning and love - found their respective paradises in art and creativity, striking sparks that lighted up the world. The term Metànoia, Greek for "conversion", was used by Jung to indicate the soul's spontaneous attempt at self-healing after a crisis. This new creation is Polunin's own metànoia, the story of his journey from hell to heaven, of how he found his own divine spark, and demonstrated that salvation is possible. Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso are his triple challenge, with different musicians taking turns on the stage: a challenge none other could take, and one that Polunin has accepted putting his own self on the line.“ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Macmillan Posted November 9, 2021 Share Posted November 9, 2021 "A challenge none other could take ...?" Should someone tell Wayne McGregor? Just asking .... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capybara Posted November 10, 2021 Share Posted November 10, 2021 Thanks for all this info., Fiona. Maybe someone should tell TAM about the mistranslation - Sergei never directed the RB, did he?????🤫 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted November 10, 2021 Author Share Posted November 10, 2021 8 hours ago, Ian Macmillan said: "A challenge none other could take ...?" Should someone tell Wayne McGregor? Just asking .... I think they are referring to him taking on the challenge as an hour long solo … which no other dancer would do. As we know, Wayne’s version used a multitude of elite dancers … so it’s very different to Sergei’s version. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted November 10, 2021 Author Share Posted November 10, 2021 2 minutes ago, capybara said: Thanks for all this info., Fiona. Maybe someone should tell TAM about the mistranslation - Sergei never directed the RB, did he?????🤫 🤣🤣🤣 I hadn’t noticed … or is it a mis-translation? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capybara Posted November 10, 2021 Share Posted November 10, 2021 2 minutes ago, FionaE said: 🤣🤣🤣 I hadn’t noticed … or is it a mis-translation? Yes, that’s what I said. But I wondered to what extent that was in the public domain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted November 10, 2021 Share Posted November 10, 2021 12 minutes ago, FionaE said: I think they are referring to him taking on the challenge as an hour long solo … which no other dancer would do. As we know, Wayne’s version used a multitude of elite dancers … so it’s very different to Sergei’s version. Apart perhaps from Akram Khan? (Desh, Xenos to name but 2) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted November 10, 2021 Author Share Posted November 10, 2021 8 hours ago, Ian Macmillan said: "A challenge none other could take ...?" Should someone tell Wayne McGregor? Just asking .... … and Dortmund Ballet started their Dante trilogy in Autumn 2018. A full length for each part. So this was probably long before either Wayne McGregor or Sergei Polunin. Although clearly the 700th anniversary of Dante’s death could be predicted by anyone 😉 FYI, Sergei’s version was announced in early 2020, so presumably in resource negotiation for some time before that. It was originally to be performed in late 2020, but “Covid”. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted November 10, 2021 Author Share Posted November 10, 2021 4 minutes ago, Jan McNulty said: Apart perhaps from Akram Khan? (Desh, Xenos to name but 2) Good point. Perhaps it’s the difference between classical ballet and contemporary moves? Sergei’s inferno and Purgatorio are primarily ballet and there are a lot of virtuoso moves in multiple scenes of Inferno. (Parallels with Wayne’s version, in that regard.) As you can see in the vlog, Paradiso is all contemporary, choreographed by Jiri Bubenicek. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted November 10, 2021 Share Posted November 10, 2021 10 minutes ago, FionaE said: Good point. Perhaps it’s the difference between classical ballet and contemporary moves? Sergei’s inferno and Purgatorio are primarily ballet and there are a lot of virtuoso moves in multiple scenes of Inferno. (Parallels with Wayne’s version, in that regard.) As you can see in the vlog, Paradiso is all contemporary, choreographed by Jiri Bubenicek. If you have seen, especially, Desh you would know how much it takes out of Akram Khan - it is absolutely non stop and exhilarating to watch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted November 10, 2021 Author Share Posted November 10, 2021 29 minutes ago, capybara said: Yes, that’s what I said. But I wondered to what extent that was in the public domain. What I posted above is a direct cut&paste of the English translation from the Teatro Arcimboldi webpage. I’ll message team PoluninInk. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted November 10, 2021 Author Share Posted November 10, 2021 @capybara I’ve seen principal become prime minister in some languages (!). So not surprised to see ‘director’ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bangorballetboy Posted November 10, 2021 Share Posted November 10, 2021 12 hours ago, FionaE said: ”An extremely personal contemplation of the Divine Comedy, retracing Dante's footsteps: Polunin and Dante, two rebellious and stateless poets, forced to dig deep within themselves in search of meaning and love - found their respective paradises in art and creativity, striking sparks that lighted up the world. The term Metànoia, Greek for "conversion", was used by Jung to indicate the soul's spontaneous attempt at self-healing after a crisis. This new creation is Polunin's own metànoia, the story of his journey from hell to heaven, of how he found his own divine spark, and demonstrated that salvation is possible. Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso are his triple challenge, with different musicians taking turns on the stage: a challenge none other could take, and one that Polunin has accepted putting his own self on the line.“ With apologies to Yoda, the hyperbole is strong in this one. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted November 10, 2021 Author Share Posted November 10, 2021 (edited) 2 hours ago, bangorballetboy said: With apologies to Yoda, the hyperbole is strong in this one. Yes 🤣🤣 Teatro Alighieri’s marketing blurb 😉 It worked though … it was sold out 👍 They were one of the sponsors … and it won’t have been cheap … with music commissions from 3 composers, 3 choreographers and 3 video scenographies, plus crew and musicians. (Nowhere near the cost of Wayne’s I’m guessing.) Possibly originally budgeted based on full house for 5 nights … sadly audience was restricted to <50% due to Italian govt social distancing requirements. Edited November 10, 2021 by FionaE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted November 10, 2021 Author Share Posted November 10, 2021 Sergei will be a sitter on next week’s episode of Sky Portrait Artist of the Year, alongside historian David Olusoga and space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock From Sergei’s IG: “ Was honoured and glad to take part in Sky Arts’ Portrait Artist of the Year show at The Grand Hall of Battersea Arts Centre in London and to help young talented artists with their competition performance. The show will be broadcast on 17 of November on Sky Arts and NOW TV at 8PM GMT. “ https://www.instagram.com/p/CWGzfTRq_Fl/?utm_medium=copy_link Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted November 17, 2021 Author Share Posted November 17, 2021 Reminder … Sergei will be a sitter on today’s episode of Sky Portrait Artist of the Year, alongside historian David Olusoga and space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock The show will be broadcast on 17 of November on Sky Arts and NOW TV at 8PM GMT. “ https://www.instagram.com/p/CWGzfTRq_Fl/?utm_medium=copy_link Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted November 19, 2021 Author Share Posted November 19, 2021 (edited) The full cast for the Albert Hall R&J on 1st December is now known. Romeo & Juliet are Sergei Polunin & Alina Cojocaru. There are two changes amongst the soloist roles: Daichi Ikarashi replaces Valentino Zucchetti as MERCUTIO. I understand Valentino is injured, but has been seen helping with rehearsals. Barnaby Bishop replaces Giorgio Garrett as BENVOLIO. Understandably the ENB dancers from the original cast (Giorgio, Henry Dowden) could not be released due to ENB’s own schedule at this time of year. And that applies to others amongst the original cast who are employed at full time ballet companies. Rehearsal video Edited November 19, 2021 by FionaE Clarification 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RosiesDream Posted November 19, 2021 Share Posted November 19, 2021 I would have loved to see Valentino dance Mercutio 😥 I hope he's better soon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capybara Posted November 19, 2021 Share Posted November 19, 2021 What an amazing opportunity for Daichi Ikarashi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted November 19, 2021 Author Share Posted November 19, 2021 26 minutes ago, capybara said: What an amazing opportunity for Daichi Ikarashi. yes! He has incredible technique. Up there with the very best. So it’s really a chance for him to shine dramatically… I’m sure it’s in him, judging by his performances at YAGP. He hasn’t been given a chance to show it at RB yet 🤔 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capybara Posted November 19, 2021 Share Posted November 19, 2021 1 hour ago, FionaE said: yes! He has incredible technique. Up there with the very best. So it’s really a chance for him to shine dramatically… I’m sure it’s in him, judging by his performances at YAGP. He hasn’t been given a chance to show it at RB yet 🤔 Interestingly, it was Daichi’s dramatic ability as a child student at the RBS many years ago which first drew my eye. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted November 29, 2021 Author Share Posted November 29, 2021 (edited) Update on R&J rehearsals Edited November 29, 2021 by FionaE Fix video link Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted December 5, 2021 Author Share Posted December 5, 2021 Sergei’s next performance is a solo show ‘Up, Close and Personal’ on Sunday 5th December in Prague. (It’s one of those shows that was cancelled by the pandemic and re-arranged a few times) I believe the show will include SACRE, a talk about his book FREE, and I’m guessing a surprise finale of TMTC too? A specially constructed stage with the audience on all sides has been built in the Forum Karlin. It looks awesome. https://www.instagram.com/p/CXCAQgdrgf4/?utm_medium=copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/CUZlZNaMRbM/?utm_medium=copy_link Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted December 9, 2021 Author Share Posted December 9, 2021 News from the Sevastopol Ballet Academy that Stanislavsky principal Zhanna Gubanova will partner Sergei in performances of The Nutcracker on 15/16 December 2021 alongside pupils of the Academy and other artists. Sergei has been Acting Rector of the Academy for 2-3 years now. Lovely poster advertising the show https://www.instagram.com/sevastopolballetacademy/p/CWxZoE8I7os/?utm_medium=copy_link The choreography for this Nutcracker is by Emil Faski, previously a soloist with Jacobson Ballet, Monte Carlo and Hamburg Ballet. He has worked as a choreographer since 2007, and also ballet master at the Mariinsky from 2009. There are some sweet photos of him working with pupils on the school’s IG. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted December 9, 2021 Author Share Posted December 9, 2021 When this Nutcracker collaboration was announced I thought I recognised the choreographer’s name. Emil Faski previously choreographed a duet “100 degree Celsius” for Sergei and Kristina Shapran (now lead soloist at Mariinsky) for the Bolshoi TV competition in 2012 which Sergei won, competing against Vladislav Lantratov, Artem Ovcharenko, Oleg Ivenko, and Andrei Ermakov amongst others. The pair scored 10s from all the judges for this piece. To find the video on YouTube search … полунин шапран фаски 100 градусов по Цельсию (Polunin Shapran Faski 100 degree Celsuis …. in Cyrillic) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angela Posted December 9, 2021 Share Posted December 9, 2021 Emil Faski was once Emil Faskhoutdinov and danced for some years with John Neumeier's Hamburg Ballet before becoming a freelance choreographer. He recently also worked for Bavarian State Ballet. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted December 11, 2021 Author Share Posted December 11, 2021 Here is the interview from the Wimbledon Book festival in September 2021, released recently. Sergei discusses some photos and stories from his life so far (to age 30) as recorded in his book ‘Free’ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted December 12, 2021 Author Share Posted December 12, 2021 An amusing review of Sergei’s book FREE ….. Best illustrated books of 2021 Marcus Berkmann Daily Mail, 9 December 2021 FREE: A LIFE IN IMAGES AND WORDS By Sergei Polunin (teNeues £45, 272 pp) Not a name that I had encountered before, Polunin is a Ukrainian-born, British-trained ballet dancer; rather a good-looking man, of apparently rare talents and extraordinary dedication. This is an autobiography in words and pictures, the words rarely more than functional, the pictures often spell-bindingly good. It’s usually only sportsmen who write autobiographies this early on in their lives (Polunin is 32), but this book is aimed at serious ballet fans and anyone keen on muscular young men jumping ridiculously high in the air. It also shows how often young Polunin gets his kit off. The clothes just seem to fall off the poor fellow. Helen Mirren, who had a similar problem in her youth, contributes an appreciative introduction. Full article here https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/books/article-10293915/From-Marilyn-birthday-suit-bad-boy-ballet-2021s-best-illustrated-books.html For sale at the Mail’s own bookshop for £40.50 https://books.mailshop.co.uk/free-9783961713370 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted December 16, 2021 Author Share Posted December 16, 2021 The new production of The Nutcracker for the Sevastopol Ballet Academy in Crimea premiered today. It’s not your typical ballet school production, but a specially commissioned production with: - choreography by Emil Faski of the Mariinsky - recorded score from the Bolshoi - additional lighting shipped from St Petersburg - additional adults from local Black Sea Ballet Company as giant mice and the teaching staff as party adults - professionally made sets and costumes - plus Sergei as the Nutcracker partnering Zhanna Gubanova, leading soloist of the Stanislavsky Theatre in Moscow who originates from this region. Lovely photos here https://www.instagram.com/p/CXhFsXCoJRM/?utm_medium=copy_link 2 performances today 15th December, with 2 more tomorrow. For those who don’t know, Sergei is the Acting Rector of the Academy and also Director of the new theatre being built there. The one used for this production is historic but the kstage and auditorium are small. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted December 26, 2021 Author Share Posted December 26, 2021 The day after these 4 performances of Nutcracker in Sevastopol … Sergei performed ‘Silent Echo’ by Russell Maliphant at a rhythmic gymnastics international festival ‘Divine Grace’ arranged by Alina Kabaeva in Moscow Svetlana Zakharova performed the Dying Swan solo at the same festival. I’m guessing the 4th Sevastopol performance was moved earlier in the day to allow Sergei to fly back to Moscow for this show the following day. This may be the first time Sergei has performed this solo since the triple bill tour of ‘Run Mary Run’ with Natalia Osipova in 2016. Scroll to 1hr 59mins in the Day 2 video to watch … https://divinegrace.sport-express.ru/en Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted December 27, 2021 Author Share Posted December 27, 2021 Super photos of Silent Echo at Divine Grace Festival in Moscow by photographer Vitaly Krivtsov https://www.instagram.com/vitaly_pht/p/CX8ysslMISD/?utm_medium=copy_link Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts