Jan McNulty Posted February 9 Share Posted February 9 English National Ballet Swan Lake in-the-round Royal Albert Hall Wednesday 12 – Sunday 23 June 2024 ballet.org.uk/swan-lake-round “When the swans make their first entrance, wave after wave of them, it’s awesome. To see them move and breathe as one is profoundly touching.” The Observer English National Ballet performs Derek Deane’s Swan Lake in-the-round at the Royal Albert Hall, London, from Wednesday 12 – Sunday 23 June 2024. With over 100 performers, including 60 dancing swans, Swan Lake in-the-round is one of the biggest spectacles in ballet and brings the classic love story to life on one of the world’s most famous stages. Featuring Tchaikovsky’s glorious score, performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic, this epic in-the-round staging of Swan Lake is perfect for both dedicated fans and first-time ballet goers. Swan Lake in-the-round caused a sensation at its premiere in 1997 and has since been enjoyed by over half a million people worldwide. Opening night sees Lead Principal Sangeun Lee and First Soloist Gareth Haw perform in the dual role of Odette/ Odile and Prince Siegfried respectively. Having only joined English National Ballet in 2023, this marks their debut performances both in these roles and on the grand stage of the Royal Albert Hall. Lead Principal Emma Hawes also makes her debut in the role of Odette/Odile whilst Lead Principals Aitor Arrieta and Francesco Gabriele Frola, and Soloist Lorenzo Trossello debut as Prince Siegfried. Laurretta Summerscales, former Principal dancer with English National Ballet and current Principal dancer with Bavarian State Ballet returns as a Guest Artist to perform as Odette/Odile. Principal Casting: Odette-Odile / Prince Siegfried / Rothbart Sangeun Lee* / Gareth Haw* / James Streeter 12th June 19:30,15th June 19:30,18th June 19:30 Fernanda Oliveira / Francesco Gabriele Frola* / Fabian Reimair 13th June 19:30, 15th June 14:30, 20th June 19:30 Emma Hawes* / Aitor Arrieta* / Junor Souza 14th June 19:30, 16th June 14:30, 22nd June 19:30 Laurretta Summerscales** / Lorenzo Trossello* / James Streeter 19th June 19:30, 21st June 19:30, 23rd June 14:30 To be announced 20th June 14:30, 22nd June 14:30 *Debut **Guest Artist Please note, casting is subject to change. Please see www.ballet.org.uk for up-to-date casting. Notes to Editors English National Ballet is a National Portfolio Organisation supported by Arts Council England. Ballymore is Principal Building Partner of English National Ballet. Listings: English National Ballet Swan Lake in-the-round Royal Albert Hall 12 – 23 June 2024 https://www.ballet.org.uk/swan-lake-round 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 been at the forefront of ballet’s growth and evolution ever since. English National Ballet brings world class ballet to the widest possible audience through performances across the UK and on eminent international stages; its distinguished orchestra, English National Ballet Philharmonic; its digital platforms Ballet on Demand and BalletActive; being a UK leader in creative learning and engagement practice, building innovative partnerships to deliver flagship programmes such as Dance for Parkinson’s; and through talent development initiatives including Ballet Futures which looks to create a more diverse and inclusive future for the artform. English National Ballet continues to add ground-breaking new works to its repertoire whilst celebrating the tradition of great classical ballet, gaining acclaim for artistic excellence and creativity. 2019 saw the Company enter a new chapter in its history with a move to a purpose-built state-of-the-art home in east London, allowing a renewed commitment to creativity, ambition, and connection to more people, near and far, than ever before. About the Royal Albert Hall The Royal Albert Hall is the world’s most famous stage. Throughout its 152-year history, it has welcomed a who’s who of world-renowned figures: artists, athletes and activists. No other place on earth has played host to Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein and Muhammad Ali; Ella Fitzgerald, The Beatles and Adele. This was the Suffragettes’ “temple of liberty” – the site of Votes for Women rallies that helped change the course of British history – the home of the Stonewall concerts, and a place of celebration during Nelson Mandela’s state visit. But its eccentric history has also seen it used for a séance, an indoor marathon and the world’s first bodybuilding contest (judged by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle). In an ordinary year, the Hall’s extraordinary auditorium presents around 400 world-class events: encompassing rock, pop and classical music, theatre, dance, films, Cirque du Soleil and sport. It typically welcomes 1.8 million visitors a year, while its 1,000 events in secondary spaces help to attract a young, diverse audience. Its Engagement programme includes music therapy, concerts in the community, and workshops with A-list artists, often in collaboration with other charities, such as Nordoff Robbins and Music for Youth. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawnstar Posted February 9 Share Posted February 9 Having dug up the season announcement from several months ago, it looks like all the casting is still the same as in that. I wonder why neither Takahashi nor Kase have any performances? Maybe one of them will end up with the two TBC dates but at the moment it seems a bit odd to have a guesting Odette/Odile yet not have any performances assigned to 2 of the 5 female Principals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irmgard Posted February 9 Share Posted February 9 When mentioning debuts, English National Ballet makes a distinction between the proscenium and the in-the-round version of Deane's "Swan Lake" because of course Hawes, Arrieta, Trossello and Frola all took the leading roles in the proscenium version in the 2022/23 season. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
San Perregrino Posted February 9 Share Posted February 9 2 minutes ago, Irmgard said: When mentioning debuts, English National Ballet makes a distinction between the proscenium and the in-the-round version of Deane's "Swan Lake" because of course Hawes, Arrieta, Trossello and Frola all took the leading roles in the proscenium version in the 2022/23 season. All four of whom were both sublime and divine in their roles. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAX Posted February 11 Share Posted February 11 Where is Shiori Kase ? Where are the young dancers ? Aaron Watkins castings are more traditional, or less daring than Tamara Rojo's... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emeralds Posted February 11 Share Posted February 11 I suppose it's unlikely we will get both Erina Takahashi AND Shiori Kase allocated to the remaining two dates now, but I hope it is one or the other and not someone else. As for Siegfried on those two dates- Daniel McCormick has partnered both Erina and Shiori in the classics successfully and beautifully. I do remember a memorable Le Corsaire pas de trois where Daniel stole the show as Ali and his memorable acting and dancing skills as Abdur in Raymonda, so he would be the most exciting and logical choice for the role. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawnstar Posted May 2 Share Posted May 2 ENB have tweeted about casting updates. Comparing what is now on their website to the info above, it's a reshuffle of existing casts for some dates rather than either any dancers withdrawing or any new dancers being added. So still only 4 casts and no Takahashi or Kase. The two matinees that were previous down as TBC are both now Hawes & Arrieta. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emeralds Posted May 2 Share Posted May 2 Thanks for the update, @Dawnstar 🙏 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emeralds Posted May 7 Share Posted May 7 All ticket holders should have been emailed too- I received the notification of the above cast changes by email from the Royal Albert Hall box office. They allow ticket exchanges in advance if you want to catch your preferred cast or avoid duplicate casts - provided there are tickets available on your new chosen date which are the same total price or higher total price. Just email them or ring them (contact details on their website). It's a local number- not a premium rate number like some theatres. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted May 14 Author Share Posted May 14 Reminder Press Release: English National Ballet Swan Lake in-the-round Royal Albert Hall Wednesday 12 – Sunday 23 June 2024 ballet.org.uk/swan-lake-round “When the swans make their first entrance, wave after wave of them, it’s awesome. To see them move and breathe as one is profoundly touching.” The Observer English National Ballet performs Derek Deane’s Swan Lake in-the-round at the Royal Albert Hall, London, from Wednesday 12 – Sunday 23 June 2024. With over 100 performers, including 60 dancing swans, Swan Lake in-the-round is one of the biggest spectacles in ballet and brings the classic love story to life on one of the world’s most famous stages. Featuring Tchaikovsky’s glorious score, performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic, this epic in-the-round staging of Swan Lake is perfect for both dedicated fans and first-time ballet goers. Swan Lake in-the-round caused a sensation at its premiere in 1997 and has since been enjoyed by over half a million people worldwide. Opening night sees Lead Principal Sangeun Lee and First Soloist Gareth Haw perform in the dual role of Odette/ Odile and Prince Siegfried respectively. Having only joined English National Ballet in 2023, this marks their debut performances both in these roles and on the grand stage of the Royal Albert Hall. Lead Principal Emma Hawes also makes her debut in the role of Odette/Odile whilst Lead Principals Aitor Arrieta and Francesco Gabriele Frola, and Soloist Lorenzo Trossello debut as Prince Siegfried. Laurretta Summerscales, former Principal dancer with English National Ballet and current Principal dancer with Bavarian State Ballet returns as a Guest Artist to perform as Odette/Odile. Principal Casting: Odette-Odile / Prince Siegfried / Rothbart Sangeun Lee* / Gareth Haw* / James Streeter 12th June 19:30,15th June 19:30,19th June 19:30, 22nd June 19:30 Fernanda Oliveira / Francesco Gabriele Frola* / Fabian Reimair 13th June 19:30, 15th June 14:30, 20th June 19:30 Emma Hawes* / Aitor Arrieta* / Junor Souza 14th June 19:30, 16th June 14:30, 20th June 14:30, 22nd June 14:30 Laurretta Summerscales** / Lorenzo Trossello* / James Streeter 18th June 19:30, 21st June 19:30, 23rd June 14:30 *Debut **Guest Artist Please note, casting is subject to change. Please see www.ballet.org.uk for up-to-date casting. Notes to Editors English National Ballet is a National Portfolio Organisation supported by Arts Council England. Ballymore is Principal Building Partner of English National Ballet. Listings: English National Ballet Swan Lake in-the-round Royal Albert Hall 12 – 23 June 2024 https://www.ballet.org.uk/swan-lake-round 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 been at the forefront of ballet’s growth and evolution ever since. English National Ballet brings world class ballet to the widest possible audience through performances across the UK and on eminent international stages; its distinguished orchestra, English National Ballet Philharmonic; its digital platforms Ballet on Demand and BalletActive; being a UK leader in creative learning and engagement practice, building innovative partnerships to deliver flagship programmes such as Dance for Parkinson’s; and through talent development initiatives including Ballet Futures which looks to create a more diverse and inclusive future for the artform. English National Ballet continues to add ground-breaking new works to its repertoire whilst celebrating the tradition of great classical ballet, gaining acclaim for artistic excellence and creativity. 2019 saw the Company enter a new chapter in its history with a move to a purpose-built state-of-the-art home in east London, allowing a renewed commitment to creativity, ambition, and connection to more people, near and far, than ever before. About the Royal Albert Hall The Royal Albert Hall is the world’s most famous stage. Throughout its 152-year history, it has welcomed a who’s who of world-renowned figures: artists, athletes and activists. No other place on earth has played host to Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein and Muhammad Ali; Ella Fitzgerald, The Beatles and Adele. This was the Suffragettes’ “temple of liberty” – the site of Votes for Women rallies that helped change the course of British history – the home of the Stonewall concerts, and a place of celebration during Nelson Mandela’s state visit. But its eccentric history has also seen it used for a séance, an indoor marathon and the world’s first bodybuilding contest (judged by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle). In an ordinary year, the Hall’s extraordinary auditorium presents around 400 world-class events: encompassing rock, pop and classical music, theatre, dance, films, Cirque du Soleil and sport. It typically welcomes 1.8 million visitors a year, while its 1,000 events in secondary spaces help to attract a young, diverse audience. Its Engagement programme includes music therapy, concerts in the community, and workshops with A-list artists, often in collaboration with other charities, such as Nordoff Robbins and Music for Youth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted May 14 Share Posted May 14 Not the best worded press release in my opinion. Factual and understated. You’d think this would have been an opportunity to talk the dancers up to help sell tickets. Re Sangeun and Gareth “having only joined” 🙄 . Clumsy and weak. It could have talked about their principal/first soloist status at Dresden instead. The sentence about guest artist Laurretta seems an afterthought. That could have been stronger too. Her multiple experiences with Swan Lake, including for Derek Deane in Amsterdam. I think most if not all of these dancers have performed versions of Swan Lake elsewhere, including ENB’s own proscenium arch version. And most of the ENB dancers have already performed other lead roles of ENB at RAH. I would also have highlighted Fernanda Ballerina as the only dancer to have previously performed this role in the RAH. shall I rewrite for them ???? !!!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fromthebalcony Posted May 14 Share Posted May 14 I am more disappointed in the casting than I am in the press release. No Erina, no Shiori, and no Katja. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted May 15 Share Posted May 15 6 hours ago, fromthebalcony said: I am more disappointed in the casting than I am in the press release. No Erina, no Shiori, and no Katja. Is Erina Takahashi 46 or older now ? It may have been her choice. I am also disappointed by none of the up and coming dancers being given a chance to shine as they did with Cinderella in the round … Bueno, Adams. I’d like to see Julia Conway too. I noticed Anna Nevzorova and Vsevelod Maievsky rehearsing a pdd from Swan Lake. Maybe they are shadowing, or it’s for a gala or show elsewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Posted May 15 Share Posted May 15 10 hours ago, fromthebalcony said: I am more disappointed in the casting than I am in the press release. No Erina, no Shiori, and no Katja. And I am disappointed that current management isn’t bringing in guest stars from overseas as Tamara Rojo liked to do (is this the Brexit effect, perhaps?) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
San Perregrino Posted May 15 Share Posted May 15 1 hour ago, Geoff said: And I am disappointed that current management isn’t bringing in guest stars from overseas as Tamara Rojo liked to do (is this the Brexit effect, perhaps?) IMHO the ENB has stars aplenty without needing to buy any in. Indeed, @FionaM has posted above that there are other ENB dancers who, given a chance, could shine in the roles and I’d agree with her. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Posted May 15 Share Posted May 15 18 minutes ago, San Perregrino said: IMHO the ENB has stars aplenty without needing to buy any in. Indeed, @FionaM has posted above that there are other ENB dancers who, given a chance, could shine in the roles and I’d agree with her. IMHO any opportunity to see great dancers is a good thing. ENB (and other companies) currently bring in fewer guest stars than they used to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sim Posted May 15 Share Posted May 15 17 hours ago, FionaM said: I would also have highlighted Fernanda Ballerina as the only dancer to have previously performed this role in the RAH. shall I rewrite for them ???? !!!! Who is Fernanda Ballerina??! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
San Perregrino Posted May 15 Share Posted May 15 2 minutes ago, Geoff said: IMHO any opportunity to see great dancers is a good thing. ENB (and other companies) currently bring in fewer guest stars than they used to. The challenge at the moment is that we have more great dancers in our national companies than there are performances to give them. The common refrain on BCF is that our own great dancers don’t get enough shows and that they spend more time dancing away than at home. I agree with you about great dancers and wish that more international companies from the USA, Europe and elsewhere would tour to the UK sooner rather later so that we could have an opportunity to see them. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted May 16 Share Posted May 16 On 15/05/2024 at 08:25, Sim said: Who is Fernanda Ballerina??! blast I missed that autocorrect! Fernanda Oliviera of course. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted May 16 Author Share Posted May 16 23 minutes ago, FionaM said: blast I missed that autocorrect! Fernanda Oliviera of course. Thing is, I'd read your post and didn't notice!! I actually think Fernanda Ballerina is rather nice!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted May 16 Share Posted May 16 9 minutes ago, Jan McNulty said: Thing is, I'd read your post and didn't notice!! I actually think Fernanda Ballerina is rather nice!! Yes I rather like it too! Similar to ‘Londonballerina’ which is Lauren Cuthbertson’s handle on Instagram. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawnstar Posted June 5 Share Posted June 5 (edited) ENB have just tweeted a casting update. I was thinking about going on 13th but I'm not sure now. I wanted to see Oliveira, especially after only managing to see her in half a Giselle in January. Edited June 5 by Dawnstar 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irmgard Posted June 5 Share Posted June 5 (edited) 2 hours ago, Dawnstar said: ENB have just tweeted a casting update. I was thinking about going on 13th but I'm not sure now. I wanted to see Oliveira, especially after only managing to see her in half a Giselle in January. Ivana Bueno is a lovely dancer and this will be her debut as Odette/Odile. Oliveira will be back for her show on 20 June. She is a gorgeous Odette/Odile. Edited June 5 by Irmgard missing letter 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawnstar Posted June 5 Share Posted June 5 3 minutes ago, Irmgard said: Oliveira will be back for her show on 20 June. She is a gorgeou Odette/Odile. That's my problem: I'd prefer to see Oliveira but it's very difficult to go on 20th when there's so many RB Ashton performances that week. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emeralds Posted June 5 Share Posted June 5 Thank you @Dawnstar and @Irmgard. I'm beginning to think my bookings have jinxed both my ballerinas! Will have to get more tickets in that case. Wishing Fernanda a speedy and full recovery. 💐 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted June 7 Share Posted June 7 (edited) Many congratulation to Ivana Bueno. This is a big role to take on! Edited June 7 by FionaM 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chira Posted June 11 Share Posted June 11 My DC is performing in this production and said that from watching all the company rehearsals that Ivana Bueno is ‘absolutely exquisite.’ How wonderfully exciting for her 🦢💓can’t wait to see the company perform. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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