Moving to pastures new: a conversation with Brandon Lawrence
“The worst thing is regret. And it’s an opportunity I can’t ignore. I don’t want to be wondering, ‘What if?’”
Swan Lake
Staatstheater Nürnberg International Ballet Gala
A fine evening with plenty of variety; and one not dominated by nineteenth-century fireworks.
Ballet Preljocaj in a Swan Lake with a message
There are changes but… there are swans. There is a lake. There is an Odette in white, and a Siegfried who falls for an Odile in black.
Classicism to the fore: John Cranko School
Absolutely and unashamedly classically-focused. Even the student choreography. The contemporary pieces were clearly classically underwritten too
BRB2 in Carlos Acosta’s Classical Selection
A fine evening and a fine initiative that deserves to succeed. Yet more evidence of the excellent work Carlos Acosta is doing in Birmingham
A Scottish ‘Swan Lake’: The Swan of Salen by Ballet Folk and The Willow Trio
A beautiful story… a production that sits very comfortably within ballet, Gaelic and folk traditions, bringing them together as equals.
Varna International Ballet: Giselle and Swan Lake
The staging may be a little thin, but Varna International Ballet have some fine dancers, including Briton Claire Gillard who took the lead in both shows
A classic that reaches out and touches: Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Swan Lake
A fine telling of the tale of love, betrayal and loss. An evening full of power and tenderness. Classical ballet at its classical best
An Evening of Music and Dance with Birmingham Royal Ballet
The annual night out at Symphony Hall returned in style with a gala-like programme of orchestral and dance selections.
A magical evening: English National Ballet’s Swan Lake
Emma Hawes’ Odette is the stuff from which dreams are spun: a wonderful combination of imposing lines and tender vulnerability.
Ballet meets folk
A conversation with Debbie Norris, founder and artistic director of Ballet Folk, whose The Tears of Jenny Greenteeth is on in London on February 2