JCP

The theatre on the Leidseplein is called the Stadsschouwburg. It is much smaller than the Muziektheater, which was one of the reasons the new theatre was built. Whenever we would be touring in Holland, we always had to "adjust and squeeze" on that stage compared to the stages in The Hague, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Tilburg. It seems really unlikely the Bolshoi would attempt to fit in the Stadsschouwburg. On the other hand, before the Muziektheater, all dance performances would be there. If indeed the Bolshoi is coming to Amsterdam it would more likely be in a place like the Rai Congress Centre. Of course since I left Holland over 30 years ago some new venues might be used by ballet companies. I haven't kept up with that kind of info.

I danced in the company at that time for a short time and remember him well. He was a great dancer. Did you try and contact Bejart's company in Lausanne? Also, have you tried and contact the Mudra School in Brussels, I think the school continued after Bejart left Brussels. The opera in Brussels, of which the ballet of the 20th Century was a part, must have an archives, they should have copies of all the programs etc. Good luck in your search.

Is this a painting of Vaslav Nijinsky? I purchased this painting a couple of years ago in an antique store. I immediately recognized it as a dancer. Could it be the one and only Nijinsky? It's unsigned, undated, but was likely created in the early 20th century in Europe. Just a warning, the dancer in the painting is only wearing a dance belt. Have a look and let me know what you think. http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l36/joos...lavNijinsky.jpg

Having grown up in the casual 60s in the Netherlands, I always have had the attitude that the most important thing for me as an audience member is to feel "comfortable". If I don't feel comfortable with what I wear, I can't enjoy the performance. As a result I usually dress super casual. Luckily the fabulous new Four Seasons Theatre in Toronto seems to support every kind of attire, from very casual to the fully dressed up with their most recent Holt Renfrew purchase.

I think that Karen's position as the Chair of the Canada Council is the best thing that could have happened to the ballet world in Canada. Since the "ballet boom" is over, having such a high profile ballet person in the federal agency that hands out the majority of the available grants is crucial for the survival and growth of the art form in the country. As the Chair she does not participate in the selection of who or which company receives funding. As with all grants at the CC grants are reviewed and approved by a constantly changing peer assessment committee. Let's support and applaud the fact that it is the artists that are in "positions of power" rather than the bureaucrats or god forbid the politicians. Nutcracker shows, specialy in big cities, sell out no matter what. The simulcast of the NBC Nutcracker will just raise the profile and bring more people in to the theatres. It will also give audiences as well as dancers in smaller cities a chance to view a top-notch production which can only stimulate more interest and higher standards. As to the financial shortfall of the production, I am sure the NBC had sponsors lined up around the block to have their name attached. A perfect opportunity to reach their target audiences. For those of you who will attend the event in the movie theatres, keep an eye out for the credits and the advertisements in the intermission.

It will be interesting to see how this new way of reaching audiences will develop. In this case many pros and cons. Some of the Pros: Many more people will be able to access top-notch ballet performances paid for by Canadian tax dollars. Reasonable prices. Some of the Cons: How will it effect local Nutcrackers, produced by local companies? Will it ever be able to substitute for live performances? Will it be able to pay for itself, or be another drain on the limited subsidies available?

Neryssa, Job is still with us and still lives in the Netherlands, at least as of last spring. I just joined, but PM me when I have done my 10 posts and I can likely bring you in touch with him. JCP

I have just joined this forum, though I have been reading some of the posts for a while now. I am a former dancer with several European and Canadian dance companies and after retirement I continued working in the performaing arts as a teacher, choreographer, producer and arts administrator. I live in Toronto, Canada, with my wife (also a former dancer) and daughter and our retired Greyhound, our current passion. We attend some dance performances, though after more than 40 years in the dance "business" we have become somewhat selective in what we will go and see. I am looking forward to being part of this forum and occasionally sharing some opinions, insights or memories. Regards.