JMcN Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 Robert Parker retires from Birmingham Royal Ballet at the end of this season after spending 13 years with the company. His final performance in front of the home crowd was last Saturday (16th June) where he performed That's Life (Nine Sinatra Songs) and Captain Belaye in Pineapple Poll. I think Robert will be forever remembered for his creations for David Bintley - most notably the wonderful Cyrano this season - as well as his interpretations of other Bintley roles. Saturday night, despite no Bintley ballets on show, gave us an opportunity to see Robert doing what he does best ie give 150% to whatever performance he is doing. Robert has the most amazing stage presence and is a brilliant actor as well as having feet of quicksilver beautifully shown off in the hornpipes. He had a wonderful send off at the end of the performance - with everyone on their feet cheering and a splendid flower shower. His final performance is at the Lowry on 7th July 2007 in Nine Sinatra Songs and Pineapple Poll. Robert is to retrain as an airline pilot. All his legion of fans wish him all the best in his new career. Link to comment
JMcN Posted August 21, 2008 Author Share Posted August 21, 2008 There's some fantastic news on the BRB website. Robert Parker is rejoining the company this Autumn. All I can say is: WELCOME BACK ROBERT! (and thank goodness he participated in Desmond Kelly's gala!). Here is the relevant page on the BRB website: http://www.brb.org.uk/Robert-Parker.html Link to comment
Alexandra Posted August 21, 2008 Share Posted August 21, 2008 Thanks! That is big news! Link to comment
JMcN Posted September 20, 2011 Author Share Posted September 20, 2011 It was announced yesterday that Robert Parker will be taking over as Artistic Director at Elmhurst School for Dance from September 2012 (replacing the retiring Desmond Kelly who is staying on as Artistic Adviser). Here is the announcement from the Elmhurst website: http://www.elmhurstdance.co.uk/New-Artistic-Director.html Robert has already been working with Elmhurst and he was listed on the faculty for this year's summer school: http://www.elmhurstdance.co.uk/robert-parker.html Ismene Brown on the Arts Desk has covered the news and included extracts from an interview she did with Robert some years ago: http://www.theartsdesk.com/dance/nuclear-star-dancer-robert-parker-leaps-head-ballet-school Fans of Robert as a dancer will have to make the most of their chances to see him on stage during the next year. He will be dancing (amongst others) Beast in Beauty and the Beast, opening in Birmingham on 28th September. It's wonderful news for Elmhurst and will establish, I am sure, even closer links between Elmhurst and BRB. Congratulations to Robert Parker! Link to comment
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