California

I'm wondering what they will do for fall. I have both Moderna shots, but I understand the CDC cards we have are easily forged. My state (Colorado) doesn't seem eager to set up a validation system like New York's (which I gather has some problems anyway). I believe they are selling regular subscriptions for fall. Are they trying to do spacing in that theater? Anybody know yet? That first week looks very tempting -- especially the opening night, which I suspect will be a great celebration and an event to remember, no matter what they perform.

This is definitely worth a visit! Free access to the complete Robbins' Fanfare (the only one available, as far as I know). This is a staple every few years at the SAB Workshop. I love the music and Robbins' choreography is such a nice opportunity for students:

Sarasota Ballet has just announced their in-person season for 2021-2022: https://www.sarasotaballet.org/2021-2022-season (This is where I realize that COVID/digital streaming has ruined me. There are some things on here I would like to see, but not enough to fly to Sarasota to see them!) Program 1 – New World | 22 – 24 October 2021 FSU Center for the Performing ArtsAppalachian Spring Choreography by Martha Graham Music by Aaron Copland World Premiere Choreography by Ricardo Graziano Music to be announced Program 2 – Day & Night | 19 – 20 November 2021

Alexei Ratmansky's statement on Scarlett: https://www.instagram.com/p/CNy1jfigqOo/

The National Endowment for the Humanities just announced a new round of grants, totaling $24 million. One on dance might be of interest: Chantal Frankenbach Outright: $6,000 [Summer Stipends] California State University, Sacramento Project Title: Isadora Duncan and the Popularization of Race Hygiene and Eugenics in Pre-War Germany, 1902–1905 Project Description: Research and writing of a book about American modern dancer Isadora Duncan (1877–1927), her early career in Germany (1902–1905), and pre-World War I German culture and politics. In 2016, Chantal won the Selma Jeanne Cohe

Kennedy Center is announcing that Alvin Ailey, ABT, and NYCB will perform in the upcoming season: https://www.kennedy-center.org/our-story/kc50/ No dates yet: Sharing a longstanding history of performing annually on the Center’s stages, world-renowned dance and ballet companies Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, and New York City Ballet join in the celebration of the 50th Anniversary. From their first appearance at the Center’s opening in Leonard Bernstein’s MASS featuring new choreography by Alvin Ailey, the Ailey company has been dedicated to commissioning new

Their schedule is normally January - June (roughly) as they share the Opera House with the Opera. But one thing they do really well: two programs overlapping in the schedule. So it's possible for out-of-towners like me to take in several performances of two different programs over a long weekend. I wish companies like PNB or Pennsylvania would do something like that, although I imagine it's very complicated in terms of logistics, rehearsals, sets, etc., etc.

Not much detail yet, but Miami City Ballet just sent out email that they will perform Ratmansky's reconstructed Swan Lake in their 2022 season: . . . we are excited to share with you an exclusive announcement regarding our 2021/22 Season. We will present the North American premiere of Alexei Ratmansky’s spellbinding Swan Lake and plan to celebrate this triumphant production with the in-person Swan Ball on Saturday, January 22, 2022. We’ll officially announce our new season this summer. In the meantime, you may address event questions to: lisa.pollack@miamicityballet.org.

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts had planned to re-open with touring Broadway shows in August 2021, but has just announced those are being postponed a few more months. The problem, as this article from the Denver Post explains, is that touring Broadway shows are complex enterprises. They need theaters open in a succession of cities to make their tour work financially. Denver is doing well on COVID and no restrictions are expected at the All-Star game in July, also in downtown Denver. No word on any postponement of Colorado Ballet in October, but it's not a touring company. Oper

So did I! It was one of the main selling points for the PNB digital subscription for me. I wish they'd keep this on-line a little longer, but okay.

The English National Ballet has announced its season for 2021-2022: https://www.ballet.org.uk/blog-detail/2021-2022-season-announcement/ They also announce that Maria Kochetkova is (re)joining the company as a Lead Principal Dancer. SEASON PERFORMANCES Creature by Akram Khan 23 Sep - 2 Oct 2021, Sadler's Wells The world premiere of Creature by Akram Khan has been hotly anticipated! Tickets are now on sale: Friends save 20% on tickets (max 6pp) with the promo co

The Part Swan Lake is one of four things available at "ABT on Demand" to ABT supporters above a certain level. Log into their site. Then Support==>ABT On Demand. Four full-evening programs: the 2007 Ferri-Bolle Manon they released last year, the ABT program at Vail in 2019, and Lady of the Camellias from 2010 with Kent, Bolle, Hallberg, and Murphy. You also see a lot of "Ballet Banter" and ABT at 75 at the Guggenheim-Works and Process. I have no idea if they dole out different things for different supporter levels. Not clear how that works.

It's funny so many of us remember anecdotes about that black fabric. But with considerable googling, I can't find a source. Not sure where we all learned about this. If anybody can track it down, please let us know! A few black swans mixed in with the white in the final act matches Ratmansky's reconstruction of Petipa, which, as noted, would be the version Balanchine remembered.

I can't seem to find a recording of the Zoom discussion on YouTube. If anybody finds it, please give us the link. Meanwhile, looking again at Reynolds (p. 130): "Over the years there have been many changes -- the pas de trois and pas de quatre have been dropped, a valse bluette for three swans has been added. The Prince's variation is often omitted. The Swan Queen's traditional solo no longer exists; to her music, a number of new variations have been designed in which the Queen is supported by four swans. . . There is a new ending to the famous adagio, which involves the corps de ballet;

I did not stay for the Zoom discussion -- now I need to go back and listen to that! From Nancy Reynolds on this ballet, it seems there were several things that are now left out. I wondered about the black costumes, which is how I've seen it in the theater -- reportedly, Balanchine was asked: why the black? He said only that "there are black swans, too." (Sorry I can't remember the source on that.) I seem to remember that another report said they had a lot of black fabric around that he thought they should use. (I always wonder about the use of some black swans in the last act by some comp