California

The Instagram announcement: https://www.instagram.com/p/Chov9jAKWZf/ Just announced to supporters: Aaron S. Watkin will be English National Ballet's new Artistic Director, taking up the position from August 2023. Aaron comes to English National Ballet from the Semperoper Ballett in Dresden, Germany, where he has served as Artistic Director since 2006. During his tenure, he has built an internationally respected reputation for the company, known for the diversity of its artists and repertoire. He has presented works by some of the world’s most renowned choreographers, from George Balanchine to Pina Bausch, William Forsythe to Martha Graham. Aaron’s appointment as Artistic Director sees him return to English National Ballet having previously danced with the Company thirty years ago. Born in Canada, his stage career also saw him dance with National Ballet of Canada, Dutch National Ballet and Ballett Frankfurt, before becoming a Choreographic Assistant to William Forsythe, staging his works throughout the world. Of his appointment, Aaron S. Watkin said: “I am delighted to be returning to English National Ballet to lead the company forward as Artistic Director. I have a great appreciation for all of Tamara’s achievements in developing and diversifying the company over the past 10 years. ENB has established itself as a creative force and it is an honour to be entrusted to continue to build on this.” “It is my ambition to further develop the Company’s unique identity at the forefront of dance: embracing tradition and forging innovation. I want to lead a truly open and inclusive organisation that continues its founding principle to bring world class dance to the widest possible audience.” “Over the last 17 years at Semperoper Ballett, I have built a creative, nurturing environment for all to thrive in, both on and off the stage. I look forward to continuing this with English National Ballet, working alongside the Company’s exceptional dancers, creatives and staff to create a vibrant future.” I am thrilled that Aaron will be joining the Company. His extensive experience, drive and respect for what we do are what English National Ballet needs, and will enable us to build on Tamara’s significant legacy. The news follows January’s announcement that Tamara Rojo will step down in late 2022 to take up the position of Artistic Director of San Francisco Ballet. English National Ballet’s outgoing Artistic Director, Tamara Rojo, commented: “I would like to congratulate Aaron on his appointment as Artistic Director. Leading English National Ballet for the last ten years has been a great privilege. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together, but my admiration and support do not end here. I will remain invested in the company’s continued success and look forward to seeing it continue to evolve and inspire audiences across the UK and around the world.” Aaron has been appointed following an extensive, extremely thorough and highly competitive search and we are grateful to the Search Committee of Trustees and the Artistic Advisory Panel members for all of their work. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support for English National Ballet. Yours sincerely, Patrick Harrison Executive Director

Brooklyn Mack is re-joining English National Ballet for the Fall-Winter season in Swan Lake, Nutcracker, and Raymonda. https://www.instagram.com/p/ChkA59PqXXO/

For the London performances of the United Ukrainian Ballet, Christine Shevchenko will perform the role of Giselle Saturday, September 17, but the announcement doesn't say whether that's the matinee or evening. She will also do Myrtha at several performances, but it doesn't say which ones. UPDATE: In the comments, the Ballet says Shevchenko will do the evening performance on September 17, with her Myrtha performances TBA. https://www.instagram.com/p/Chj2yYEoEyj/

Thank you for posting! Fascinating! In one of the many Facebook postings on this, I saw a reference to Christine Shevchenko making an appearance, but haven't been able to find any more information. She's not listed as Giselle, but would make a wonderful Myrtha. Perhaps they were just noting that she is from Ukraine. In the Ratmansky reconstruction for Bolshoi, shown on a live stream in the theaters in January 2020, Giselle also tells Albrecht to return to his fiance. My understanding was that was from the original version in Paris. In an incredibly fortunate coincidence, I will be in London that week for a conference and have a ticket for one of Cojocaru's performances. I'll be interested in comparing notes with any others who are able to attend. https://londoncoliseum.org/whats-on/giselle/ http://unitedukrainianballet.com/

Colorado Ballet is doing seven performances of the Bruch Violin Concerto in April, as part of Ballet Masterworks (along with Prodigal Son and the Kylian Sinfonietta): April 14-16 and 21-23. Live orchestra for everything at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. https://tickets.coloradoballet.org/events?view=list

The tape of the live stream from Vail is on YouTube for the next week. Justin Peck's new piece is last on the program and begins about 1:48

Just a reminder that the free live stream of tonight's program at Vail begins at 7:30 MDT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAOh1ni0Qr0

Monday night's program of premieres at Vail is being live-streamed for free at 7:30 MDT: https://vaildance.org/event/now-premieres-2022/

Ratmansky did reconstruct Bayadere, for Staatsballet Berlin in 2018: https://www.staatsoper-berlin.de/en/veranstaltungen/la-bayadere.2789/ https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/05/arts/dance/review-bayadere-alexei-ratmansky-berlin.html https://dancetabs.com/2018/11/staatsballett-berlin-la-bayadere-premiere-of-ratmansky-reconstruction-berlin/

Interesting clips of Camargo partnering Osipova in July 2022 in Argentina. I didn't see him at the Met, but this looks like a good hiring decision.

As noted, Vail is sponsoring three young Ukrainian dancers as Scholars-in-Residence. https://vaildance.org/about/programs/ EXPANDED SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM Responding to the need to support young artists displaced by war in their country, the 2022 Festival will host four Ukrainian Scholars-In-Residence, expanding the program to give these young dancers the opportunity to study in the United States this summer. Since the onset of the war in March, these four aspiring ballet dancers have been studying in schools in Europe that are closed in the summer, and with no safe way to return home at this time, they will be our guests in Vail during the Festival. Please help us welcome Yeva-Mariia Skorenka, Polina Chepyk, and Eva Hrytsak. Thank you to Antlers at Vail for providing lodging for this year’s Scholars-In-Residence!

Here's the Fall for Dance 2022 program: https://www.nycitycenter.org/fallfordance View this email in your browser FALL FOR DANCE FESTIVAL Sep 21 – Oct 2, 2022 All tickets $20 On sale Sun Aug 28 at 11am City Center is thrilled to welcome back international artists to this year’s Fall for Dance Festival—including Bavarian State Ballet, Nrityagram Dance Ensemble, and the New York debut of Kyiv City Ballet. Plus, experience the live premiere of Christopher Wheeldon’s The Two of Us with Sara Mearns and Robbie Fairchild, and a new City Center and Vail Dance Festival Co-Commission by Pam Tanowitz featuring Melissa Toogood and Herman Cornejo. 15 companies. 8 premieres. 5 unique programs. Explore the entire Festival schedule and mark your calendars for August 28 at 11am when $20 tickets go on sale! EXPLORE

Segerstrom Center for the Arts has announced their Dance Series for 2022-23. No separate ballet series that I can find. The days when we could see the Bolshoi or Mariinsky in this theater are long gone. Our 2022/23 Dance Series has officially arrived with 9 extraordinary dance companies showcasing the best the world has to offer! This incredibly diverse season includes classical ballet, flamenco, tap, modern dance and more. Additionally, the Center is hosting the U.S. Premiere of ABT’s Like Water for Chocolate from choreographer Christopher Wheeldon! With so many astounding shows to enjoy, we’re also giving you the freedom and flexibility to Choreograph Your Own Series. Save 25% when you select 4-5 shows, and if you purchase 6 or more, save 35%! Customize and create your dream season today. MOMIX: VIVA MOMIX Sept 17, 2022 Known internationally for presenting works of astounding inventiveness and physical beauty, MOMIX is a company of unbelievable dancer-illusionists. Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan: 13 Tongues October 26, 2022 Cloud Gate combines martial arts, Qi Gong, modern dance, and classical ballet with astonishing ensemble dancing that hypnotized audiences when Cloud Gate made their Center debut in 2018. BODYTRAFFIC November 3, 2022 BODYTRAFFIC’s stunning performers, technical mastery, and commitment to the most challenging repertoire make this group a world-renowned contemporary dance company. Farruquito November 9, 2022 The New York Times called Farruquito “The greatest flamenco dancer of this century” and he’s bringing prodigious artistry and profound poetry to our audiences through dance. American Ballet Theatre The Nutcracker December 9–18, 2022 SoCal’s favorite holiday tradition returns with American Ballet Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of The Nutcracker. American Ballet Theatre Like Water for Chocolate March 29–April 2, 2023 This ballet’s U.S. premiere by the brilliant choreographer Christopher Wheeldon brings the famous novel by Laura Esquivel to mouth-watering life. Dorrance Dance SOUNDspace April 8, 2023 This award-winning tap dance company explores the thrill, brilliance, and beauty of tap dancing through movement and music. L.A. Dance Project Romeo & Juliet Suite May 12–14, 2023 For their stunning Segerstrom Center debut, Benjamin Millepied and the L.A. Dance Project offer a contemporary vision of Prokofiev’s masterpiece Romeo & Juliet. Alonzo King LINES Ballet LINES 40th May 27, 2023 Stunning dancers, impeccable technique and powerfully visual works are what make Alonzo King LINES Ballet a must-see performance experience! Ballet BC June 3, 2023 Their bold, distinctive style and collaborative approach have made the internationally acclaimed contemporary ballet company a hotbed for the creation and performance of new works.

I saw Philadelphia Ballet's Corsaire in 2017. The only concession they made to "modern sensibilities" was identifying Aili as a servant instead of a slave. But I wonder if they'll do this ballet again. https://philadelphiaballet.org/past-performances/le-corsaire/ They were scheduled to do Bayadere in March 2020 but I don't know if it was cancelled: https://philadelphiaballet.org/past-performances/la-bayadere/ They did a Raymonda "Suite" choreographed by Corella in their digital series last year. I have a hunch we will only be seeing suites and variations from Raymonda, at least in North America. https://philadelphiaballet.org/spring-2021/

Thanks for the update. Those dates have also been entered into their master calendar: https://www.scfta.org/events/calendar.aspx?mode=grid&event=0 No casting yet for Nutcracker, but it's early.

Ratmansky does have an eye for talent! Long ago, he plucked then-little-known Natalia Osipova out of the crowd. I'm glad he seems to like Aran Bell.

ABT first did Sinfonietta in 1991: https://www.abt.org/ballet/sinfonietta/ I saw this a zillion years ago at the Kennedy Center by Nederlands Dance Theatre. Gorgeous, including the great score. Interestingly, Colorado Ballet is also doing it, this April. (Artistic Director Gil Boggs was an ABT principal when ABT premiered this, so that might explain why they acquired it.) Along with the YouTube, it's also available on Medici.

Speaking of...hope they announce the fall schedule soon. Green Table and T&V would make for nice mixed bills, perhaps with Ratmansky's Seasons?

Looks like Boston and Joffrey have done the Ashton Cinderella in recent years. I'm guessing this has something to do with rights, expenses, permissions, especially for Philadelphia Ballet.

Stevenson also made a very successful version of Cinderella, being shown by Philadelphia Ballet this October and Colorado Ballet next March. I saw it several years ago, and it's very worthwhile. https://texasballettheater.org/ben-stevenson/

Barbee seems to have done principal roles in quite a few ballets: https://www.washingtonballet.org/people/victor-barbee/

San Francisco Ballet actually has a category "Principal Character" dancer, with three people. That might serve ABT well for situations like this. https://www.sfballet.org/the-company/artists/dancers/principal-characters/

@hermancornejo Stories posted another one with only this video shot. The six men identified in the image: Royal, An, Whiteside, Stearns, Cornejo, Bell. But it looks like eight in that group.

In @hermancornejo stories on Instagram, there is one video clip with several of the ABT men arriving at once and ending in a group hug. One is Aran Bell, who seems to be walking normally. The first two clips are R&J rehearsal videos. Aran then walks backward to the side, so he might not be visible in other shots.

Tickets are now on sale for the Ukraine Giselle fundraiser at the London Coliseum. Cojocaru is scheduled to dance on Wednesday and Friday, September 14 & 16. To view in browser, click here Love, betrayal, death, mercy: The United Ukrainian Ballet, comprising some sixty dancers in exile, stage one of the greatest works in the classical repertoire in a powerful new interpretation by world renowned choreographer Alexei Ratmansky. Featuring guest performances from Alina Cojocaru and Katja Khaniukova^, and under the baton of Viktor Oliynyk, conductor of the National Opera of Ukraine, this is a unique opportunity to see a powerful and moving interpretation of one of the greatest romantic ballets of all time, with a company of world-class artists united by the tragedy of war and an ardent hope for the future. All ticket profits will go to the DEC Ukraine Appeal and The United Ukrainian Ballet Foundation. 13-17 September 2022 Tickets from £10 (plus booking fee)* Book now