California

Agree! Valse Triste is definitely worth a look. (Let me note that she didn't speak much English just a few years. As a typical monolingual American, I'm impressed that she's become so fluent! And she wasn't reading, just talking.)

Washington Ballet is postponing its Swan Lake to May 6-16, 2021 and making other changes (yet to be announced) to the 20-21 season: Swan Lake Update Adelaide Clauss by Procopio Photography Swan Lake Postponed Until May 2021 As our world navigates this unprecedented global emergency, The Washington Ballet and the entire global arts community are facing extraordinary challenges. We are so eager to celebrate with you the beauty and humanity that is revealed so exquisitely through our art form, however, maintaining the health and safety of our artists, staff, and community is of the utmost importance. Due to the governmental stay-at-home orders and CDC guidelines, The Washington Ballet has had to postpone the June 2020 production of Swan Lake. Swan Lake will now close the 2020/21 Season on May 6-16, 2021. We are disappointed that we are unable to share the beauty of Julie Kent and Victor Barbee’s Swan Lake with you this year, but are looking forward to celebrating a two-week run next season at the Kennedy Center. Changes to the upcoming 2020/21 Season These unparalleled circumstances have necessitated a revision to our originally planned 2020/21 Season. We are working to optimize the upcoming season to create the safest and most joyful collection and schedule of performances. We will share these changes with you soon; as we navigate this new world, we deeply appreciate your support and patience. Swan Lake Information for Season Ticket Holders We are so grateful for your outpouring of support, messages of encouragement, and enthusiasm to renew for our 2020/21 Season of JOY. We want to make the transfer of Swan Lake tickets and season renewal process as easy as possible for our Season Ticket Holders. Please see the below, and email tickets@washingtonballet.org with any questions. 2019/20 Season Ticket Holders who have already renewed for the 2020/21 Season: Swan Lake will replace Cinderella as the season-closing production. Therefore, If you have already renewed for the 2020/21 season, you now have an extra ticket on your account. We will be reaching out to you in the next few weeks with options to donate, upgrade, exchange, or refund. 2019/20 Season Ticket Holders who have not yet renewed for 2020/21 Season: Your 2019/20 Swan Lake tickets have automatically been moved to the new production dates, and your 2020/21 Season Ticket Package now has a reduced price. If you have yet to renew your Season Ticket Package for the 2020/21 season, simply email tickets@washingtonballet.org and request an updated, reduced renewal rate and we will help you process your renewal. Alternatively, you may still complete the form you received in the mail and we will reach out to you with an updated, reduced rate before processing your transaction. As a Season Ticket Holder of The Washington Ballet, you get to experience all the magic of the ballet with a variety of perks, including complimentary Nutcracker tickets, retaining your seat season after season, and more. Know that when you purchase a Season Ticket Package with The Washington Ballet, you are buying with confidence. We understand that flexibility and your safety are key during this uncertain time, and that’s why with every season ticket purchase, we guarantee your ability to credit your purchase towards any future The Washington Ballet performance, donate your tickets to our nonprofit cause, or receive a full refund. Swan Lake Single Ticket Holders (tickets purchased through the Kennedy Center) For those who purchased tickets to our April 9-19, 2020 production of Swan Lake, your tickets will automatically be migrated to the May 6-16, 2021 production dates – for the same day of the week and time in the same seats. All patrons choosing to retain their tickets for Swan Lake will receive their new tickets this Fall. If you wish to exchange your ticket for a different show, switch to another Washington Ballet performance at the Kennedy Center, receive a credit for a future Washington Ballet performance, or request a refund, please contact the Kennedy Center Advance Sales Box Office at 202-416-8540 between 10:00AM and 5:00PM Monday-Friday, or email BoxOffice-AdvanceSales@kennedy-Center.org. Thank You for Your Support and Patience It is during the difficult times that we are reminded of our shared humanity, the need to care for one another, and the beauty of art that invaluably adds to our lives. Stay safe and healthy, and we can’t wait to be together again and celebrate the beauty, athleticism, and artistry of The Washington Ballet. The Washington Ballet is funded in part by the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities, an agency supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Even worse, if we tried to visit Germany or Australia or New Zealand to see companies there, we'd be quarantined for two weeks first. Canada doesn't want us at all. Can't blame them!

I have tickets for La Scala's Onegin (with Nunez and Bolle) at Segerstrom July 31 - August 2, but I'm not optimistic about that one. https://www.scfta.org/events/2020/teatro-alla-scala-ballet They're also scheduled for the Music Center the week before in Giselle with Hallberg and Nunez, July 24-26. https://www.musiccenter.org/tickets/events-by-the-music-center/glorya-kaufman-dance/teatro-alla-scala/

That's pretty impressive! I've also been watching Germany, which has a terrible pandemic -- but it's being managed by scientists (most notably Angela Merkel, a PhD quantum physicist). I haven't seen any announcements from the German companies about re-opening.

It's worrying that almost nobody has announced a real fall season -- Royal Ballet, Kennedy Center, Segerstrom, Music Center, ABT, NYCB. Are they all coming to the conclusion that it will be impossible and the most we can hope for is Nutcracker in December?

Kansas City Ballet joins the many companies offering a streamed recording of a recent performance, this one a new piece two years ago by Matthew Neenan to Philip Glass: https://kcballet.org/events/kc-ballet-on-demand-the-uneven/?blm_aid=12511300&fbclid=IwAR0mCxB4rcp-5lXs4t34HnQuhcn5vK7-zEkSPZCFHpYlN4LduiYeujgz_G0

I have wondered the same thing. I actually still have a ticket that I was going to use after a Swan Lake blitz at ABT. PNB has postponed their summer program in Idaho to August. Assume the June NYC engagement will be cancelled, too.

PNB just posted this on Twitter. I can't find it on their web site yet, but WOW! Now all we need is the Bolshoi's Ratmansky Giselle to be streamed so we can get a closer look at both reconstructions. On Friday 05/8, we're premiering PNB's House Party 2.0 - everything you need for an evening at home, including a full performance of Giselle from 2014 with Kaori Nakamura & Jerome Tisserand. Donate your tix or make a gift of any size to our Relief Fund: http://bit.ly/PNBReliefFund . 0:33 164 views 2 19

Almost too much to choose from! Mariinsky.tv is streaming Sleeping Beauty at 12 noon EDT today: https://mariinsky.tv/e Princess Aurora: Alina SomovaPrince Désiré: Vladimir ShklyarovThe Lilac Fairy: Kristina ShapranThe Diamond Fairy: Sofia Ivanova-SkoblikovaCarabosse the Wicked Fairy: Igor KolbPrincess Florine: Oxana SkorikBluebird: Alexei Timofeyev

A charming profile of Irina Kolpakova, sent out by ABT yesterday: https://www.thirteen.org/programs/nyc-arts/nyc-arts-full-episode-may-31-2018-yr0pjc/

Sadler's Wells Digital Stage, including Osipova: Sadler's Wells Digital Stage featuring Natalia Osipova Sadler's Wells presents a programme of full-length dance performances and workshops online to keep you entertained wherever you are in the world. Artists and companies performing include ballet superstar Natalia Osipova, Taiwan’s Cloud Gate Dance Theatre, UK choreographer Alexander Whitley, and Sadler’s Wells’ Breakin’ Convention. We will continue to provide a dynamic and varied programme in these extraordinary circumstances, featuring outstanding artists and companies. While our live stages are dark, performances will be screened live on Fridays at 7.30pm BST on Sadler’s Wells’ Facebook page, and are then available to watch on demand for seven days. Digital Stage Teaser Trailer Take a glimpse at what we have in store on our Digital Stage in the coming weeks. From hip hop to ballet, there is something for everyone. Watch trailer An evening with Natalia Osipova 24 April Revisit some of ballet superstar Natalia Osipova’s most captivating moments, including the sensational Valse Triste and Ave Maria, and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s Qutb. More info Breakin' Convention - The Jazz Re:freshed Sonic Orchestra 1 May Live jazz meets hip hop dance theatre in an evening of cross-cultural collaboration hosted by Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist, Jonzi D. More info Alexander Whitley Dance Company - 8 Minutes 8 May In a unique scientific collaboration, Alexander Whitley illuminates our relationship with the star that gives us life. More info Cloud Gate Dance Theatre - Moon Water 15 May Showcasing stunning choreography and design, Moon Water is a beautifully meditative work from founding director Lin Hwai-min. More info Support Sadler's Wells We want to thank our audiences for their messages of support at this challenging time. If you would like to help Sadler's Wells you can consider the following: Make a donation Right now all new gifts to Sadler's Wells are being matched, whatever the amount, doubling impact of your support. Book tickets Many of our Autumn and Christmas season are on sale and we're looking forward to welcoming audiences back to the building. Join as a member Membership is a great way to get involved and enjoy discounts for our fantastic shows. We are currently offering a three month extension on membership while our stages are dark.

Sounds like ABT is slow for everyone, and it's not just me. I'll have to be patient for this one, I guess!

When I cancelled my spring NYCB tickets and asked for a refund, I got that within a couple of days. But I cancelled my ABT subscription and asked for a refund and am still waiting for that refund. Is that the experience others are having? Is the Met just really slow at these things? I'm also curious that the PNB performances at the Koch June 23-28 are not yet cancelled. Didn't the Mayor extend the prohibition on large gatherings through June 30? https://davidhkochtheater.com/events.html

I still have the Giselle Videotape and it says it was taped at the Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln Center. But if the issue is whether the sets work in a smaller theater, like the K*och, the Colorado Ballet rented the ABT sets (and costumes) and they were just fine in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver, which seats 2,225.

Steps on Broadway just announced their virtual classes @$12. Interesting that so many schools are announcing on the same day: Steps on Broadway invites you to join us for Virtual Steps: A Livestream Class Experience! Train at home with our world-renowned faculty for just $12 a class. Classes begin on Monday, April 20 at 9AM (EST). We miss you and your teachers miss you, so join us in our virtual studio as we keep you dancing at home. Classes will be offered in every style for every level from your favorite teachers. Let’s keep dancing! View the Schedule Get the Details & Register Steps on Broadway | 2121 Broadway, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10023

Colorado Ballet Academy just announced the same thing for their Adult Open classes @$10. I really hope all these schools find a successful model. ================= Colorado Ballet Academy is excited to offer Virtual Open classes for all of our Adult Open students beginning Monday, April 20. We know this is not a direct replacement for our in-studio classes but hope it gives everyone a chance to stay up to speed with their Ballet training! All classes cost $10 to drop in. You must register and pay on our website ahead of time in order to receive class login information. Day Time Class Teacher Monday 10:00-11:30am Adult Intermediate Ballet Whitney Popp Tuesday 10:00-11:30am Adult Intermediate Ballet Jayne Persch Wednesday 10:00-11:30am Adult Beginning Ballet Erika Sandre Thursday 10:00-11:30am Adult Intermediate Ballet Jayne Persch Friday 10:00-11:30am Adult Intermediate Ballet Robert Sher-Machherndl Saturday 12:00-1:30pm Adult Beginning Ballet Diane Page Please follow the link below to register and pay for your class. After you have paid for your class you will be sent an email from tickets@coloradoballet.org with a receipt, Zoom Video Conferencing Link, and password. https://tickets.coloradoballet.org/overview/6243 We are not applying previously purchased classes (online drop-in registration or punch cards) to online classes at this time. We plan to honor any in-person classes purchased online during the closure once we return to classes in the studios. All Class Punch Cards’ expiration dates will be extended at least 2 months. Anyone that has paid for a drop-in class online, that did not occur due to the closure, will be able to apply that registration to a future class in studio. We hope to see you in classes this week! Please let us know if you have any questions! Thank you, Megan Lay | Colorado Ballet Pre-Professional Division and Summer Programs Administrator Phone: (303) 339-1717 | megan.lay@coloradoballet.org 1075 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204

Washington Ballet school announced yesterday that some of their on-line classes will be available for a charge. On-demand videos for $8. Live-streamed classes are $13. With so many free classes on-line elsewhere, I wonder how successful this will be, but ballet schools are surely thinking about revenue streams during this pandemic, just like everybody else. I hope they can make this work. https://www.washingtonballet.org/covid-19-updates-information/

A seven-county region around Denver does just that. For every $10 collected in sales and use tax, one cent goes to cultural organizations. The Scientific and Cultural Facilities District has been approved repeatedly by voters for 30 years. The program distributes $60 million a year to 300 cultural organizations, including the Colorado Ballet and much more. A great model that other regions might emulate! https://scfd.org/who-we-are/about-us/

I've been thinking about possible scenarios. E.g., if a company was able to test every single dancer before each rehearsal (along with temperatures, perhaps), could they rehearse small ensemble pieces, solos, pas de deux that might be performed in a black box theater with physical distancing for the audience? The dancers need to feel safe performing, even if they don't have an audience for awhile. I appreciate the on-line streaming of classes and old recordings, but they'll wear thin soon, if they haven't already.

A very candid interview with Gil Boggs, Artistic Director of the Colorado Ballet, about our current realities: optimism but also realism. Midway through there's an acknowledgement that the next season might have to be cancelled until there is a vaccine and people are comfortable in a large theater. But this company is in excellent shape financially, owns its own building, has great supporters, etc. Still, it's sobering and I have to think every other ballet company director is thinking about the same things. (He mentions his wife Sandra Brown being ill with bronchitis. Some of you might remember her as a soloist at ABT, in the premiere of Lubovitch's Othello. She's now a ballet mistress at the company.)

Here's the message that just went out to SAB supporters. The studios are closed through Winter Term. They mention a Virtual Workshop Celebration in late May, so I'm wondering if there will be footage of the students. Dear Friends, I write today to share the sad news that the School of American Ballet’s studios will remain closed through the end of our Winter Term this June due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Such an interruption to our operation has never occurred since our founding in 1934, but we know we must continue to prioritize the ongoing health and safety of everyone in the SAB family including our students, staff, and each and every one of you. This extended closure will mean the loss of annual activities that we all hold so dear—our students triumphantly dancing in the Workshop Performances and Benefit, the public celebration of our most advanced students as they head off to dance companies and colleges around the world, and the tearful goodbyes in every studio as students ages 6-19 bid their friends and teachers farewell for the summer. And yet, the spirit of SAB continues to thrive in a new and exciting way through 60 online classes each week during which our faculty and pianists are now providing ballet training to our 600+ students in “virtual ballet studios.” The Student Life Team has supported our residential students’ transition to online academic coursework, our Professional Placement Manager has been helping advanced students apply to dance companies with pre-taped video auditions, and the entire School continues to prepare for our Summer Courses in hopeful anticipation that we may be able to reopen our studios at that time. Some of you have asked how you can help SAB, and we are beyond grateful for your outpouring of support in this time. Your inquiries are especially heartwarming since we had counted on our Workshop Performances and Benefit to provide crucial funding for our training, scholarship, and support programs. We have established a special SAB Response Fund to ensure that we are able to continue providing exceptional ballet training for our students, maintaining our commitment to our artistic and administrative employees, and sustaining our facilities and our School for the future. If you are able, please consider making a special donation in addition to your annual membership gift. A gift of any size is impactful and would mean the world to us and our students. We look forward to the day when we can welcome you back to SAB, when our studios will once again be alive with music and the devoted practice of our talented students. In the meantime, I hope that our weekly videos bring you joy and comfort. And while the last week of May typically finds us at our Workshop Performances, this year we hope to come together online through a Virtual Workshop Celebration so that we may once again recognize our incredible students and cheer them on to a brighter future. Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones, and know how deeply we appreciate your ongoing dedication to the School of American Ballet. With gratitude, Carrie Hinrichs Executive Director

It's cancelled on their public web site: https://sab.org/events/ What a disappointment for the students. Wish they could stream some of it, although I doubt they've been back in class in quite some time.

The Koch holds 2544. If you close off the top two tiers, which they regularly do anyway, that really gets the number down. Still, how many of us would be comfortable in rows of seats, surrounded on all sides by people sneezing, coughing, breathing, whatever...would wearing a mask and gloves make you feel safe? https://www.nycballet.com/About/David-H-Koch-Theater.aspx

Safe to say it would be catastrophic for every company in North America! The German companies enjoy substantial state support, although apparently they have real problems with unemployment generally and budget. But in NA, this is such a huge, huge part of their budgets...I won't be surprised if some go under. Perhaps we can all shift our Nutcrackers to January?