diane

What a soap-opera! (though playing with real people, whose fates are in the hands of those mainly interested in power and influence, not art) When positions appear to be given almost purely according to politics, then those positions seem to become less important and also lose their seriousness, in my mind at least. -d-

Just goes to show that if someone has grace and poise and a good figure, they looks fabulous in even the most horrid of costumes. -d-

I really like it that Ms Guillem is using her celebratory status to promote things such as ocean protection and other environmental causes. -d-

This is all pretty riveting, and also depressing. Thank you very much for all those reporting on this here. -d-

Oh, yes, very informative and entertaining. Thank you! -d-

Nice one! This appears to me to be the case for many in the west, now, too. -d-

that was lovely! Thank you! I really liked Wayne Sleep, and that hornpipe, though surely exhausting to dance, looks like a lot of fun. Personally, I really enjoy watching Bob Fossee. http://youtu.be/3ItaESaGWMk (among many other things, of course... but this one has been one I keep going back to for mood-lifting) -d-

When I was studying at the Mercury Theatre location of the old "Rambert School of Ballet", Madame Rambert sometimes sat in the entry-office, which I seem to recall had two glass walls, making it impossible to sneak by without being seen. She must have been very, very old then, and at least the students were a bit in awe of her, though none of us ever heard her speak or anything. We had all heard stories.... -d-

So funny! ^^ They remind me of a flock of birds. -d-

Intriguing! thanks. I hope I find out if and when the film is ever made. -d-

Hokay. -d-

Would you care to elaborate? -d-

I bought this back when it was released here in Germany and loved it. The work which Royston Maldoom and his collegues did with the kids is so important and so inspiring. -d-

Thank you for posting this! -d-

How much vision does Ms Alonso have, actually? I think that she was completely - or nearly completely - blind at one time, but I thought that some vision returned? (I have less than 20%, but with glasses/contacts it is still all right to do most things - I would hope that Filin would have, with correction of the eyes through glasses, etc. - considerably more than the five per cent quoted! ) Oh, and ARE full eye-transplants even done? I cannot remember hearing /reading about them, but that of course proves nothing. -d-

Chrome-user here. I can see the BT4D link at the top, no hassles. -d-

Hey, pherank; I'm hanging in there, thanks. Well, "my" youth-group has nearly finished all performances for this season. It seems to have worked out well, but we do try to go for not-too-difficult stories. I also must admit that what is MOST important to me is that the relationship between the characters is clear. (by that I mean that it is clear who likes who, who is sad / scared / pleased / angry, etc) If it is also clear that one is in fact the "mother", that is fine, but it is not a necessity. We have had good experience doing Greek myths, and basically trying to find movements which are "choreographed emotions", for the parts where it is important to tell the story. (this season it was, "psyche and amour") So, yes, I do use a bit of pantomime, but I try to have the dancers work out how their character would FEEL, and what they would do, physically (when no one is watching!) and then "expand" that movement into a dance-movement. (I hope that makes sense.....) It does seem that many in our culture try to hide their feelings by not showing anything in their faces or their movements, save a bit of sarcasm. This tends to make it hard for people to figure out what their bodies feel - and how to show it. And, geez, I wish I could be more succinct in words! -d-

It looks just a teeny bit different, but things seem to be functioning fine, and that is what matters, or? Thank you so much for all your hard work, Helene!! -d-

Thank you! That was wonderful! I cannot help but wonder how the male dancer is doing today; how his back is? He is marvelous, as she is, too, of course, but those back-bends after some of his leaps made me hurt in sympathy. Anyway, that was a lovely start to my Friday! -d-

wow! Awesome! So, how was class? -d-

Ha ha! I can think of several people in this business who cultivate similar smiles! -d-

Thank you, Marga and Helene! That makes sense! It was because of one moment in that "Swan Lake" performance that I wanted - above all else - to be a ballet dancer. I have no programmes or anything from that time, so it is all just (largely faded) memories. It is fascinating to read what people remember from their first times at the ballet; whether live or on television. I also agree that it would be helpful if more choreographers (or their "trusts") would allow for more filmed productions being distributed. It would also further the spread, understanding and appreciation of the art, I think. -d-

-sigh- It would have been so neat to see that video - but "the uploader has not made this video available in your country." Oh, well. Thanks, pherank, for writing down some of the things Wheeldon has said. -d-

Mid to late 60s, New York City... which company would have done Nutcracker and Swan Lake? I think I saw those. I was not yet 10. I loved it. I seem to remember that my brothers did not share my enthusiasm. There was too much velvet, among other things. (the seats) I think I probably saw a few other productions, though from far away and way-up-high. We lived in NY for three years, leaving when I was 9. -d-

Wonderful! Those are words an exasperated father might say. -d-