ami1436

The Bolshoi will be performing in... Chapel Hill!!!!!!! in June.

http://www.carolinaperformingarts.org/perf...9a-1401d501e54b

Casting is as follows:

Memorial Hall, Chapel Hill

Don Quixote

June 10, 7.30 pm

Kitri - Maria Alexandrova

Basilio - Andrei Uvarov

June 11, 7.30 pm

Kitri - Yekaterina Shipulina

Basilio - Alexander Volchkov

Swan Lake

June 13, 8.00 pm

Odette-Odile - Anna Nikulina

Prince Siegfried - Andrei Uvarov

The Evil Genius - Artem Shpilevsky

June 14, 2.00 pm

Odette-Odile - Yekaterina Krysanova

Prince Siegfried - Alexander Volchkov

The Evil Genius – Yuri Baranov

I sadly missed out on the chance to buy tickets due to some rather complicated distractions, but am still (pointlessly?) searching for possible opening night tickets for Alexandrova in Don Q. I've seen Shipulina before, but can't quite imagine her as Kitri. Thoughts? Or thoughts on Swan Lake casting?

I'm pleased for Yuhui Choe for winning the Spotlight award -- I've been following her since 2002 and I find her magnificent, with gorgeous arms and lovely musicality.

Lovely people! Thank you so much for your reports -- for a variety of reasons I couldn't come to DC this weekend, and during the week doesn't work at all.... I look forward to hearing more as the visit progresses! Thank you also for the brief history lessons!

I'm contemplating a visit to DC in Jan, to see family and the Mariinksy... I haven't been able to find casting, but I'm assuming it's not up anywhere yet. They are doing Don Q... does anyone have recommendations of casts to look out for? I've not seen the company for a while. I so wish they were doing Jewels instead!

And... I guess anyone up for a meet-up? I think I most likely would be at one of the Sat or Sun performances, although this is at the most preliminary stages of planning....

I just saw that casting today, and am heartbroken to have to miss it... with her lovely arms, can't you just imagine her playing the veena at the beginning? SIGH.

I am a huge Yuhui fan! I've followed her since her win at Laussanne, and I love her love her love her. She has the most lovely, musical arms and fantastic footwork. There are some bits of choreography which I don't like, which she can make speak to me. Early in the season she did the fast shade variation from Bayadere (the one ending with releve en voyage in arabesque). I was surprised to see her cast as this as I had thought of her as more of a lyrical dancer, but she astounded me with her phrasing and presence. And yes, she was at the Bruhn competition.

Thanks amitava, for letting me know about Erin.

I'm guessing, from the responses, that I'm not being clear. I understand the numerous obstacles as to WHY there aren't that many South Asians in ballet. What I'm curious about is the biography of those who are the exception - and here I'm largely focusing on those in the diaspora (of which I am one - although just recreationally - hence my interest.) People like Akram Khan (not ballet, I know) have been expressive about the paths they took.

Without getting too much on a tangent, I think we also have to be careful about over-generalising the role of music and dance in Islam, as it varies greatly.

Nonetheless, amitava is right that women in any type of arts are much harder to come by in Pakistan - thus the RB dancers I mentioned are a novelty of sorts (see my post above - two Parsis from Karachi (Pakistan) and a Muslim from Madras (India)).

In any case, if anyone does know of any further biographical information of the dances listed in this thread, could add to the list, or could point to recordings of their dancing, I'd appreciate it. I believe Hussein is the Lilac Fairy on the Durante RB Sleeping Beauty recording, but I'll have to double check.

Kobborg is actually short as well - but I think you are speaking more of the difference between the heights of Kobborg and Kay?

I remember seeing Kobborg at the Wells last year. I'm 5'1 and was wearing mega-heels, and he didn't seem that much taller...

Are you sure it was Paul Kay? He's actually quite short!

Yup, I'm aware and I agree.... but it is still nonetheless a rarity to find South Asians in ballet. And thus I'm curious!

Oh I'm glad folks are interested!

Any other info on Samira Saidi?

Partly what I'm interested in is the demographics of it. I mean, ballet isn't cheap to learn. And the backgrounds of the women would suggest a so-called 'conservative' background (obviously this is a gross generalisation, which I'm quite aware of!) -- two Parsis from Karachi, and a Muslim from Madras! In most simplistic words, I find this amazingly 'cool'.

My quick comments are below are necessarily brief and thus great generalisations as well....

Migration to Britain from India has a much longer history than to the U.S. - and there was an especially large flow of migrants around the time of Independence/partition in 1947. Last I checked, about 5 years ago, the majority of South Asians in the UK were Punjabi - the state probably most affected by partition. There's a greater demographic spread in background - a lot more working classes, but also a greater integration into arts and pop culture.

In the U.S., the main migration stream started around the 1960s, and consisted largely of professionals and those seeking to advance their education. Yes, there are of course working class migrants as well, and the 'model minority' myth really does not hold. However, the integration into larger U.S. culture has only just started - on shows like E.R., movies like Harold and Kumar, etc. This group of migrants is known for its focus on education.

I know a few other young (South Asian) girls who took ballet classes on-and-off in the small town I grew up in, largely on the recommendation on my mom with a heavy focus on the 'discipline' and 'preventing time wasting' aspects.... But most of them did not stay for more than a few years, and most of those I knew who took dance classes focused on classical or folk forms from the subcontinent. In my many years of dancing, I think I've only seen a handful of other South Asian dancers, and maybe only 1-2 others who dance at an intermediate standard or higher.

I'm extremely curious as to what brought these women to ballet, around relatively similar times.

Another interesting side note is the number of South Asians, especially those who came to the U.K via East Africa, who are involved in ballet and pointe shoe-making, including Ushi Nagar. When I met with Mr. Nagar, we had a long talk about other South Asians in dance, he noted that beyond those I've mentioned, he's met one in the U.S... I think maybe in Kansas City Ballet? I'll have to double check with him.

Bart, you have totally just made my day! I am a huge Alex Wong fan, after seeing him while he was with ABTII. I also remember that song from a brief foray into high school dance team (I wonder if our choreography was better?)... but that's about all I should say about my youth...!

You know, looking back, I don't think I ever thought of ballet as 'not cool' when I was young, and I think I really owe this to my parents, and to shows like Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers - I clearly remember Mr. Rogers visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers and showing Lynn Swann in ballet class. I also remember someone on Sesame Street... I don't remember who? Of course, I'm speaking as a female, and I grew up in an area where most children did some sort of artistic endeavour, from choir to band to drama to ballroom.....

Although some folks in the UK hated it, I LOVED this season's Royal Ballet promotion with Ed Watson. (There's a story about the promo here: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-...son-456166.html and I posted a topic about it here on the sister board: http://dancers.invisionzone.com/index.php?...=36374&hl=) Whatever, the statistics might not be right. What is it they say about lies, damned lies, and statistics? Moreover, my male friends thought it was 'cool' and asked questions about how hard it is to be a dancers, and my male *dancing* friends adopted a new line. I also thought last Christmas' Gap ad with Roberto Bolle and Greta Hodgkins was cool.

My biggest pet peeve, however, is the continuing 'pinkification' of ballet and, in general, of young girls (if anyone has been to Hamley's in London - ugh, that place is an epitome of the gender divide...). I love that Angelina Ballerina and the like inspire girls to dance, but must it all be in such overtly frilly manners? The Royal Ballet has a new set of dolls out (ugly, in my opinion, but hey...) - and they are all princesses and fairies. I completely admit to giving in to the trend when I took a friend's daughter to her first ballet outing - and she was adorable - but it all seemed overly gendered to me.

This is odd Giannina, because there have been a plethora of recent postcards, including Sarah Lamb in... I think Fille, and Nunez as Lilac Fairy.....

Ah, it seems Nunez as Lilac is gone, but she is there from Coppelia... See:

http://www.rohshop.org/acatalog/ROH_Shop_B...t_Cards_92.html

Eliza,

Thank you so much for responding/engaging with this discussion! Having worn several pointe shoes myself - including GMs when they first came out when... mid 1990s? (I'm starting to feel old...), I find my self obsessed with the pointe shoes of professionals, and what they do with their shoes, etc. I appreciate that you've indulged my obsession with the information you've provided! I noticed the same trend amongst the ABT dancers when they visited London, and it is interesting to see how trends start and spread, and why. So again, thanks!

I don't know when this was filmed - I do believe it is the same video that is on Bussell's website (I can't play the videos at work to check).

I can check a programme once I get home, but I think Wheeldon made this in 1996 on Bussell and Cope... Cooper was second cast with..................? My memory escapes me. I'll try to remember to check the programme tonight

And yes, Wheeldon was already with NYCB at the time.

Yes - it was also lovely to meet in London! And Helene, you continue to astound me with your lack of travel fatigue!

Yes, this is Wheeldon's.

Rojo routinely does 6 or 7 at the end of her fouttes as well.

Question: Are Gaynor Mindens taking over the Mariinsky as they are with ABT? Several of the ladies are 'GM Artists', and as with all shoes, I don't always feel (both from seeing the Mariinsky and seeing pictures), that they are right for everyone. Somova's are sometimes glaringly apparent in photos. According to the GM website, those who use them include:

Somova

Big Red

Gonchar

Novikova

Obraztova

I'm curious! I'm obsessed with dancer's favourite shoes, and am, perhaps naively, surprised to see so many from the Mariinsky wearing shoes 'of the future'!

Friends, apologies for posting this late, as I didn't have computer access earlier this weekend. I've decided on Sapori for dinner on Weds, booking is for 5:30, in my name (Ami). If I'm late, please start! One thing I've learned is that when you really want the trains to be on time, things will work against you!

Sapori is at 43 Drury Lane. If you know where the ballerina statue is across from the ROH, Sapori is at the other end of that pedestrian walkway. 2 minutes from ROH. If you need better directions, let me know!

Apologies for bringing up this thread. An email from a friend was asking about South Asian dancers, and I found myself here.

I was aware of most of the women listed, so I've done a quick search on them as well, and its rather sociologically interesting I think. Benazir Hussein was born in Madras, Rashna Homji and Nicola Katrak are apparently both Parsis from Karachi, and I'm not sure of Samira Saidi. What an interesting mix! And all at the Royal Ballet! I wonder why/how/etc. Still now in dance classes, outreach programmes, etc, I find it very unusual to see anyone else of South Asian origin, let alone anyone with exceptional pre-pro training - but I'm speaking mainly of the diaspora in the US, which is demographically quite different and has a different history. Out of pure personal interest, I find this fascinating!

I'm not sure of Tara Brigette-Bhavnani's (also at the Royal) background...

And obviously there's Amar Ramasar.

I've been slowly gathering some more information about them, including any video footage. If anyone has any recommendations or insights, I'd be glad to hear them. Or even better - any dancers not on this list!

It seems we have a small group, and thanks for the suggestions. I'll list a few below. If no one voices a preference, I'll pick a place! I'll try to have everything sorted by Friday evening (GMT), so that those travelling have the information to hand.

One place I always enjoy is Sapori - it's somewhat zany, quite busy usually, with an eclectic Italian staff... I've always enjoyed my food there as well (but I'm vegetarian, so I won't speak for the larger menu)

http://www.toptable.co.uk/venues/restaurants/?id=38

A place that has just recently opened is Masala Zone. I've not eaten there, but I've eaten at the 'nicer' restaurants (when my parents visit!) associated with it - Chutney Mary's and Veeraswamy.

http://www.masalazone.com

And there's a Wagamama's - again, I love it for its veggie food - but I won't speak to the rest of the menu!

http://www.masalazone.com/

As has been recommended:

Johnston's in the Strand Palace hotel:

http://www.strandpalacehotel.co.uk/restaurants.asp

And the Real Greek, which apparently is real good, but without super-comfy seating.

http://www.therealgreek.com/therealgreek/m...Spring_2007.pdf

Just a reminder for folks to contact me, via PM, if they'd like to meet for dinner in London next Weds, 23 April, around 5:30 pm in Covent Garden!

Yup, 5:30 is fine!

Yes, I'll organise, not a problem! I guess it would be best if folks pm-d me to confirm they'd like to come? And... I'm thinking if we choose somewhere close (last time I made Leigh walk a marathon in the heat!), 6pm should be okay?

I'll post a few suggestions here by the end of the week to see if folks have thoughts, but if not, I'll decide by veto.

Regarding the 26th, Leigh (and others): I have been assigned to covering a student workshop that day, and thus my two RB/Sleeping Beauty tickets (Lamb and Putrov) are up for grabs. They are up in the Heavens, but in good view (Amphi P45 and 46). £15 each, if anyone is interested just drop me a PM.

Looking forward to it!

P.S. Haglund's: I'll be at Ansanelli's Juliet!