nutkin

I too hanker for the "old days". In London maybe 10 or so years ago when Festival Ballet was at its peak there was Sadlers Wells, royal ballet, LFB and lots of visiting companies inc Joffrey, ABT, Dutch National Ballet, Swedish Ballet, etc.. Now there seems to be much less classical touring and more "bite sized" programmes which obviously are cheaper but I wonder if they reach the desired potential future audience in the same way ie lacking the grandeur and occasion of a full length classic.

Kevin, so pleased the company had a better house and very interested to hear about La Fille Mal Gardee, I wish I had seen programme 2 now! Are you planning to see any more performances?

interested to read your post Kevin, and do hope you enjoy the 2nd programme. Agree with your comments.

Thanks victoria, it is the Lovenskjold music I love too. Much appreciate the info. [ 05-05-2001: Message edited by: nutkin ]

Hi marc i think u are right, there is clear bias against Bolshoi and my experience today at the Drury lane theatre goes to show the company has worked v hard to restore its credibility.. their mixed bills are an excelent introduction to newcomers to classical dance with "bite sized" excerpts and also hugely enjoyable for those of us who know and love these works. go and enjoy. nutkin

Have just returned from matinee at Drury Lane when I saw programme with Act II Swan Lake, plus divertissements inc raymonda, Nutcracker, Giselle, don Quixote and flower festival at Genzano pas de deux. 1) very disappointing attendance, house less than 25% full. In spite of this the dancers put on a brave show and the small audience was entertained royally. However, benefit of this is if you want to go, try turning up for midweeek matinee you may be lucky 2) Anna Antonicheva and Sergei Filin lovely dancers, but special mention to Yan Godovsky as cavalier in Nutcracker, real lightness and ballon, soft landings, and his partner a delight. 3) It was a treat to see bournonville danced, why do we not see this more often? I just love the lightness and it is a superb technique to see performed. 4) where can I buy a video of LA SYPHIDE ie the story of Effie and James NOT the one with the Chopin music. Any thoughts? regards, Nutkin nutkin@goldserve.net