Nanarina

Yes, Nicholas Le.Riche, is very good, so is Mathias Heyman, though somewhat younger and taking leading roles in his teens. What about the son of Domanique Kla and Denys Ganio, Mathieu Ganio, again danced La Sylphide James with Aurelie Dupont under 20 years old. All three dancers are with the Paris Opera Ballet. Perhaps one day one of them will fill Manuel Legris shoes now he has retired.

I knew who you meant, and really love them, at first I did not like Osipova, she was not lyrical or musical enough for me, but wow, maturity and love, or love and maturity, whatever it is, it works, they make a lovely couple and so well matched. Lets hope for many years of their partnership and please please please guest visits to the UK and everywhere else their presence can be enjoyed. I will be looking out for them coming to London, and hopefully if it is with the Bolshoi I will be able to take my grand daughters who would be thrilled to see them. AND SO WOULD I.

They are marvelous on the Flames of Paris DVD.

As my final post to this thread it has come full circle. I have just spent three days in hospital, due to it pouring of rain, I was forced to stand in a bus shelter, when two women came and stood by me, they both lit up a cigerette

and the fumes spread into the small amount of air which surrounded me. I could not move away(which I would have normally done) my bus was almost due, so I had to stay there. I am allergic to cigerette smoke, and ended up having to call an ambulance later that day. I did not want to cause problems and ask them to stop., as they were perfectly entitled to smoke. It was my bad luck I had the allergy. Foruinatly it does not happen very often.

How terrible. But you seem to have recovered quite nicely and up to your old form. So that's something to be thankful for?

Yes thanks, appart from a shortness of breath and cough, I am okay.

As my final post to this thread it has come full circle. I have just spent three days in hospital, due to it pouring of rain, I was forced to stand in a bus shelter, when two women came and stood by me, they both lit up a cigerette

and the fumes spread into the small amount of air which surrounded me. I could not move away(which I would have normally done) my bus was almost due, so I had to stay there. I am allergic to cigerette smoke, and ended up having to call an ambulance later that day. I did not want to cause problems and ask them to stop., as they were perfectly entitled to smoke. It was my bad luck I had the allergy. Foruinatly it does not happen very often.

If a person wishes to smoke, LET THEM DO SO ON THEIR OWN PREMISES, NOT IN PUBLIC AREA'S. If it could be arranged and they cannot manage to last without a puff of a cigerette, provide smoking area's outside, but still ban it inside public buildings especially in restuarants etc. As for Drink/Driving the authorities should come down hard on these people.

I notice how this discussion has been progressing, and with the introduction of issues like territoriality and civil rights, believe that it is going over into the area of political discourse, where civility and respect for other posters may be at a premium these days. Where the talk began with an expression of concern for the smoker, now it seems to be veering into a sort of Prohibition-style moralizing. Just a simple admonition. (Moderator beanie off)

My original post was indeed as much critismn as concern for the dancers I featured, in particular Aurelie Dupont, who I still admire for her dedication

and what she has achieved in her career. To see someone who is a beautiful talented dancer, put her future health at risk shocked me. I fully realise she is an adult, and it is no business of mine really, but it would be dreadful to see her succumb to a fatal illness. One could also feel that Cedric Klapsch the film maker did not do her any favours by including the scene.

Still on the same subject, but taking a slightly different direction, is it acceptable to suggest that it is okay for people to smoke as they are adults.and it is their business only. What about the situation when a smoker dies, leaving a heartbroken family, including children, spouses, parents, siblings, relations and friends. Death in any form is hard, but for it to be the result of a self inflicted habit, that could easily have been avoided, with

better will power and effective safer subsitutes, it only makes the loss the harder to bare. The smoker misses sharing the lives of their loved ones, they in turn are left to face the future without the smoker, the only people who benefit are the cigerette manufacturer and taxman. And at the end of the day

it all burns ang goes up in smoke. So often people realise too late they have past the point of no return, having disregarded the inevitable. This is a selfish act, and what do you tell their children when they ask Why their parent died, of course you could never tell them, but what ones to mind could be the words "Because Mummy or Daddy , smoked when they knew it was bad for them." "That is why it is not sensible to smoke".

The number of dogs and cats that are likely to be staying in a hotel at any one time, will be far lower than smokers actually in residence.

My, this subject brings up strong emotions!

Personal space, yes. Also, good old-fashioned manners. If you know you stink, you stay away from people; even homeless people who don't have an opportunity to bathe understand that and usually settle themselves in some out-of-the-way spot. And when did it become all right to light up without asking in the presence of someone who's not smoking?

Nearly every weekend when the weather is nice you can find me reading in the park. I can't tell you how many times over the years somebody takes a spot on the bench next to mine, or occasionally even on my bench, and without so much as asking do you mind they start puffing away. I mean honestly, they *never* ask. Ever! It used to be I would say something, but that sometimes led to testy words that spoiled my mood. So now I don't say anything, though I suppose the alacrity with which I stand and vacate the vicinity makes it pretty obvious why I'm leaving. Who, please, is the "smoking nazi" in this scenario? Who has a seat, and who has none? Surely we can agree that if we non-smokers avoid smokers when we see them in the park, they can do the same for us?

But getting back to the original subject: it seems what I said before was taken exactly the opposite of how I meant it. My "thing" about not drinking in front of children is, I know all too well, my own personal quirk, and I know of not a single person who shares it! I only spoke of it as an example of how easy it is to make a habit of not doing something possibly offensive in front of other people, especially children and teenagers. On the other hand: One is chosen to be a role model, yes, I believe that; but I don't think anybody has to feel obligated to live up to that responsibility if they don't want it. And the younger somebody is, the more likely they will choose the deliberately provocative action rather than the one that would mark them as a good citizen.

Oh, but if Dupont had just said a quick "do you mind?" to those present before taking that cigarette, I would have cheered for her! If more people were willing to be a role model for etiquette, perhaps we wouldn't need so many laws to enforce what should just be common sense and good manners.

Anthony

She did not need to ask anything, there was only her, Marie Agnes G. and possibly the camerman. It was a "ciggy" brake on the balcony of the Garnier. But the programme went out on DVD available to her followers of all ages. Some of who would have been impressionable young people who treat her like a pop star and put her on a pedastal. Surely if you are a person in the spotlight you should consider your actions.

Sadly one will never know, some do and some do not,my Mother and I were disgusted with her when my own daughter smoked through four pregnancies.

In the era when our Fathers started to smoke, the pitfalls and danger was not fully appreciated, one of my own Fathers remarks after smoking to collect vouchers, which he gave away, when thanked replied"But it has killed me doing so". By that time he knew the dangers and had given up.

Too late, but he told me and my friends never to smoke. In fact two members of The Royal Ballet, who were very fond of him, never smoked another cigerette afterwards.

I was recently very disapointed to see in the documentary "In the space of a moment" Aurelie Dupont blatently take a cigerette of Marie Agnes G. and smoke it as if to say "so what I SMOKE" Having watch my own father die a horrific death with klung cancer, in his early fifties, and me being just over 20 years, it had a profound effect on me. He was a very talented musician, and it was such a waste of

life.

I honestly feel that someone like Aurelie who has many yound woman supporters who look up to her, it is very irresponsible. Maybe it is okay for her to smoke in private, but what about her young children, or anyone else who put their family at risk by passive smoking.

Why do Dancers and others do it? is it to inhibit their appetite or to rebel against the disipline of their career?

Despite all the warnings and risks do they all just think "It wont happen tome".

Surely if Aurelie Dupont, Marie Agnes Gillot or any other dancer or indeed person wishes to smoke it's their business and theirs alone. But if you truly feel so strongly about it why not write to the POB and take it up with Dupont? I'm sure she'd be delighted.

www.operadeparis.fr

I feel strongly it is the business of other people when and wehere smokers light up. Non Smokers have the right to protect themselves from the fumes others create. I do not condem smokers if they choose to smoke, my response is both critism of the act of smoking and concern for the welfare of all.

As for Aurelie Dupont being delighted if I wrote to her about the subject I do not think so. she would not appreciate being criticised. But if I ever got the chance to speak to her on the subject if it was appropriate I would do so.

I was recently very disapointed to see in the documentary "In the space of a moment" Aurelie Dupont blatently take a cigerette of Marie Agnes G. and smoke it as if to say "so what I SMOKE" Having watch my own father die a horrific death with klung cancer, in his early fifties, and me being just over 20 years, it had a profound effect on me. He was a very talented musician, and it was such a waste of

life.

I honestly feel that someone like Aurelie who has many yound woman supporters who look up to her, it is very irresponsible. Maybe it is okay for her to smoke in private, but what about her young children, or anyone else who put their family at risk by passive smoking.

Why do Dancers and others do it? is it to inhibit their appetite or to rebel against the disipline of their career?

Despite all the warnings and risks do they all just think "It wont happen tome".

Surely if Aurelie Dupont, Marie Agnes Gillot or any other dancer or indeed person wishes to smoke it's their business and theirs alone. But if you truly feel so strongly about it why not write to the POB and take it up with Dupont? I'm sure she'd be delighted.

www.operadeparis.fr

I was recently very disapointed to see in the documentary "In the space of a moment" Aurelie Dupont blatently take a cigerette of Marie Agnes G. and smoke it as if to say "so what I SMOKE" Having watch my own father die a horrific death with klung cancer, in his early fifties, and me being just over 20 years, it had a profound effect on me. He was a very talented musician, and it was such a waste of

life.

I honestly feel that someone like Aurelie who has many yound woman supporters who look up to her, it is very irresponsible. Maybe it is okay for her to smoke in private, but what about her young children, or anyone else who put their family at risk by passive smoking.

Why do Dancers and others do it? is it to inhibit their appetite or to rebel against the disipline of their career?

Despite all the warnings and risks do they all just think "It wont happen tome".

Surely if Aurelie Dupont, Marie Agnes Gillot or any other dancer or indeed person wishes to smoke it's their business and theirs alone. But if you truly feel so strongly about it why not write to the POB and take it up with Dupont? I'm sure she'd be delighted.

www.operadeparis.fr

: I am so sorry that you too had the same experience as me, it is something despite trying, I personally can never seem to forget. My feelings are not only criticism but concern for others. Like you I abhore smoking for what it does to me if I am forced to be in a stagnant environment. I was so pleased when it was banned in public places indoors here in the UK. However, people can light up and puff all over you outside.

I had an experience last year when I was unable to walk due to an injury. My Son in law left me sitting in a precinct with a group of 12 young Mums, there were four tables, each of them had a child or two, and sat there smoking heavily.

They were friendly and just doing their own thing, I spoke to them for a while, and in the end had to apologise for moving away, which I did to well out of their field. So in fact smoking can be just as offensive outdoors as in.

In my observations at social events for the arts; musicians, dancers, even singers in general have a higher rates of smoking than the general population. Dancers in particular smoke to stave off hunger pains and deal with stress. The pressures to remain ridiculously thin are not to be underestimated. The social barriers to smoking in Europe are very low grade in comparison to the US. While it is banned in many restaurants in Europe, most people flaunt these rules as a form or rebellion. In comparison in Seattle, the pressure *not* to smoke is tremendous, and social mores make smokers feel deeply uncomfortable.

I abhore smoking, and my father also died of lung cancer in his early 60's. He was diagnosed the Friday before Mother's Day weekend, and died the week before Father's day. Those 4 weeks were the worst of his life, and the worst of ours, watching him suffer.

There are significant smoking cecession options available now, including Chantix, which I understand is very effective. I hope Ms. DuPont is able to quit for the sake of her own long term health.

I also smoked for a few years in my youth - due partly to leaving home quite young and being very immature and impressionable, stress, weight-control issues - and in fact I got much better control of my weight after stopping smoking.

Back in those days more than 50% of the dancers I knew smoked - I am in Europe.

Now it is quite different from company to company, I have seen.

It also seems to depend on where the dancers come from.

I have one DD who has asthma and she has serious trouble when confronted with cigarette smoke.

Sometimes I compare smoking around others to blaring very loud music out of a ghetto-blaster: the person playing the music does not mind it, and some of the passersby may also like it or be indifferent, but there are probably going to be some people who are really, really bothered and will feel very uncomfortable and cannot get away.

I tend towards a mantra of "my freedom stops where yours begins".

Probably one has to sort of agree on how important it really is to have fairly clear air to breathe while out walking or waiting for a bus, and all of that.

-d-

For those really passionate about it anti-smokers, here's a suggestion, work towards getting the cigs made illegal.

Richard,

Are you secretly Rob Reiner? The thing is cigs will never be illegal as long as tax revenue is there to be garnered and indeed why should it, people have been enjoying a tab for millennia in one form or another.

Though if it were to be made illegal it'd just push it underground, it'd be just like the days of prohibition with Emphysema Speakeasys, with a troupe of wheezing hoofing iron lung flapper girls.

What gets me is that sure the odd stray whiff can be annoying, but think of all those sleights small and large, petty infractions, annoyances and irritants that happen to one over the course of a lifetime, are any of those truly worth getting one's knickers into such an inordinate twist?

Smoking is a choice and sooner or later every smoker decides to quit, and it's hard or continue. As tragic as the stories of loved ones dying are, Aurelie Dupont is not nanarina's father and should she continue to puff away till her lungs are black wizened lumps of tar rattling around in her rib cage it has absolutely no relation or bearing on anyone else's death or illness. With all the stresses, insecurities, injuries, hardships and worry a dancer has to face, will you really deny her the occasional cig, or not so occasional if that's what floats her boat?

I really admire Aurelie Dupont, she is currently my favourite dancer, because of what I experienced with my Father,it makes me hate to think of anyone I like(or disliked) suffering in the same way. I know I cannot protect them, and it is none of my business actually. My own daughter smokes heavily and already has had cancer, but carries on. I cannot tolerate smoke from cigeretes, it makes me really ill. Every time my grand children come to stay, I have to wash all their clothes as they reak of nicotine, but of course my daughter does not notice it, I do not think some people who smoke are aware of the stale smell that accompanies most of therm.

I was recently very disapointed to see in the documentary "In the space of a moment" Aurelie Dupont blatently take a cigerette of Marie Agnes G. and smoke it as if to say "so what I SMOKE" Having watch my own father die a horrific death with klung cancer, in his early fifties, and me being just over 20 years, it had a profound effect on me. He was a very talented musician, and it was such a waste of

life.

I honestly feel that someone like Aurelie who has many yound woman supporters who look up to her, it is very irresponsible. Maybe it is okay for her to smoke in private, but what about her young children, or anyone else who put their family at risk by passive smoking.

Why do Dancers and others do it? is it to inhibit their appetite or to rebel against the disipline of their career?

Despite all the warnings and risks do they all just think "It wont happen tome".

Congratulations to him, he is very deserving of the award. I liked him dancing in the Tchaikovsky pdd on the Dancers section. He Came very close to my liking for Zoltan.

Balanchine Tchaikovsky Pas de deux.

I like Zoltan Solymossi (Trained in Hungary) I was impressed with this peformance from the day he danced it with Darcey Bussell at the Tchaikovsky Gala at the ROH. He may not be the most technical dancer, but is flambyant

and moves with the music, rather than just dancing to it. I believe he was a bit of a handful, very temperemental needed to be told to smile. His style catches my eye especially in the mid stage circle of turns.

It has been announced on the Internet that Jeremie Belingard and Aurelie Dupont will be undertaking two performances (26th and 27th August 20.30hrs.) Check on the Official Festival Site for Venues and Ticket's.

You can find a preliminary casting on the French forum dansomanie. From the names of the dancers, it looks like (more or less) there will be two leading female and male roles although only four Etoiles dancers are named (Ciaravola, Heymann, Paquette and Pujol).

Thankyou Silvermash

I would not mind seeing Heymann, he was excellent in Onegin. As far as the Etoile's are concerned I think I would prefer to see Ould Braham. Though I have seen some of them, I dont know a lot about the others. Anyway I have decided definatly to go as my Birthday is in November and it is my chance to treat myself.

I am really interested in this Ballet, and have decided to go and see it. If it still resembles the old classic, it should be something worth going to see. I have loved the music for many years, and am quite excited at the prospect. I much admired Jean G. Bart as a Dancer, and felt it was sad about his early retirement. But I sincerely hope he will b ring

his technique and brilliance to Choreography. I wonder if it is far too early to know more about the Production, and would find a mention of who is going to be cast in the leading roles most helpful. I wonder when they will be allocated in house, and when the rehearsals will start. If any of our Members with inside knowledge have any information can let us know it would be great. Hopefully there will be some publicity about it released, there is already an interview with J.G.B. I expect the time will fly by to

the Autumn.

April 26th will soon be here, I am really looking forward to the DVD release of this Ballet. I nearly went to see it in Paris but could not make it as I had an operation on my eye. Thank you for posting the clip. I too would like to see a DVD of the full Raymonda, but with a decent cast. I have an oeriginal Bolshoi version with Gedimas Taranda, which is wonderful. I also saw it live when they came to London a few years ago.

It may only make you want to see more, but here's a

from a Swan Lake.rehearsal and a

from a Romeo and Juliet rehearsal.

Well Derek Deane is his usual, charming self.

Do you mean "a bolshy Prima Donna" Who has little respect for his Dancers, or knows how to speak to them. I was really appalled by his attitude.