THE LITTLE COSTUME SHOP DEBUTS AT THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

The Little Costume Shop, exquisitely hand made costume miniatures, is the creation of celebrity, award-winning, costume designer Vin Burnham.

A new exclusive collection has just been launched under license from the Royal Opera House and is on prominent show in the front of house showcase and in the shop of this magnificent building in Covent Garden.

The costumes are designed and hand made in London by award winning costume designer Vinilla Burnham, using period silks, antique lace and embroidery, appliqué, crystals and original 1920’s gelatine sequins.

These costume miniatures which stand at 21 inches tall are timeless decorative objects and destined to become collectors items. 

An ROH patron has just ordered a collection of 5 and Darcey Bussell has one of the Lilac Fairy which was the first role she performed at the ROH.

The collection of quarter scale costumes was inspired by the costumes from classical ballet and opera at the Royal Opera House when Vin started her career back in the Fonteyn and Nureyev era. Vin trained under the great designers including Nicholas Georgiadis, Yolanda Sonnabend, and Maria Bjornson.

Each costume comes from the same hand that has dressed Michelle Pfeiffer, Peter O’Toole, Heather Graham, Terence Stamp, Gary Oldman, Mimi Rodgers, Billy Zane, Sean Connery, Robert Carlyle, Michael Keaton and Danny Devito.

Vin who now works mainly in film and television, and has gone back to her roots at Covent Garden, by creating miniature opera and ballet costumes of her own designs. However, much of Vin’s work can still be seen on stage at the Royal Opera House stage; her Mouse costumes in Peter Wright’s ‘Nutcracker’, her masks in Andre Serban’s ‘Turandot’, dwarf costumes in Anthony Dowell’s ‘Swan Lake’, and headdresses and costume props in Kenneth MacMillan’s ‘Mayerling’ and ‘Gloria’.

“I am delighted to see my costume miniatures at The Royal Opera House,” says Vin. “It is where I learned my craft and a place that holds so many happy memories of working with legendary singers, dancers and designers, and of the ‘real’ Covent Garden Market. It is like coming home.”

Vin is currently hard at work on a new costume - ‘The Sugar Plum’ to co-incide with ‘The Nutcracker’ at The Royal Opera House. Photographs will be posted next month.

Photographs throughout : Richard Wilding

From Student to Star : Shiori Kase

From Student to Star : Shiori Kase, Artist, English National Ballet

I am delighted to show another specially commissioned drawing by Sarah, a naturally talented artist, to introduce this latest interview series. Sarah’s brief was to depict the dancers’ progression from student to professional, and the resulting sketch perfectly represents that transition.

From Student to Star is a series of interviews featuring Graduates as they begin their professional careers, and will be following them regularly.

Kase has a contract with English National Ballet, after graduating from The Royal Ballet School this summer. I reviewed the end of year matinee performance of The Dream, where Kase danced the role of Cobweb.

What have you enjoyed most since joining English National Ballet ?

I’m really enjoying the Company life! We did Giselle in Manchester and I loved to do it!!  It was really good to dance on stage as a professional.


How does Company life differ from your student days ?

First of all, I really love that I can wear whatever I like for class and rehearsal, because when I was student I had to wear school uniform - so I bought lots of ballet clothes!! The main difference is working for myself. When I was student, my teacher always helped me, but now I have to push myself.

What are your best achievements as a student ?

As a student I got lots of chances to dance. For me the most challenging was to dance Le Corsaire pas de deux; however I have danced it many times which allowed me to improve on it for each performance. I think that was really good experience for me and I enjoyed dancing it every single time!

Which professional dancer/s do you most admire and why ?

I love Darcey Bussell and Alina Cojocaru! I watched Darcey as Manon in Japan when The Royal Ballet came to visit, and I thought she was AMAZING and I wanted to dance like her.  Also, that’s why I wanted to come here and study at the same school as her. I think Alina dances so politely and beautifully. I always try to get a ticket when she is dancing! I really enjoy watching her ALL THE TIME.

What do you think you bring to the Company ?

I will hopefully be able to show that I am eager to learn as much as possible and to prove myself as a dancer.


How was your first day ?

I was so nervous! I felt like everyone was watching me and thinking that I was bad!! But I really enjoyed the class.

Which role would you most like to dance ?

Manon!! When I watched Manon, I just fell in love with this ballet!! But now I want to dance Giselle as well.


What did you enjoy about touring to Barcelona ?

I loved Barcelona. I danced Sheharazade so I had lots of time to see the city!


What would you say to those students entering their Graduate year now ?

Enjoy your last year of school! I think the graduate year is the most important year and to take each day one at a time.

Where would you like to be this time next year ?

I want to dance more than now and I want to improve!

Jewelled ballet shoes are back in vogue - yes, it's Cinderella

Ballet Ireland are touring in the UK next month, bringing with them two ballets - Lyric Suite by Michael Corder and Cinderella by Morgann Runacre-Temple.

Amy Drew as Cinderella

Photo :  Fennell Photography

Lyric Suite is a classical piece set to music by Grieg. The score is made up from three movements from the Holberg Suite op.40 (preludium, sarabande and rigaudon), the 2nd movement of Two Nordic Melodies op.63 and one movement from the Lyric Suite op.54 (notturno). And finally the Norwegian march also from the Lyric Suite.

Lyric Suite is followed by a brand new take on the Cinderella fairytale. Ever wondered what happens after the wedding? Well Morgann takes up the story when the pair return from the honeymoon! The tale starts after the Ball and the most famous incident of a lost shoe in fictional history.

The story continues on past the wedding scene to the perhaps not quite so 'happily ever after' Cinderella and Prince Charming. The ultimate hero and heroine duo struggle to overcome their differing backgrounds and Cinderella's humble beginnings as she settles in to being the Princess. We have some hilarious scenes to open the ballet as Buttons and the 'Ugly Sisters' prepare for the homecoming of the couple.

What Cinderella doesn't realise is that the Prince has bankrupted his kingdom and he may well have to auction off Cinderella's gowns, a wedding present from her Fairy Godmother. Will she save the day once more ?

The UK tour dates are :

Monday 9 London Unicorn Theatre 020 7645 0560
Thursday 12 Cheltenham The Bacon Theatre 01242 258002
Saturday 14 Aberystwyth Arts Centre 01970 623232
Tuesday 17 Keswick Theatre By The Lake 01768 774411
Wednesday 18 Rhyl Pavilion Theatre 01745 330000
Saturday 21 Hexham Queen’s Hall Arts Centre 01434 652 47

Jamie Bond interviewed for "Cupcakes & conversation ..."

Cupcakes & conversation with Jamie Bond, Principal, Birmingham Royal Ballet

Photo :  Andrew Ross

Bond can be seen dancing The Prince from The Nutcracker which opens at the Hippodrome on Nov 27 – Dec 13. 

This interview begins a major season of interviews and news as the Company arrive in London shortly.

What motivates you at 8am on a Monday morning ?
To be honest I don’t think anything can motivate me at 8am on any day of the week. In saying that, there are always so many things to learn and improve upon that once I’m at work I feel as though there aren’t enough hours in the day ! In order to come closer to achieving your goals there is no alternative but to get up and get on with it.

Who would you most like to dance with ?
I’d love to dance with Tamara Rojo in a ballet that evokes a lot of emotion as she has so much passion and is such a great artist. I really enjoy working and dancing with Natasha Oughtred. I think we have a good rapport. Physically and artistically we complement each other and we work really well together. For me, artistry is so important, you have to know your partner is right there with you.

Natasha Oughtred as The Sugar Plum Fairy and Jamie Bond as The Prince

Photo : Bill Cooper

What is your daily routine at the moment ?
I try to get to the gym in the morning to focus on both my upper body strength and cardiovascular fitness and then it’s off to work to (hopefully) fit in some Pilates before class. If I can, I then try to squeeze in some extra strengthening work between rehearsals but every day is pretty much full of rehearsals at the moment.

What are you looking forward to dancing this year ?
I’m looking forward to Swan Lake and the technical challenges that you encounter as Siegfried. Most of all I’m looking forward to playing Romeo since it is one of my favourite roles. This is because it has everything in it from exciting fights, beautiful pas de deux, technical challenges as well as providing the opportunity to portray a great character. I have to say that there’s no other feeling like that of performing the final scene. Dying, ironically, can be a lot of fun !

You can ask 6 famous people to dinner – who would you invite ?
Alex Ferguson, Roger Federer, David Attenborough, Tiger Woods, Cheryl Cole and someone from my neck of the woods, Jamie Oliver (who would obviously be doing the cooking !)

What would surprise people about you ?
I love travelling and I’m really hoping to climb/trek Mount Kilimanjaro in the near future. I think it would be a great sense of achievement and would make me a stronger person. This sort of life experience can prove to be invaluable to a dancer as I believe it can give you a wider range of emotions to draw from making performances more believable.

Who inspired you to dance ?
As a child I idolised Rudolph Nureyev. My Mum used to have a few videos lying around and my favourite was Le Corsaire in which he danced with Margot Fonteyn. As a student I used to look up to Irek Mukhamedov and then later also to Carlos Acosta. I loved both their strength and passion. I would watch them on DVD in slow motion trying to work out how to perform all the amazing tricks and understand Carlos’ pirouette technique.

How would someone else describe you ?
Generally I think people would describe me as a fairly quiet person. I guess I’m quite shy.

What is your best piece of advice ?
Believe in yourself.

Natasha Oughtred as The Sugar Plum Fairy and Jamie Bond as The Prince

Photo : Bill Cooper

Which role has tested you the most and how ?
Edward 11 came at a time when I knew I really had to prove myself to the boss. It’s a ballet of high drama (Bintley makes a great story ballet) and to pull it off I knew I had to do a lot of research and preparation outside the studio. There are some technically difficult moments both dancing and partnering, and towards the end of the ballet you’re almost completely naked so I had to spend hours at the gym !

I love playing a complex character; playing Edward you go through a whole range of emotions in such a short space of time. My favourite moment is the pas de deux with your lover’s head (Edward’s lover was beheaded). I think that was the first time I actually cried on stage. The transformation from pain to anger in order to get revenge at the end of Act 1 is exhilarating ! Alongside Romeo, Edward is my favourite role to date.

What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you ?
Probably a golfing experience : it was the first time I played golf with my Granddad (who plays four times a week at his club). I was stood at the first tee, right in front of the clubhouse and I completely miss hit the ball. It hit a bin that was level with the tee three metres to the right and then flew back into the car park behind us ! My Dad was running around the car park looking for the ball and my Granddad looked so embarrassed. I’m surprised he’s ever let me play with him again !

If you designed your own costume what would you create ?
It would have to be something minimal and completely unrestricting. I hate being restricted by a costume. Sometimes it feels as if the designer forgets that they’re designing for ballet.

What are you most proud of ?
I’m proud to have achieved what I’ve always wanted, which is to be a Principal dancer. It’s made all the sacrifices worthwhile !

A phrase I use far too often is …
“Do you know what I mean ?” I have a habit of finishing a lot of my sentences with this phrase and it really annoys my girlfriend !

Who would play you in the film of your life ?
I’d love to play myself – you might have guessed from my previous answers that I love acting. It’s one of my favourite elements of ballet and I’d love to have the opportunity to pursue acting one day. When I was just starting to get opportunities at work I was cast to do Mercutio (from Romeo & Juliet), and I’d never really played a character before. I was dreading it but decided that if I didn’t really go for it and looked embarrassed then it would be awful. Now those are my favourite sort of roles.

What is your favourite quote ?
Never give up !

What’s on your iPod ?
I listen to a variety of music. I’m a big fan of the Kings of Leon but I also like chilling out to artists like Jack Johnson and Ray Lamontagne.

What makes you a good dance partner ?
That’s a difficult question to answer as dancers are generally not very positive about themselves. I guess I do try to always prioritise the needs of my partner above my own, which I’m sure any ballerina would appreciate.

Do you have a secret skill which no-one knows about ?
I make a killer banana bread !

Describe yourself in just three words…
Tall, Dark and Handsome ? Just kidding ! I suppose I’d have to say determined, passionate and maybe a little bit stubborn.

Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcraker

Ladies, Gentlemen & Children.... I bring you, by popular demand,

THE SNOWFLAKES

Photo :  Mo Greig

CLARA AND

HER NUTRACKER

Photo : Mo Greig

Ballet Theatre UK are currently on tour throughout the UK.

Morphoses - The Wheeldon Company

Commedia |  Leaving Songs  |  Softly As I Leave You  |  Boléro
Morphoses - The Wheeldon Company
Sadlers Wells, London
October 21st 2009

Photo :  Erin Baiano

An evening of ballet at Sadlers Wells is always a promising treat, especially when it’s presented by Christopher Wheeldon & his own Company, Morphoses. In this first programme, four ballets with differing rhythms were introduced by Chris. This is an American touch which UK audiences don’t tend to expect; I’d prefer to hear what the choreography has to say than the choreographer. That said, it does give a clue that you are in for something different and that’s got to be applauded. As is often the case with Wheeldon, much is spoken about the people involved; nothing of the dance itself, which is a shame given that there is nothing in the programme either.

Photo :  Erin Baiano

Commedia, first seen at Sadler’s Wells last year, is Wheeldon’s modern version of commedia dell’arte to Stravinsky’s gorgeously uplifting Pulcinella Suite. There are colourful masks & capes in a Harlequin style, which are quickly disposed of to reveal flattering black and while all-in-ones. As the group scattered to the corners of the wings, the use of flexed feet, swinging arms and hunched backs gradually subsided, thank goodness, showing classical lines.

Photo :  Brenda Spooner

What was the point of the backdrop ? I only noticed it when it turned dark pink and then lifted altogether, and the lighting was used to far better effect towards the end as the group returned and faded to nothing with waving arms, Medusa style. Leanne Benjamin, on loan from The Royal Ballet, was sharper than the rest by far, partnered by her Royal Ballet colleague Edward Watson in a quirky, tender pas de deux.

Photo :  Brenda Spooner

Leaving Songs, a UK Premiere tonight, begins with an introductory video from choreographer Tim Harbour, explaining the work, about new starts, life after death and full circles, which fades to nothing while he is still talking.

Photo :  Brenda Spooner

The full circles seemed to be represented by balloons, but the steps were a bit on the ploddy side with uninspiring pink and blue costumes. Nothing to do with the story; nothing new I’m afraid.

Photo :  Brenda Spooner

Softly As I Leave You begins with a dancer (Drew Jacoby) in black costume inside a tall brown box with an open front, who slowly begins banging on the sides with all parts of her body. Her partner (Rubinald Prink) is powerful, moody, bare-chested, and their pas de deux choreography evoked thoughts of missing each other, either deliberately or by accident. It was dark, defiant and mysterious. Choreographed by Paul Lightfoot and Sol Leon, it’s absorbing work.

Photo :  Brenda Spooner

Boléro, choreographed by Alexei Ratmansky (former Bolshoi Director and now choreographing at ABT), didn’t live up to expectation. The swell of the music wasn’t replicated on stage, with six dancers in cheer-leading outfits without the pom poms. It’s not an American piece but it has that feel. Wendy Whelan was superb – witty and jazzy and streets ahead of the rest.

Excellent orchestral manoeuvres by Paul Murphy.

The Nutcracker - Snowflakes on tour

Hello everyone,

Just back from the most wonderful final rehearsals for Ballet Theatre UK's new production of The Nutcracker.  I will bring you much more later, but for now I only have time to tell you how magical it's going to be.  Have a look at some of the costume designs.

The dancers have worked their legwarmers off over the last two weeks, picking up the steps incredibly quickly and coming together as a new Company. They are touring all over the UK and although some venues have now sold out, there are still some tickets at some theatres - so please don't miss out !

The details are :

Oct 24 Loughborough Town Hall 2.30pm 7.30pm 01509 231914

Oct 27 Paignton The Palace Theatre 7.30pm 01803 665800

Oct 28 Exeter Barnfield Theatre 2.30pm 7.30pm 01392 270891

Oct 31 Redhill Harlequin Theatre 2.30pm, 7.30pm 01737 276 500

Nov 1 Sevenoaks The Stag Theatre 2.30pm, 5.30pm 01732 450175

Nov 3 Nottingham Arts Theatre 2.30pm, 7.30pm 0115 9476069

Nov 7 Andover The Lights 2.30pm, 7.00pm 01264 368368

Nov 12 Tamworth Assembly Rooms 7.30pm 01827 709618

Nov 13 Solihull Arts Complex 7.30pm 0121 7046962

Nov 15 York Joseph Rowntree Theatre 5.00pm 01904 623568

Nov 19 Wimborne Tivoli Theatre 7.30pm 01202 885566

Nov 21 East Grinstead Chequer Mead 2.30pm, 7.30pm 01342 302000

Nov 26-28th Newbury Arlington Arts 7pm, 7pm, 2pm, 7pm 01635 244246

Nov 29 Nuneaton Abbey Theatre 2.00pm, 5.00pm 07722 389943

Dec 5 Powys Wyeside Arts Centre 7.30pm 01982 552555

Dec 6 Harlech Theatr Harlech 7.30pm 01766 780667

Dec 10 Milton Keynes Theatre Stantonbury Campus 7.30pm 01908 324422

Dec 11 Henley-on-Thames Kenton Theatre 7.30pm 01491 575698

Dec 19 Hinckley Concordia Theatre 2.30pm, 7.30pm 07910 707825
 
The new choreography brings the story right up to date - there is a house but it's not Victorian this time - and the costumes are more modern.  The highlights are all there as the music swirls you along to Christmas....
 

If the Company can sparkle and dazzle and tell the story so vividly in the rehearsal room, with no props, sets, costumes or lighting, you can be sure you are in for a special treat which is why I wanted to take a few minutes to tell you about these few shows. 
 
Stay tuned !

Fernanda Oliveira interviewed for "Cupcakes & Conversation ..."

Cupcakes & conversation with Fernanda Oliveira, Senior Principal Dancer, English National Ballet

Fernanda & Fabian

Oliveira can be seen dancing Giselle (with her husband Fabian Reimair, whom I recently interviewed), in Manchester on 24th September at 2pm & 26th September at 7.30pm, Liverpool on 30th October at 7.30pm, Bristol on 3rd & 7th November at 7.30pm, and in Oxford on 21st November at 7.30pm

What motivates you at 8am on a Monday morning ?
Knowing that there are no delays on the District Line.

What are you looking forward to dancing next season ?
Giselle, which I have done already three times, and every one is different.

Who would you most like to dance with ?
I have already, and it was with my husband. (Fabian Reimair – First Soloist with the Company)

How do you prepare your pointe shoes ?
That is a secret!!!

What is your daily routine at the moment ?
Getting up 8.30am, going to work about 9.15. Class starts at 10.30 until 11.45 and from 12.00 rehearsals continue until 18.30.

You can ask six famous people to dinner - who would you invite ?
Eva Longoria, George Clooney, Nigella Lawson, Stewie Griffin (Family Guy), Dali, Hugh Laurie

What would surprise people about you ?
I'm very clumsy, VERY!!!!!

Photo :  Amber Hunt

Who inspired you to dance ?
My friends at school when I was 6 years old, but then to become a professional Cecilia Keche ( Principal Dancer of Municipal Theatre in Rio de Janeiro).

How would someone else describe you ?
Very focused.

What is your best piece of advice ?
" You have nothing to lose."

Which role has tested you the most & how ?
Aurora (from The Sleeping Beauty). It is very technical and difficult to cover up any mistakes.

What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you ?
I was at home on the computer with my wedding shoes on (my house is all wooden floors). When I went to get up, my heels tripped me up. I didn't find it very funny at the time.

Photo : Daria Klimentová

If you designed your own stage costume, what would you create ?
A costume like the ones in Les Sylphides.

What are you most proud of ?
My wedding day. Me and my husband planned it all and handmade most of the decorations.

Who would play you in the film of your life ?
Eva Longoria.

What is your favourite quote ?
Never say never.

Do you have a secret skill which no-one knows about ?
I can do Cross Stitch.

Lisa Probert interviewed for "Cupcakes & Conversation ..."

Cupcakes & conversation with Lisa Probert

What motivates you at 8am on a Monday morning ?
The sun is usually enough to get me up in the morning with a smile and the thought of breakfast, class and whatever plans I´ve made for the day ahead.

What are you looking forward to dancing this season ?
Anything that involves new experiences with clever, sensitive, passionate, creative people.

Who would you most like to dance with ?
Sylvie Guillem.

How do you prepare your pointe shoes ?
I sew on ribbons, darn the end of the pointe and 3\4 back breakage. Shellac usually follows after a class -you can´t really mould the shoe if you put shellac in before wearing them. Also I don´t wear elastics as they are bad for the circulation and too time consuming! Rosin on the heel usually does the trick.

Photo :  Daria Klimentová

What is your daily routine at the moment ?
Rise. Take class. Arrange the next day’s schedule as travelling through Germany at the moment. Explore the amazing opera houses and sites of the city that I´m in and then enjoy an evening out eating and drinking and catching up with good friends, then taking some time to reflect and learn from the days experiences.

You can ask six famous people to dinner - who would you invite ?
Assuming a couple of these could pop in if they choose to: Heath Ledger, Anthony Hopkins, Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev, Dimitri Shostakovitch and Barbara Streisand.

What would surprise people about you ?
My sense of humour and my strength.

Who inspired you to dance ?
Natalia Makarova inspired me when I was young. Also, watching my good friends perform - for example Douglas Bateman and Clara Barbera.

How would someone else describe you ?
Feet and legs, fairy, funny, caring, sensitive, creative, lovely and apparently a bit messy.

What is your best piece of advice ?
First and foremost follow your heart and instincts but accept that there will probably be obstacles. Not everything happens as you plan, but, keep your faith and integrity and trust that you’re on the right path. If not, have the courage to change it. Life is too short, enjoy it!

Which role has tested you the most & how ?
The role of Gerda in Snow Queen. My first three act ballet. Out of the other roles that I’ve learnt and performed it requires the most stamina.

What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you ?
I´ll only mention on stage! Falling flat on my face and coming on for a fairy entrance too early, feeling a bit foolish as I tried to convince the other fairies to join me.

If you designed your own stage costume, what would you create ?
I used to wonder what an all in one made out of tubey grip would feel like to dance in for support. But seriously, something that I could move freely in. Something flowing, graceful and loose around the ribs!

What are you most proud of ?
I´m proud of people who´ve had difficult life journeys. People who are less fortunate than others and don´t give up on being good people. People who are honest and kind.

Who would play you in the film of your life ?
Me, but if I didn´t get the part, Natalie Portman.

Photo : Daria Klimentová

What is your favourite quote ?

Andy Warhol - love everyone.

Do you have a ‘signature step’ – one that comes naturally to you ?
I don´t really have a favourite but most steps feel good when you´re in shape. Especially développé à la seconde or an arabesque.

A phrase I use far too often is ... ?
I´m cold!

What’s been your best on-stage moment so far ?
The feeling you get when conveying an emotion or telling a story to an audience can be amazingly fulfilling and freeing. These are very special moments. Also last curtain calls of the season are very satisfying occasions as well as taking a call for a special role with someone you´ve really enjoyed dancing with.

Do you have a secret skill which no-one knows about ?
I can play the piano. I have also channelled people.

Birmingham Royal Ballet

The Nutcracker

Natasha Oughtred as Sugar Plum Fairy and Jamie Bond as the Prince

Photo : Bill Cooper

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s spectacular production of The Nutcracker returns to its home theatre, Birmingham Hippodrome, for 22 performances only, from Friday 27 November to Sunday 13 December 2009. A true delight for the all the family, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker has been enjoyed by audiences for almost 20 years.

The Company's Director Laureate, Sir Peter Wright, created the lavish production for the City of Birmingham in 1990, to thank it for its support and generosity toward the Company following its move from Sadler's Wells in London. The Nutcracker immediately triumphed, establishing itself as the finest on offer throughout the country in the Christmas calendar of entertainment.

It’s Christmas Eve and a splendid party is taking place at the Stahlbaums’ house. Young Clara receives a beautiful wooden Nutcracker doll from the eccentric magician Drosselmeyer and is instantly enchanted. That night, unable to sleep, Clara creeps downstairs to see her toy. To her amazement, on the stroke of midnight, the Christmas tree starts growing, she battles an army of rats and is spirited away to the Land of Snow, the Kingdom of Sweets and the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Natasha Oughtred as Sugar Plum Fairy and Jamie Bond as the Prince

Photo : Bill Cooper

Based on a tale by Hoffman, the story of The Nutcracker has inspired several choreographers since the first production by Lev Ivanov. The harmonious mix of music by Tchaikovsky, magic and dance has roused the talents of George Balanchine, John Cranko and Rudolf Nureyev. With designs by John F. Macfarlane this enchanting story of Clara's adventures with her Nutcracker doll, Rat King and the Sugar Plum Fairy is an exquisite seasonal feast.

Ticket Office: 0844 338 5000 or Birmingham Hippodrome.

I interviewed Natasha Oughtred earlier this year and you can read what she had to say, here. 

Birmingham Royal Ballet will be touring in London next month, and you will be able to read more interviews and news about the Company in the coming weeks.

The Royal Ballet - casting update - Yevgenia Obraztova to Guest

Changes to casting are not unusual, however I wanted to let you know about two significant changes, confirmed by the press office, for upcoming performances at The Royal Opera House.

Lauren Cuthbertson will not dance any of her scheduled performances due to ill health.  She will be replaced in The Sleeping Beauty by Mariinsky First Soloist Yevgenia Obraztsova, who is Guesting with the Company on 31st October and 14th and 21st November.

Viacheslav Samaodurov will not be dancing his scheduled performances in The Sleeping Beauty and is replaced by Steven McRae on 31st October and 6th and 14th November; significant as this marks his debut as Prince Florimund.

EXCLUSIVE CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS TO SEE THE NUTCRACKER LIVE THIS CHRISTMAS

In association with English National Ballet, BALLET NEWS offers you an exclusive prize :

Two tickets for English National Ballet's production of The Nutcracker (see below for conditions)

A signed pair of pointe shoes - by Senior Principal Dancer Elena Glurdjidze

Photo: Annabel Moeller

Don’t miss your last chance to see English National Ballet’s magical production of The Nutcracker this Christmas. This vibrant and eccentric production designed by Gerald Scarfe and choreographed by Christopher Hampson will be performed for the last time, having enchanted London audiences for eight consecutive years.

The Nutcracker tells the story of Clara, her Nutcracker doll and the magician Drosselmeyer, and their amazing adventures in the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of the Sweets. It is a spellbinding experience as Clara battles with a Mouse King, dances with snowflakes and falls in love with a handsome Prince.

Photo: Annabel Moeller

For your chance to win a magical night out, all you have to do is correctly answer the following question :

What is the name of the Fairy in The Nutcracker ?

Terms & conditions

The closing date for entries is Sunday 6th December 2009 at midnight GMT.

Please leave your answer in the comments box. 

One entry per person.

A voucher entitling the holder to 2 tickets will be posted to the winner after the closing date.

The voucher can be redeemed, subject to availability, on any Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, for either a matinee or evening performance between 17 -31st December 2009 at the London Coliseum

Ballet Theatre UK begin touring

Back in August I gave you details of our newest classical ballet Company, Ballet Theatre UK. The Company will be dancing The Nutcracker in a couple of weeks time, incorporating 3 spectacular sets and over 60 beautifully hand crafted costumes.

The Nutcracker features such favourites as The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, The Waltz of the Flowers, The Russian Trepak, The Dance of the Reed pipes and the world famous Waltz of the Snowflakes, to name but a few.  What better way to spread some sparkling Christmas magic as the festive season approaches !

I hear that some venues are now sold-out, so if you, your family & friends think a dusting of waltzing Snowflakes could be the perfect way to kick-start the celebrations, here are all the details you need :

Here are some video clips of the Company dancing.

I recently interviewed three of the Company dancers, Alexandra Fern, Amy Coughlan and Natalie Cawte.

The tour begins on October 24th in Loughborough and continues around the UK :

Oct 24 Loughborough Town Hall 2.30pm 7.30pm 01509 231914
Oct 27 Paignton The Palace Theatre 7.30pm 01803 665800
Oct 28 Exeter Barnfield Theatre 2.30pm 7.30pm 01392 270891
Oct 31 Redhill Harlequin Theatre 2.30pm, 7.30pm 01737 276 500
Nov 1 Sevenoaks The Stag Theatre 2.30pm, 5.30pm 01732 450175
Nov 3 Nottingham Arts Theatre2.30pm, 7.30pm 0115 9476069
Nov 7 Andover The Lights 2.30pm, 7.00pm 01264 368368
Nov 12 Tamworth Assembly Rooms 7.30pm 01827 709618
Nov 13 Solihull Arts Complex 7.30pm 0121 7046962
Nov 15 York Joseph Rowntree Theatre 5.00pm 01904 623568
Nov 19 Wimborne Tivoli Theatre 7.30pm 01202 885566
Nov 21 East Grinstead Chequer Mead 2.30pm, 7.30pm 01342 302000
Nov 26-28th Newbury Arlington Arts 7pm, 7pm, 2pm, 7pm 01635 244246
Nov 29 Nuneaton Abbey Theatre 2.00pm, 5.00pm 07722 389943
Dec 5 Powys Wyeside Arts Centre 7.30pm 01982 552555
Dec 6 Harlech Theatr Harlech 7.30pm 01766 780667
Dec 10 Milton Keynes Theatre Stantonbury Campus 7.30pm 01908 324422
Dec 11 Henley-on-Thames Kenton Theatre 7.30pm 01491 575698
Dec 19 Hinckley Concordia Theatre 2.30pm, 7.30pm 07910 707825

Fabian Reimair interviewed for "Cupcakes & conversation ..."

Cupcakes & conversation with Fabian Reimair, First Soloist, English National Ballet

You can book to see Reimair dancing the role of Albrecht in Giselle (with his wife Fernanda Oliveira in the title role), in Liverpool on 30th October, in Bristol on 2nd and 7th November, and in Oxford on 21st November. Reimair also dances the role of Hilarion from Giselle in Southampton on 11th November and in Oxford on 19th November.

What motivates you at 8am on a Monday morning ?
A cold shower, a hot coffee and the thought of what a nice weekend I just had. Monday is actually quite easy because I'm rested. I do need motivation on a Friday afternoon though.

Who would you most like to dance with ?
My wife of course, but if she isn't around, I would ask one of the 'Ballroom' champions - I admire their precision, that is something I would love to try. (Reimair married ENB Principal dancer, Fernanda Oliveira in July, in Ernegg Castle, Lower Austria).

What is your daily routine at the moment ?
If we are not performing, I get up at 8.30, go to work for class at 10.30, rehearse whatever is next on the schedule for me, most days till 18.30. Iif I'm lucky, I finish earlier or have a long break in between, time to hit the gym for some workout or a quick badminton session (my hobby). After work we probably do some food shopping and cooking at home and as you know there is always some catching up with "real life" to do - paying bills, making phone calls and answering emails, things I don't have time for during the day. Later at night, I like crashing on my sofa.

You can ask six famous people to dinner - who would you invite ?
Richard Branson, Kanye West and Al Pacino for some career advice, Jimmy Carr for the entertainment, Gordon Ramsay to do the cooking and my famous best friend Aleks to share this experience with me.

What would surprise people about you ?
How tidy I am - I just love to clean, clear and organize.

Who inspired you to dance ?
Apart from my mum, who put me into ballet, I have to say some of the dancers from the Vienna State Opera. When I was around 14 and still in ballet school, we used to go and watch some rehearsals on stage and I was fascinated.

How would someone else describe you ?
As serious - I think it's hard for people to read my face... until they get to know me.

What is your best piece of advice ?
Do now, whatever you can do now - something else will come up later and then you’ll wish you had done it before.

Which role has tested you the most & how ?
Maybe 'Perpetuum Mobile' by Christopher Hampson - one of the hardest pas-de-deux’s I've done, with many lifts and a couple of things that can easily go wrong.

What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you ?
If you mean stage related: I went to Monte Carlo one summer, to perform Coppélia with the local ballet school. I had to do the role of the 'Burgomaster' and as this wasn't a very challenging role and I used to spend all day in the sun on the beach, it happened that I missed my curtain calls because I fell asleep in the wings, STANDING ! (wasn't funny at the time, because I got told off).

If you designed your own stage costume, what would you create ?
Something big and awkward - like 'Rothbart' (from Swan Lake) : to make it look impressive and danceable is quite difficult - this is more of a challenge than creating a unitard.

What are you most proud of ?
To be able to transfer my upbringing and the values my parents taught me, into my own life.

Who would play you in the film of your life ?
Sasha Baron Cohen? Not because of his Austrian character 'Bruno', but because he is funny and versatile (and a bit of a nutter). You should be able to laugh about yourself...

What is your favourite quote?
Those who know, don't talk and those who talk, don't know a thing.

What’s on your iPod ?
Where do I start? I've got around 11,000 songs on my iPod, ranging from classical music to gangster rap. I can't single out songs, but some of my favourite artists include: Philip Glass, The Cranberries, Enya and Nas.

Do you have a secret skill which no one knows about ?
Lots - but they are so secret, even I don't know about them :-)