At our last meeting of the 2023/24 Royal Ballet Season in June, it was a great pleasure to welcome Royal Ballet PrincipalFrancesca Haywardas our guest. Frankie started by talking about her roles in the two Ashton programmes, Titania inThe Dream,Ophelia inHamlet and OpheliaandRhapsody. She spoke of the pleasure of having Lesley Collier back to work onRhapsody, such a difficult ballet with fast footwork, and Anthony Dowell forThe Dream.She gave examples of the many places she has performed the pas de deux inThe Dream,a ballet she performed early in her career with Marcelino Sambé. Wayne Eagling was coachingHamlet and Ophelia.Frankie had been involved when Wayne reconstructed it two years ago for an Ashton Insight in the Linbury and commented on how much he remembered. It was originally choreographed for Nureyev, but he only did a couple of shows, with Wayne performing the majority with Margot Fonteyn. Wayne had also coached herin Macmillan’sDifferent Drummeralong with Alessandra Ferri and Ed Watson. After speaking in some detail about this role, Frankie went on to talk aboutManonand other Macmillan ballets including the filming ofRomeo and Juliet.The new season starts withAlice.Frankie spoke of her previous shows and the creation of Christopher Wheeldon’sLike Water for Chocolate.Frankie is looking forward to dancing Tatiana inOnegin,having danced Olga previously. She also spoke aboutThe Limit,a very different choreographic experience. Before we finished, Frankie spoke of her ambition to direct the Company one day. We had a fascinating evening.
Future meetings
Our first meeting of the new season will be onTuesday 20thAugust,when we will welcome Royal Ballet First SoloistLuca Acriand First ArtistJulia Roscoeas our guests. A real-life couple, Julia and Luca got engaged during their summer break. Born in London, Julia trained at the Debra Bradnum Ballet School before entering White Lodge. While at The Royal Ballet School, she was a finalist in the Young British Dancer of the Year in 2011, 2012 and 2013. But long before this, Julia came to our attention when shecreated the role of Little Girl in Johan Kobborg’sLa Sylphidein 2005. She graduated into The Royal Ballet’sAud Jebsen Young Dancers Programme ten years later, joined the Company as an Artist in 2016 and was promoted to First Artist in 2022. Her repertory includes Lilac Fairy, Myrthe, Big Swan, Spanish Dance and Dancing Mistress inThe Nutcracker.Luca trained in Japan and was a finalist in the 2010 Prix de Lausanne, where he obtained a scholarship to The Royal Ballet Upper School. He graduated into the Company during the 2012/13 Season and was promoted to First Soloist in 2019. He has an enormous repertoire, including Hilarion, HansPeter/Nutcracker, Franz, Mercutio, Alain, Puck, Bluebird and Florestan, Gypsy Boy, Lescaut and Beggar Chief, Brother Clown, Hansel, Bratfisch and Step-Sister inCinderellaas well as creating manyroles in new works. He has been performing in Japan at the end of this year’s summer break. We canexpect an entertaining evening and hope many of you will attend to congratulate them on their engagement.
At our next meeting onThursday 5thSeptember,we are delighted to welcome our PresidentChristopher Saundersas our guest. Rehearsal Director and Principal Character Artist, Christopher last spoke to us via zoom during Covid and gave us an interesting account of his different roles within the Company. He had avery busy end to the season, spending much of May in Toronto staging Carlos Acosta’sDon Quixoteon theNational Ballet of Canada, before returning for the end of season and the Company’s performances atJacob’s Pillow.Chris joined the Company 41 years ago having trained at the Royal Ballet School. He was promoted to Soloist in 1991 and Principal Character Artist in 1997. He was appointed Ballet Master in 2001 and Rehearsal Director in 2017. He made his professional debut aged nine inGypsywith Angela Lansbury. His roles include Lord Capulet, Drosselmeyer, Von Rothbart, Monsieur G.M., Elgar, Yslaev and Kostcheï, amongst many others. Chris started coaching Principals in 2001, working closely with Dame Monica Masonand Monica Parker on the MacMillan repertory, Patricia Neary on Balanchine’s ballets and Christopher Wheeldon on his works. He has also staged works by Nijinska, Ashton, Robbins and Acosta for the Royal, BRB and many other companies.
Royal Ballet Promotions, Leavers and Joiners
Our Patron,Kevin O’Hare,Director of The Royal Ballet announced promotions, joiners and leavers at the end of June. The following promotions have been made:
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Calvin RichardsonandJoseph Sissensare promoted to Principal.
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Annette Buvoli, Leticia Dias, Sae Maeda, Mariko Sasaki, Lukas B. Brædsrød, Leo Dixonand Joonhyuk Junare promoted to First Soloist.
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Sophie Allnatt, Chisato Katsura, Liam Boswell, Daichi Ikarashi, Joshua JunkerandFrancisco Serranoare promoted to Soloist.
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Madison Bailey, Viola Pantuso, Sumina Sasaki, Marianna TsembenhoiandBrayden Gallucci are promoted to First Artist.
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Bethany Bartlett, Sierra Glasheen, Isabella Shaker, Caspar LenchandBlake Smithwho were Aud Jebsen Young Dancers for the 2023/24 season become Artists of the Company.
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Francesca Lloyd, Katie Robertson, Rebecca Myles Stewart, Ravi Connier-Watson, Emile GoodingandAlejandro Muñozjoin the 2024/25 Aud Jebsen Young Dancers Programme.
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Airi Kobayashifrom the Deparc Ballet School in Japan joins as the Prix de Lausanne dancer for the 2024/25 Season.
As previously announced, Principal dancerAlexander Campbellleft The Royal Ballet to become Artistic Director of the Royal Academy of Dance. After 11 years with The Royal Ballet, and with the last year spent as a guest dancer in Norway, SoloistGina Storm Jensenhas become a permanent member of The Norwegian National Ballet. SoloistDavid Yudesalso departs after 10 years to become Director of the Escola de Dansa Marisa Yudes in Barcelona. ArtistStanislaw Węgrzynleaves to take up a soloist contract at the Semperoper Dresden.Seunghee Hanfrom the Young Dancers Programme leaves to join the National Ballet of Canada RBC Apprentice Programme and Prix de Lausanne dancerJulie-Ann Joynerjoins Norwegian National Ballet 2.
Birmingham Royal Ballet
Our PresidentCarlos Acosta,Director of Bringham Royal Ballet, has announced:Beatrice Parmahas been promoted to Principal.Riku Itois promoted to First Soloist;Sofia Linares, Enrique VidalandReina Fuchigamito Soloist; andEllis Smallto First Artist.Yvette Knightis moving from First Soloist to Principal Character Artist. After two years in BRB2,Maïlène Katoch, Jack Easton, Frieda Kaden, Oscar Kempsey-FaggandMason Kingjoin the main Company as Artists. The new cohort for BRB2 is:Charlotte CohenandAndrea Riolafrom the Royal Ballet School,Noah Cosfriff (Australian Academy of Classical Ballet),Ellyne Knol(Royal Conservatoire, The Hague),Ixan Llorca Ferrer(Escuela Nacional de Ballet Fernando Alonso).Sophie Walters,who trained at Elmhurst Ballet School, completed her apprenticeship and will also join BRB2.Marlo Kempsey-Faggjoins as an Apprentice Dancer from Elmhurst Ballet School.
After 21 years in the Company and a Principal since 2013,Tyrone Singletonhas left the Company as hasKoen Kesselsafter 14 years as Music Director. He has taken up a post at Dutch National Ballet, whilst remaining Music Director of the Royal Ballet. BRB2 dancerAlfie Shacklockleaves to join Queensland Ballet as an Artist.
After 24 years as a dancer with BRB,Kit Holderjoins the Ballet Staff as Artistic Coordinator andYvette Regeuirojoins as a Répétiteur. A graduate of the National Ballet School in Havana, Yvette danced with the National Company andtaught at the School. In 2001, she joined Sinopia Ensemble de Danse in Switzerland and since 2003 has taught dance at Dance Area, also in Switzerland.
Royal Ballet School
Members will have been delighted to hear that former Birmingham Royal Ballet PrincipalIain Mackayhas been appointed as Artistic Director of The Royal Ballet School following an extensive International search to replace our PresidentChristopher Powney.Since leaving BRB, Iain has been Director of the YorkshireBallet Seminars. Christopher’s role has been split in two and the former Chief Executive of English NationalBalletPatrick Harrisonhas been appointed as CEO.
At the Upper School’s final Assembly our Events SecretaryAnn Maclennanpresented the Association’sRBS awards to 2ndYear studentsYasemin Kayabayfrom Turkey, Heewon Moonfrom South KoreaandTristan Ian Massafrom Spain.At the School Performance at the ROH, Yasemin and Heewon danced inPaquita,Heewon inLa Valse,Yasemin and Tristan inJoshua Junker’sRemembrance.
Elmhurst Ballet School
Our Ballet Association Elmhurst Ballet School Award was presented to Year 13 studentChelsea Potterfrom Australia by our PresidentRobert Parker.She writes: -“Dear Ballet Association. I am deeply honoured to receivethis award. The recognition means a great deal to me, especially after a year of dedicated effort and wonderful opportunities, such as working with Michael Corder and participating in the graduate show. This award not only acknowledges my hard work but also motivates me to continue striving for excellence in my ballet career. I would also like to express my gratitude to the artistic staff at Elmhurst, Mr Parker and my family and teachers from home in Australia for their invaluable support and guidance. I am excited to use the funds to participate in the Fonteyn competition, which will significantly enhance my ballet experience. Thank you once again for your support and generosity. Warm regards Chelsea.”
News
Members will be sorry to hear that after only six monthsLeanne Benjaminhas left Queensland Ballet. The Company writes:“Despitethe best intentions from both parties, the current economic environment has posedchallenges, making it difficult to realise Leanne’s visionand it has been mutually agreed for Leanne to depart Queensland Ballet as Artistic Director on 2 August 2024.”
Congratulations toSir Wayne McGregor CBEwho received his knighthood in the King’s Birthday HonoursList. We also send our congratulations toFrancesca Hayward and Cesar Corrales, and Julia Roscoe and Luca Acriwho got engaged during the summer and to Sophie Allnatt and Mica Bradbury on their weddings. And around the time you receive this newsletter,Meaghan Grace Hinkiswill have also had her wedding, marrying Peter Saunders, son of Christopher.
Former Royal Ballet PrincipalJohan Kobborghas choreographed a new dramatic balletLucilefor Ballet Nacional de Cuba, which received its premiere in July. The title refers to Lucile Grahn, the original Sylph inBournonville’sLa Sylphideand tells the story of a young man who falls for Lucile at a time when his wife is ill. The ballet was a great success and will be performed on 30thOctober at the 28thInternational Ballet Festival in Havana. Anyone interested in attending the Festival should contact our Chairman for details.
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