Category: dance

Veronika Part, “with creamy skin, high cheekbones and flashing dark eyes, possesses an Old World glamour reminiscent of Ava Gardner. She isn’t a wispy sort of ballerina, but a womanly one. Tall and naturally suited to adagio roles that highlight slow développé extensions and a luscious upper body, Ms. Part can also leap like a gazelle.”

“[H]e and the Ballet BC board came to a joint decision not to renew his contract when it ends June 30. Questions remain about the terms under which he is leaving, including whether he’ll receive a severance payout. The decision is part of a major restructuring plan that will leave the province without its flagship dance company during the 2010 Olympic Games.”

“A Swansea-based Russian ballet company has stopped touring, blaming changes to the UK’s work permit and visa system. Six principal dancers with Ballet Russe have been unable to return to Wales since the start of the year. Ballet Russe said it had been forced to cancel a tour and would have to borrow UK-based dancers for two autumn shows.”

“In addition to its own notes in daily programs, today’s NYCB provides video footage on screens in the lobby and outside the auditorium of the David H. Koch Theater, as well as on its Website (nycballet.com; see ‘The Viewing Room’). … [These loops] present clips of dancers and choreographers addressing the unheard questions of unseen interviewers about their work with NYCB.”

“The torso is entirely covered with feathers: slender ostrich plumes reaching upwards to tickle the neck, while downy turkey, hen and cock feathers are layered at the waist in a muted mix of pale pink, pale grey and white.” In honor of the Ballets Russes centennial, Karl Lagerfeld, creative director at the House of Chanel, has designed a special costume for Fokine’s The Dying Swan.

“Baby ballet is becoming increasingly popular [in Britain], with children starting classes at as young as six months and many dance schools reporting long waiting lists.”

“Dance troupe Diversity, winners of TV’s Britain’s Got Talent, are to appear in a new British film to be shot in 3D. … The film, Street Dance, follows a dance crew in training for the Street Dance Championships who are forced to work alongside ballet dancers.”

“San Francisco Ballet will announce plans today for its first trip to China, including appearances in Shanghai, Suzhou and Beijing. … Though the presenter,” which approached the ballet only two months ago, “is footing most of the bill for the trip, the Ballet needed to raise nearly $1 million to cover transportation and other expenses.”

“San Francisco Ballet will announce plans today for its first trip to China, including appearances in Shanghai, Suzhou and Beijing. … Though the presenter,” which approached the ballet only two months ago, “is footing most of the bill for the trip, the Ballet needed to raise nearly $1 million to cover transportation and other expenses.”

“The 18th annual Lester Horton Dance Awards … handed the top honor, outstanding achievement in performance by a dance troupe, to Method Contemporary Dance Company for ‘This Is Not an Exit.’ … The awards, given by the Dance Resource Center of Greater Los Angeles, cite excellence in performance, choreography, design, music and other categories for L.A.-area dance presentations.”