In the 'traditional' repertoire I most enjoyed the Royal Ballet's "Mayerling" (Kobborg and Cojacura). I thought the Macmillan choreography was amazing, as was the dancing, and the whole thing made for a really gripping theatrical experience. I also enjoyed the RB's "La Bayadere" (Putrov's Bronze Idol a real show-stopper).

In more modern repertoire I was completely captivated by Nederlands Dance Theatre 2 on their visit to Newcastle. Their third piece, based on Jewish themes (sorry I can't remember the name of it) was especially memorable. Also very striking were the Rambert Company, who also came to visit us in the provinces.

Of all the dance performances I have seen this year - and this is my first year of regular ballet-going - only one has been a total disaster. That was the "Swan Lake" given by the Royal Ballet of Flanders at the Edinburgh Festival. What a load of rubbish!

Lynette also gave some thoughts on 2002:
http://www.danze.co.uk/dcforum/happening/3259.html

Welcome! There's nothing to forgive, we were all newcomers to this site at one time.

>In the 'traditional' repertoire I most
>enjoyed the Royal Ballet's "Mayerling"
>(Kobborg and Cojacura).

I also enjoyed "Mayerling", although I saw Cope and Rojo. Terrific production all round.

I saw "Onegin" three times during the year with different casts. My favourite combination was Cooper with Cojocaru, although Cooper with Rojo came a very close second. I think the difference was that Alina seemed to trust Adam utterly, and so threw herself at him with such abandon it was electrifying to watch.

>In more modern repertoire I was
>completely captivated by Nederlands Dance
>Theatre 2 on their visit
>to Newcastle. Their third
>piece, based on Jewish themes
>(sorry I can't remember the
>name of it) was especially
>memorable. Also very striking
>were the Rambert Company, who
>also came to visit us
>in the provinces.

I haven't had the chance to see the Rambert Company in performance this year (limited resources strike again!), but I did have the opportunity to go on a tour of their home in Chiswick. As part of the visit, we had a talk from the Company Archivist, a talk from one of the company's resident stage crew on the problems and difficulties encountered when organising their tours (rather her than me!), and also watching the company at class and in rehearsal. I'm looking forward to catching up with them on stage soon (hopefully later in the New Year).

>Of all the dance performances I
>have seen this year -
>and this is my first
>year of regular ballet-going -
>only one has been a
>total disaster. That was
>the "Swan Lake" given by
>the Royal Ballet of Flanders
>at the Edinburgh Festival.
>What a load of rubbish!

What a shame! I remember two or three years ago seeing a dreadful performance of "Swan Lake" by the Kirov at the ROH. I won't go into details again here, but it left me longing to see a good production that would do justice to Tchaikovsky's wonderful score, even if the last section of it always makes me burst into tears!

If you get the chance when they are on tour from the beginning of February 2003, I can recommend Matthew Bourne's version of "Nutcracker!" - great fun.

Hope you keep in touch, even if - like me - you only get the chance to post occasionally.

Best wishes,
Jane

Indeed I am - in Newcastle!

Thanks to you Ann and to everyone else for your kind words of welcome to the list.

Bacchus: Me too - Tyne Valley. If you are going to see Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker at the Theatre Royal in Feb, Matthew himself is giving a pre-performance talk before the 7.30 show on the 18th. Not to be missed!

Also Mark Baldwin will be giving a talk during the Rambert visit in April.

Happily, the Rambert Company's visit to Newcastle this year was such a successs that they are coming back in April.

I
>remember two or three years
>ago seeing a dreadful performance
>of "Swan Lake" by the
>Kirov at the ROH.

The Edinburgh production was completely off the wall. Rothbart (sp?) had a live owl on his head for the whole evening. A dwarf periodically ran on the stage and stabbed one of the corps de ballet in th stomach. One of the male dances repeatedly fell to the floor in a shaking fit. From time to time (apparently at random) two armed men marched on the stage and stood facing the audience. The whole thing was completely mad.

>If you get the chance when
>they are on tour from
>the beginning of February 2003,
>I can recommend Matthew Bourne's
>version of "Nutcracker!" - great
>fun.

That is coming to Newcastle in February - I have my ticket!