This month, Toronto ballet goers were treated to a world premiere, lectures by experts, a ballet competition and a 2-week classical finale.  A highlight of this lineup was Clement Crisp’s lecture on the dire state of ballet companies, worldwide.  A shortage of classical choreographers combined with timid company management has led to repetitive repertoires and [...]

Chris Wheeldon rehearses Within the Golden Hour with San Francisco Ballet dancers (© Erik Tomasson)

Before every performance at the Four Seasons Center, the National Ballet of Canada hosts a short lecture on the ballet about to be shown.  Sometimes the speaker is a historian, sometimes a costume designer or, if you’re lucky, a dancer from the company.   The idea is brilliant.  At once, new comers are put at [...]

It has been over 2 months that I’ve been back in ballet classes. Month one was a fairly rigorous re-introduction to basic barre work.  Early on, I had a feeling that with the addition of one more class, technique would come back much more quickly. So, for the month of February and in [...]

I have always found second position arms and legs difficult.  Without looking down, it’s so hard to get the heels spaced and aligned.  But look up, and in to the mirror, and I remember that my shoulders are raised and my elbows are falling (”wet chicken wings,” says Bob).  All the while, my standing leg [...]

It is a little known fact that I am in love with Rahm Emanuel.   Initially, this seems alarming, as America’s chief of staff is almost exclusively known for being a combative, political attack dog, prone to unhinged outbursts and oppressive work habits.  In one interview, DCCC executive director Brian Wolff gave this advice to incoming [...]

How do I know when the end of winter is near?  When the National Ballet returns from the post-Nutcracker hibernation.  Finally!  Tomorrow night the dancers hit the stage with the highly anticipated, world premiere of the Innovations mixed program. I’ll be seeing the show on Thursday following of course, my favourite and free Ballet Talk [...]