Current Issue

January 2020

The start of a new year is a time to take stock of the 12 months gone by, and then start to plan ahead. It’s a theme we explore in this latest issue of Dancing Times, which celebrates achievements already won, and anticipates events in the year to come. Deborah Weiss, a former dancer with English National Ballet (ENB) when it was known as London Festival Ballet, highlights ENB’s 70th anniversary with a nostalgic article to mark the company’s past and herald its future.

In addition, Gerard Charles looks at 100 years of the Royal Academy of Dance; Francis Yeoh assesses the choreographic works of both Mikhail Fokine and Frederick Ashton; Gerald Dowler embarks on a new series covering the history of Soviet ballet from 1961 to 1990; Amanda Hodgson brings to our attention Madame Celeste, a long-forgotten dancer of the 19th century; Marianka Swain takes a view on the most recent season of Strictly Come Dancing, and also informs us about some new dances for the New Year; and Paul Arrowsmith discusses with Nikolai Hübbe, artistic director of the Royal Danish Ballet, how best to preserve the legacy of August Bournonville. All this, as well as our regular features – it should keep you busy reading until February. Happy New Year!

JONATHAN GRAY

Inside this issue

A company well travelled. Deborah Weiss marks English National Ballet’s 70th anniversary

A forgotten dancer. Amanda Hodgson celebrates the career of Madame Celeste

Sitting pretty. Nicola Rayner talks to musical theatre choreographer Jerry Mitchell

Strictly surprising. By Marianka Swain

Buy this issue now