June 2019

A favourite ballet returns to the repertoire of The Royal Ballet this month. The Firebird has become one of the few works from the era of Serge Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes to have survived into the current century, and its revival at the Royal Opera House allows Dancing Times to take another look at some aspects of the ballet. I talk to Monica Mason, Gary Avis and Itziar Mendizabal about dancing in Mikhail Fokine’s great work, whilst Paul Arrowsmith previews an exhibition on the artist Natalia Goncharova at Tate Modern, best known to many for designing the sets and costumes for The Firebird in 1926. Then, in news, we feature an exhibition on the Ballets Russes at Bonhams that includes costumes from the original 1910 production designed by Alexander Golovine.

Also in this issue, Nicola Rayner talks to choreographer Sergio Trujillo about his work on the new stage musical On Your Feet!, Marianka Swain reflects on Darcey Bussell’s legacy as she departs from Strictly Come Dancing, and veteran dance critic Clement Crisp offers his thoughts to Gerald Dowler following his decision to retire from writing.

JONATHAN GRAY

Inside this issue

The flight of the Firebird. Jonathan Gray previews The Royal Ballet’s revival

Feel the heat. Sergio Trujillo, the choreographer for On Your Feet!, speaks to Nicola Rayner

A lot of fun. Margaret Willis goes behind the scenes at London Children’s Ballet

There is nothing like a dame. With the departure of Darcey Bussell from Strictly Come Dancing, Marianka Swain reflects on her legacy

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