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Posted on December 15, 2014
Well, it’s that Nutcracker time of year again, and in this issue of Dancing Times we take a look at a new production of the seasonal favourite being staged by Scottish Ballet, which is a revival of the much-loved version made for it in 1973 by Peter Darrell. Founder choreographer and director of the company, Darrell’s work was much appreciated by dancers and audiences alike, and the role of the dance creator-leader is an issue also explored in this magazine by British choreographer and director, Cathy Marston.
In addition, we talk to Christopher Wheeldon, who has directed and choreographed the new production of An American in Paris that has just opened in the French capital, and which transfers to Broadway next year. In the build-up to Christmas, we also offer some ideas about what books or DVDs to buy as presents – including a sumptuous new volume on the Ballet Russe ballerina Irina Baronova written by her daughter, actress Victoria Tennant – and, as ever, we publish reviews of some of the latest dance events taking place, not just in the UK, but across the globe. Which leaves me just enough space, finally, to wish all of our readers a very Merry Christmas!
December 2014 Volume 105 Issue 1252
Cover stories
13 From Paris to Broadway. Gerald Dowler talks to choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and dancer Leanne Cope about a new production of An American in Paris
17 Ballet Russe ballerina. We highlight a new book about the ballerina Irina Baronova written by her daughter, Victoria Tennant
19 Peter who? As Scottish Ballet reproduces a vintage Nutcracker, Paul Arrowsmith discovers a name on the edge of history
25 MOVE IT 2015. The popular dance exhibition based at London’s Olympia celebrates its tenth birthday
Features
27 No place like home? Dominic Antonucci reveals the challenges of performing as a guest artist
31 Choreographers as leaders. Cathy Marston suggests the benefits of an artist-leader can outweigh the detriments and is an opportunity to be seized
Regulars
06 Dance Matters. Sadler’s Wells new season, MOVE IT competition
10 Talking Point. David Mead finds being a critic and a choreographer can go hand-in-hand
36 Dance Scene. Reviews this month include Dance ’Til Dawn and DV8
57 Variety Lights. Barbara Newman sees Gypsy
59 Letter from St Petersburg. Igor Stupnikov talks to the Maryinsky’s Yuri Fateyev
61 Notes from New York. Jack Anderson reports on a packed autumn season
63 Dance Media. John Snelson reviews a book on ballet music, and we highlight some new DVDs for Christmas
65 Obituaries. Joan Maxwell-Hudson, Nina Timofeyeva
67 Dance People. Sylvie Guillem
69 Dance Health. Debbie Malina on dance and games
75 Dance Education. Dance Proms, CATs
81 Classifieds
82 Where to Learn
91 Calendar
Into Dance
85 Dancer of the Month. Northern Ballet’s Dreda Blow interviewed by Margaret Willis
88 The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Zoë Anderson talks to ZooNation’s Kate Prince