December 2014

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