October 2008

Posted on September 4, 2008

Sometimes the worlds of politics and dance collide, and in this month’s Dancing Times we bring you two fascinating features that explore this theme. Margaret Willis was in Edinburgh to interview Nina Ananiashvili, artistic director of the State Ballet of Georgia, just as the great ballerina’s home country seemed to be sliding into full-scale conflict with Russia. You can read her interview on page 14. On page 47 Mona Mahmoud gives an extraordinary account of the life of a professional dance company in Iraq and the every-day difficulties faced by its dancers. Elsewhere, we give extensive coverage of dance occurring in Germany, Hong Kong and South America.

Two of The Royal Ballet’s most popular principal dancers, Marianela Nuñez and Thiago Soares, are both interviewed by Gerald Dowler on page 36 and on page 23 Zoë Anderson reports on the inspirational work of Angelina Alessendre and her dance company Larondina. Finally, celebrating his 60th birthday and the 40th anniversary of his first choreography, Richard Alston writes for us a thoughtful Talking Point column.

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14 Nina Ananiashvili. Interviewed by Margaret WiIlis

23 Larondina. Zoë Anderson reports on Angelina Alessendre’s work teaching dance to people with Down’s Syndrome

27 Hong Kong’s new moves. The latest from Hong Kong Ballet by Natasha Rogai

31 Looking after dancers during pregnancy and parenthood. Debbie Malina reports on Vincent Dance and Dance UK’s research project

34 The South American Way. The Royal Ballet’s Marianela Nuñez and Thiago Soares interviewed by Gerald Dowler

39 Dancing Around Europe. Part 1 of a new series by Louise Bennett

43 Nijinska and her work at the Ballet del Teatro Colón. By Enrique Honorio Destaville and translated by Ana Abad-Carlés

47 SPECIAL REPORT: Waiting for normal. Mona Mahmoud reports on Iraq’s National Folklore Dancing team

53 DanceScene International UK: The State Ballet of Georgia, Rosas, New Adventures, Batsheva Dance Company, Istanbul Music and Sema Group, Northern Ballet Theatre, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo

6 Dancematters.
Rambert, DanceEast, Laban

10 Letters to the Editor

13 Talking Point. By Richard Alston

71 Letter from St Petersburg. By Igor Stupnikov

73 Miscellany.
Robert Parker

75 Teachers & Training.
Yorkshire Ballet Seminars, Excellent!, Wells Summer School

81 Classifieds

82 Where to Learn

84 Calendar

97 Book & DVD

101 Dance Umbrella Overture 2012. By Lydia Polzer

104 Dancer of the Month – Michela Meazza. Interviewed by Margaret Willis

106 Your Page – ask Thomas and Agnes!

Simon Oliver

Simon Oliver has been production editor of Dancing Times since 2010 and is highly experienced in design across print and online magazine production. Throughout his career, Simon has worked on a diverse range of subjects including music, family history, book collecting and poker.