Dutch National Ballet at Sadlers Wells

Flamenco Festival 2011 Compania Aida Gomez Carmen

Superb dancing and dramatic content in an inspired peformance by Aida Gomez and her company as part of the Flamenco Festival at Sadler's Wells.

'Aida Gomez is a sizzling,sexy temptress and flirts outrageously with the officers. She flaunts her breasts in a low cut bodice with twinkling eyes and uses her skirts in a seductive manner, lifting and flicking her petticoats in the faces of the officers.'

The full review with photographs can be read in the April edition of Dance Dyanmic

Daria Klimentova Prima ballerina of English National Ballet talks to Elaine Mayson on her life her future plans and her new young dance partner

The New production of the Nutcracker choreographed by Wayne Eagling and sets by Peter Farmer at the London Coliseum

Wayne Eagling, the Director of English National Ballet has choreographed a triumph for the 60th Anniversary of the company. The Nutcracker has always been at the heart of English National Ballets repertoire and having danced in Ronald Hynd's Nutcracker I am proud to be part of this tradition. Wayne Eagling's Nutcracker is the 10th production in the company's history and it is successful on many different levels.

A ballet for all the family to enjoy. To read the full review with Elaine's photographs read the Dance Dynamic February issue out in January 2011.

Matthew Bourne's Cinderella at the Sadlers Wells 30th November 2010 - 23rd January 2011

Press Night is 8th December 2010. Watch this space for my review and see the full review with photographs in Dance Dynamic February issue

Tanztheater Wuppertal, Pina Bausch Iphigenie auf Tauris

An emotional and visually beautiful show.
Spell Binding!

Pina Bausch's work to Gluck's Iphigenie auf Tauris was ground breaking at the time and is still wonderful crafted and theatrical dance drama.
Gluck's music and singing arrangements are harmonius filled with depth and strength. Pina Bausch's response is a memorable tribute to his work. The stark set and plain white long dress of Iphigenie, danced superbly by Clementine Deluy is in contrast to her fluid uplifting movements.
The entrance of the female ensemble on the diagonal line is strong and thrilling sending tingles down the spine.
Pina Bausch uses the cameo effect very cleverly and creatively . Poignantly demonstrated in the last act when the entire cast freeze and are suspended in time.
A fitting tribute to Pina Bausch, who died in 2009

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre

A company exploding with energy and superb dramatic quality.

Sublime. Dance at its very best!

Alvin Ailey, American Dance Theatre is now on a UK Tour. It is the last time Judith Jamison is at the helm of the company. She has handed over her position as artistic Director to Robert Battle. What a legacy she leaves behind! She took over the company on the request of her mentor Alvin Ailey, who personally chose her to succeed him before his untimely death in 1989. Judith is a charming, friendly lady and obviously an inspiration to an exceptionally talented dance company.

The Hunt featured in the photographs is dark and violent with an all male cast wearing black long skirts with red undersides and a black backdrop. It is a primeval, tribal dance. The muscles of the mens' torsos glisten with sweat as they jump and twist and snarl at each other in a powerful display of athletics and combat. The African drums beat louder and faster as the dancing becomes more frenzied. The men dart into the air and turn like whirling dervishes. It sends tingles down the spine to witness them moving as one to the climax of the Hunt.

For more of the review see the magazine Dance Dynamic