GöteborgsOperans Danskompani in Skid by Damien Jalet. Film: courtesy of GöteborgsOperans Danskompani
Issue 2 – June 2023
The remarkable dancers of GöteborgsOperans Danskompani slip and slide over our digital cover in their spectacular piece Skid. It’s dance that reminds you what it is like to feel vulnerable, anxious and out of control.
The remarkable dancers of GöteborgsOperans Danskompani slip and slide over our digital cover in their spectacular piece Skid. It’s dance that reminds you what it is like to feel vulnerable, anxious and out of control.
At a time when more RAD teachers than ever tell us that their students face heightened anxiety and other mental health concerns, we asked Isaac Ouro-Gnao to report on how thinking about wellbeing might transform the dance landscape. Isaac asks RAD teachers and leaders of dance companies how they can foster wellbeing and protect mental health.
There is nothing more wholesome than being reminded of the things we share. The RAD is taking ‘together’ as a key theme for 2023, and we’re leaning into the idea too. The Canadian writer Deirdre Kelly brings three pairs of people with distinct but overlapping experience, and listens in as they find common ground.
A leading ballerina and a prominent flamenco artist; two RAD national directors, thousands of miles apart; and one RAD teacher with decades of experience and another who only recently qualified – all have ideas to share.
We hope too that you find stories that speak to you in this issue. Maybe it will be the determination of a children’s ballet company in Georgia or the way choreographer John Cranko found a sense of family in his ballet companies. Perhaps it is the singular vision of Valentino Zucchetti, the guest choreographer at The Fonteyn this year, that will resonate? Or the innovative connections made possible on TikTok?
Whatever you’re feeling or thinking, we hope Dance Gazette will remind you that you’re not alone. Stretch out a hand, and enjoy your new issue.
David Jays
Editor
Be well
There’s a mental health crisis in the post-pandemic dance world, say RAD teachers and other dance professionals. Isaac Ouro-Gnao asks if a new focus on wellbeing can lift students and dancers struggling with their mental health?
Together forever
This issue of Dance Gazette brings together three pairs of dance people to share and compare experiences. Dancers in different styles, RAD teachers of different generations, RAD directors in different countries – do they share more than divides them? Deirdre Kelly listens in.
Full circle
From gold medallist at the Genée to choreographer at the Fonteyn – the Royal Ballet’s Valentino Zucchetti tells David Jays about creating work.
TikTok: good for dance?
No social media platform has had a greater influence on dance than TikTok. But just how do you go viral, and is the app safe and valuable for dance? Nicolas-Tyrell Scott investigates.
Family guy
From the RAD’s Production Club to the world’s great ballet companies: Jonathan Gray explores the life and legacy of choreographer John Cranko, who died 50 years ago.
‘Dance is my blood’
In Georgia, a celebrated national children’s dance company shakes off the shadow of Russia and aims to nurture national pride. Sally Howard reports from Tbilisi.
‘It’s a force stronger than me’
David Hallberg – star dancer, now artistic director of the Australian Ballet – tells David Jays about surviving bullying, being the boss and why dance still compels him.
SHORT READS Issue 2 – June 2023
Effective teaching
How do you define ‘effective teaching’? Gerard Charles, the RAD’s Artistic Director, introduces the results of an RAD research project.
Read more
RAD Members’ Day
The RAD global community came together on 23 April for a special Members’ Day united around the theme of ‘togetherness’.
Read more
Amanda Britton
Amanda Britton leads Rambert School, and will be a judge for The Fonteyn. She discusses dancers’ training and the RAD’s collaboration on Rambert Grades.
Read more
Alexander Campbell
Stay true to yourself, says the Australian-born Genée medallist and Royal Ballet principal.
Read more
Tiler Peck
The star ballerina on coming through both injury and lockdown.
Read more
MORE ISSUES
BARYSHNIKOV
Issue 1 – February 2023
We pay tribute to Mikhail Baryshnikov as he receives the RAD’s highest honour: one of the 20th century’s defining dancers who continues to explore 21st-century performance.
WHEN CÉLINE MET STEVEN
Issue 3 – October 2022
The RAD has been a thread through the dancing lives of principal dancers Céline Gittens and Steven McRae. Now both RAD Ambassadors, they share hopes and experiences.
HOME
Issue 2 – June 2022
Celebrating the official opening of the RAD’s new London home, we mark this landmark by asking: what makes dance feel like home?
CLASSIC CARLOS
Issue 1 – February 2022
Few dancers delight a theatre audience like Carlos Acosta. The Cuban star is a classical artist and an undoubted charismatic – and although nudging 50, he continues to test himself and to give a frisson to challenging new work.
FACE ON
Issue 3 – October 2021
An issue all about the face we present to the world. Discover portraits, old masters, puppets, an RAD founder and the surprising history of ballet make-up.
FRESH START
Issue 2 – June 2021
The very first fully digital issue of Dance Gazette is all about embracing change. We explore impactful change: on stage, in sustainability, for young dancers entering the profession. Plus, breakdance!