The Royal Ballet dances Frederick Ashton in cinemas this summer
As our mixed programme comes to an end on stage we look ahead to a release in cinemas and on DVD.
Tonight (23 February 2013) sees the final performance of a programme of short ballets by the founder choreographer of The Royal Ballet, Frederick Ashton. Among the works featured are a tribute to the Viennese waltz (La Valse) and the modernist Monotones I and II.
The reunion of Sergei Polunin and Tamara Rojo for Marguerite and Armand has been hotly anticipated and in the film below Tamara talks about the poignancy of her farewell performance with The Royal Ballet.
For those who crave more behind the scenes material, the cinema screenings will feature additional footage. Following a summer cinema release in July 2013, the DVD will go on sale at the end of 2013 / start of 2014.
You can also watch a piece of rehearsal footage of Royal Ballet Principals Edward Watson, Marianela Nunez and Federico Bonelli being coached in Monotones II by Anthony Dowell (Former Director of The Royal Ballet) and Lynn Wallis (Principal Coach). On the day of the recording for cinema and DVD Nehemiah Kish replaced Federico Bonelli. The rest of the cast remained the same.
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A wonderful performance by Tamara (and Sergei), It's a shame that the heartfelt thank you by the audience wasn't backed up by a public thank you from Royal Ballet for not only the outstanding performances she has put in over the last 12 years, but also for the many interviews she has given, raising the profile of Royal Ballet both at home and abroad.
I was thrilled to see on your website that there will be a DVD of Monotones I and II, and La Valse by Ashton. I've been hoping for this for years. How do I find out when the DVD will be available and will it be able to be played on American DVD players?