Clement Crisp has an early review of the year in London and the Continent and comes away with more pleaure than pain. However, the 'torments' are also listed. I have to say that I agree with some, but the Mats Ek, and the Preljocaj were generally well received. I was one of the few to enjoy the Tuckett piece, but nobody liked the Veldman.<P> <A HREF="http://globalarchive.ft.com/globalarchive/articles.html?id=001220000927&query=ballet" TARGET=_blank>http://globalarchive.ft.com/globalarchive/articles.html?id=001220000927&query=ballet</A>

<P>Ballet Preljocaj's 'Romeo and Juliet' - one of Jann Parry's top 10.<P><BR>'Dance 2000 - Flying visits The world's top performers came to show us what they can do.' Jann Parry looks back over the year and gives a good overview of the dance year in London. <BR> <A HREF="http://www.observer.co.uk/review/story/0,6903,415187,00.html" TARGET=_blank>http://www.observer.co.uk/review/story/0,6903,415187,00.html</A> <P>Interesting and appropriate that Wayne McGregor figures in the top 10. 'Trilogy' was part of a multi-media mini-Festival as part of Dance Umbrella and certainly looked good even in comparison with the main event, Merce Cunningham's 'Biped'. McGregor's 'Symbiote' was the most exciting new work that I have seen the Royal Ballet perform in a long time.<P>Very nice that Tom Sapsford's Thames extravaganza, which I didn't see, gets into the list. Here is a link to Jann Parry's original review:<BR> <A HREF="http://www.observer.co.uk/review/story/0,6903,415187,00.html" TARGET=_blank>http://www.observer.co.uk/review/story/0,6903,415187,00.html</A> <P>Both the Sapsford and 'Symbiote' are part of the Artist's Development Initiative lead by Deborah Bull and taking place mainly in the 100+ seater Clore Studio in the ROH. There were other interesting works in the series, so it can be fairly said that this project has really come up with the goods. <P>I remain the only person I know who enjoyed Gerald Scarfe's expressionistic designs for 'The Crucible', but it's never been an art style in vogue in the UK.<P><BR>Remember that you can find reviews and comments about all of the works mentioned in the list by going to the front page of the Bulletin Board. Top right there are various links and on the far right is 'search', which will direct you to the desired links. Though I say it myself, the site is turning into quite a resource.<p>[This message has been edited by Stuart Sweeney (edited December 24, 2000).]

<P>'Of Oil and Water' - the Siobhan Davies Company. One of those discussed in Ismene Brown's article.<P><BR>Review of the Year by Ismene Brown - overall a splendid affair for UK dance lovers with fine visitors and many fine performances by domestic companies. I agree entirely with the overall thrust of the argument.<P> <A HREF="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/et?ac=000148269364269&rtmo=aCWC6a9J&atmo=99999999&pg=/et/00/12/23/btizz23.html" TARGET=_blank>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/et?ac=000148269364269&rtmo=a<BR>CWC6a9J&atmo=99999999&pg=/et/00/12/23/btizz23.html</A> <p>[This message has been edited by Stuart Sweeney (edited December 27, 2000).]

'This was the year that the Kirov Ballet enchanted, Merce Cunningham thrilled and Elvis lived again.' Judith Mackrell reviews the year and focusses on the impact of the new venues for dance on the art form. <P> <A HREF="http://www.guardianunlimited.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4110236,00.html" TARGET=_blank>http://www.guardianunlimited.co.uk/Archive/<BR>Article/0,4273,4110236,00.html</A> <p>[This message has been edited by Stuart Sweeney (edited December 31, 2000).]

'Ballet's glittering gems. 'Nadine Meisner looks back at the year, but it's a bit boring as she concentrates so much on the big visiting companies. Perhaps some disgraceful sub-editor took a red pencil to it.<P> <A HREF="http://www.independent.co.uk/enjoyment/Theatre/Dance/2000-12/dance291200.shtml" TARGET=_blank>http://www.independent.co.uk/enjoyment/Theatre/Dance/2000-12/dance291200.shtml</A> <P>Events of the year by David Dougill. AMP's 'The Car Man', which has divided the critics, if not their fans, gets pride of place.<P> <A HREF="http://www.sunday-times.co.uk/news/pages/sti/00/12/31/sticuldnc01002.html" TARGET=_blank>http://www.sunday-times.co.uk/news/pages/sti/00/12/31/sticuldnc01002.html</A> <BR><p>[This message has been edited by Stuart Sweeney (edited December 31, 2000).]