i have a slightly different thing to say abot the kirov's productions in london.
I am not going to watch la bayadere; im in it. im one of the girls in the act four (i think) garland dance, and i also come on during act two.
i have rehearsals with sergei vikarhev (sorry if this is not the correct spelling) every day, and he is absoutley fantastic!!!!
it is quite difficult changing the way we dance as we have to do a lot of stuff differently to how we are used to, and he nitpicks an awful lot to make it look abosolutely spot on, but its worth it!!!
just thought i'd add this in. sorry if its not appropriate.

<small>[ 17 April 2005, 09:48 AM: Message edited by: Stuart Sweeney ]</small>

That is exciting rosefire and, not only is it appropriate, I'm sure we're all keen to hear more about your experiences. How did you come to be involved?

I've taken the liberty of changing the title so that it is clearer to readers. Hope that's OK.

<small>[ 27 July 2003, 05:09 PM: Message edited by: Stuart Sweeney ]</small>

That's great, rosefire! When I was in my teens I got to be a supernumerary onstage with the Royal Ballet in San Francisco. It wasn't a dancing part, though -- just wearing the costume, moving about at the appropriate times, and reacting. How nice that you get to be in a dance. Was there an audition, or were the extra dancers recommended by studios, or what?

well, i go to central in farringdon on a saturday, and my teacher asked me if i wanted to do it.
it was great! i had the first show last night, and i had a great time watching from the wings- although i was a bit disapointed i couldnt see the third act- that would have been amazing!
the russians are fantastic! at the dress rehearsal, they marked a lot of stuff, so i thought when it came to the show, they might not have room to do anything, but they did, and it was strange seeing them dancing spectaularly one moment, and then almost collapsing in the wings the next.
we were definatley the worst in the show though! and i think anyone who was watching would clarify that! but that was the best time we had ever done it!

Have you ever been backstage with any other company? I think it would be interesting to see whether people generally act differently from one company to another.

no ive never been backstage with another company.
i think dancers are pretty much the same every where in the fact that as soon as they get off stage they breathe heavily, and get ready for their next entrance!
But yes it would be interesing, and also with another international ballet company, there would be cultural differences in the way they act, as there are now.

The new production seems a big hit with the critics. If you haven't seen the reviews look in our "La Bayadere" topic.

Everyone must be very pleased rosefire.

Congratulations Rosefire! It's really wonderful to your experience of being onstage beside the Kirov. Please feel free to share more with us, your observations, feelings etc. I'd love to hear them!

Yes - give us a little more, Rosefire!!