Books for Ballet Lovers Part 1 Non Fiction

Waiting To Dance, pastel by Zoe James-Williams www.zoejameswilliams.com

Books for Ballet Lovers

Being a ballet fan I have read and have been given all types of ballet books so I thought I would make a categorised list from my bookshelf and wish list. Please feel free to add suggestions that I can add to the list.

 

Ballet Biographies

No Way Home by Carlos Acosta

Superb rags-to-riches story of one of the world’s greatest dancers, from his difficult beginnings living in poverty in the backstreets of Cuba to his astronomical rise to international stardom.

Harper Perennial ISBN 978-0007250783

 

Rudolf Nureyev, The Life by Judith Kavanagh

A fascinating biography of one of the worlds most famous ballet dancers. It covers his highs and lows and you will laugh and cry. A real work of love. 

 Penguin ISBN- 978-0141029696

Daria Klimentova, The Agony and Ectasy by Daria Klimentova and Graham Watts

Autobiography of Daria Klimentova Senior Principal at English National Ballet.  Daria had forged a remarkable partnership with the young Russian Principal, Vadim Muntagirov,

 Metro BooksISBN 978-1857828832

 Margot Fonteyn by Meredith Daneman

The extraordinary life of one of Britains most loved prima ballerina's.

 Penguin ISBN 978-0140165302

Dancer in Wartime by Gillian Lynne

Biography of a young dancer working her way through the ranks in WW2 alonside such names as Fonteyn and Moira Shearer. I thought this was a delight. Very insightful and fascinating.

Vintage ISBN 978-0099555773

Bloomsbury Ballerina by Judith Mackrell

The extraordinary story of Russian ballerina  Lydia Lopokova who lived a long and remarkable life.

 Orion ISBN- 978-0753825785

Mao's Last Dancer by Li Cunxin

Told in his own distinctive voice, this is Li's inspirational story of how he came to be Mao's last dancer, and one of the world's greatest ballet dancers.

Penguin ISBN: 978-0141040226

The Royal Ballet 75 Years by Zoe Anderson

In 1931, Ninette de Valois started a ballet company with just six dancers. Within twenty years, the Royal Ballet was established as one of the world's great companies. This book presents a critical account of its first 75 years, tracing the company's growth, and its great cultural importance.
Faber and Faber ISBN 978-0571227969

Ballet in Coffee Table Books/ Photography Books

Pas de deux, The Royal Ballet in Pictures

I love this book, its got some gorgeous photos off and on stage of principal Royal Ballet dancers.
 

Invitation Sylvie Guillem

Photographs of the ballet phenomenon that is Mademoiselle Non!

 ISBN-13: 978-2702207000

 

Darcy Bussell by Darcy Bussell

This book of stunning images chronicles Darcey Bussell's amazing career on the stage.

Ballet Russe

Dancers Behind The Scenes by Andrei Uspenki

Royal Ballet dancer Andrej Uspenski has a unique perspective on photographic composition of dance imagery, as well as unrivalled access not only to the Royal Ballet's productions, but also to the dancers who perform in them. This gives the reader an exclusive insight in to the Royal Ballet's work. DANCERS includes exclusive, backstage photographs, as well as a number of breathtaking images taken from the wings during live stage performances, making this a unique photographic record, perfect for all ballet fans. Some amazing photos.

Oberon Books ISBN  978-1849433884

 

Natalia Osipova, Becoming a Swan By Andrei Uspenski

Haven't seen this yet but I am sure it a beautiful book and a must for fans of Osipova

ISBN 978-1783190225

Diaghilev and The Golden Age of Ballet Russes by Jane Pritchard

A sumptous book charting the rise and fall of Diaghilev and his legendary ballet company Ballet Russes 

V&A Publishing  ISBN 978-1851776139

Ballet in Art Books

 

Laura Knight at the Theatre by Timothy Wilcox

 Wonderful book of the first femail RA and her passion for ballet and theatre

 Unicorn Press Ltc ISBN-13: 978-1906509798

Degas and The Ballet: Picturing Movement by Richard Kendall

Gorgeous book to go with a past exhibition at the RA. Quite a tombe but well worth the read and some wonderful paintings and drawings included

 ISBN-13: 978-1905711680

Degas Drawings

 Lovely PB book for those who admired Degas drawings of ballet dancers

Dover Publications, ISBN:9780486406985

Sir William Russell Flint by Ralph Lewis (Out of Print)

Features his paintings of ballet dancers and Moira Shearer who stared in the Red Shoes

 

Reference Books for Ballet

 The Ballet Companion: A Dancer's Guide to the Technique, Traditions and Joys of Ballet by Eliza Gaynor Mindon

A great reference book that covers all aspects of ballet
Simon and Schuster ISBN 978-0743264075

 

 

 

Last lesson of Christmas Term and final paintings!

Some of the final paintings finished this term. Quite a variety of subjects and really great work!

Sue

Jan

 Joan

 Jan

 Jennifer

Sue 

 Jen

 Gwyneth

 Vivian

 Mike

 Sue

 Janine

 Tim

 Sue

 Shelagh

 Sarah

Mike



Opening Night for Showtime! Exhibition at The Arts WIng in Swansea Grand Theatre Sept 5th 2011

Some photos from my opening night of my solo exhibition Showtime! in 2011

 

With Kevin Johns MBE who opened my exhibition.

With West Glamorgan High Sheriff, Susan Waller Thomas

Guests

Superb footage of Alina Cojocaru and Johan Kobborg seen by Laurent Gentot

Beautiful footage of Alina Cojocaru and Johan Kobborg in rehearsal for several ballet excerpts including Giselle.

New painting in watercolour, Carmen

Carmen

 A new watercolour of a ballerina performing in the ballet, Carmen

Carmen on Saatchi.com

I Haven't A Clue

With the fantastic members of I Haven't A Clue , BBC Radio on tour. What an amazing line up, I was quite star
struck!! From left to right Graeme Garden, Tim Brooke-Taylor,Rob Brydon,
Barry Cryer, Colin Sell (pianist) and Jack Dee.

 

post taken from 2012

New Paintings from my Wonderful Students!

Delyth

Andrea

Jan

Chris

 

Lindsey

 

 



Sarah

 



 Janine

Sue 

Brian

 



 

Tim

New Painting of Royal Ballet Principles Marianela Nunez and Thiago Soares

 

 

 

 

New pastel painting of Marianela Nunez and Thiago Soares, Royal Ballet principles in rehearsal for Winter Dream.

Fluellen Theatre Co presents Wind In The Willows

Wind In The Willows presented by the Fluellen Theatre Co

 

Toad played by the superb Christopher Hale

 

I had the great pleasure of being invited to the dress rehearsal of Fluellen's latest show, Wind in the Willows in The Arts Wing, Swansea Grand Theatre.

Its a great play with larger than life characters and Fluellen really embrace the story with its extremely talented cast. All the actors are superb and really take you on a wonderful journey through this much loved classic. If you want to have a thoroughly entertaining couple of hours you won't go wrong with this, Suitable for adults and children alike!!

Starting Today Mon 18th until Sat 23rd Nov at Swansea's Grand Theatre Arts Wing Fluellen Theatre Co presents 'The Wind in the Willows'. This delightful production is the perfect pre-Christmas entertainment for all the family, so join Ratty, Mole, Badger & of course Mr. Toad at the riverbank and embark on a glorious adventure. Evening performances start at 7.00pm, matinees at 1.00pm.Tickets01792 475715

What Do Artists Do All Day? BBC 4

What Do Artists Do All Day?

 

Well worth a watch again.
BBC 4 are repeating great series about a day in the life of well know artists

This weeks was looking at Shani Rhys James
To see the episode follow the link below.

Shani Rhys James What Do Artists Do All Day?

Interview in Whats On Magazine

Interview in Swansea Whats On Magazine Sept/Oct 2012

Klimt and The Beauty of Line

A lovely short documentary about the drawings of Gustav Klimt. Some of his paintings can be seen in The National Gallery in London in the exhibition Facing The Modern until Jan 12th 2014.
Well worth the visit, click the link below for more details.

Facing The Modern Exhibition, National Gallery

Blake at Swansea Grand Theatre

With Blake backstage at Swansea Grand Theatre just before they went on stage as part of their UK tour

Mixing eclectic classical and pop songs with rich harmony vocals, classical ‘boyband’ Blake wowed the Swansea audience on their first visit here. Ollie, Stephen, Humphrey and Jules were all extremely charming and helpful backstage and through their sound check.

I must mention that they had a superb local choir Côr Casnewydd from Port Talbot performing with them, who the boys said they were the best they had had on . Well you would expect nothing less from Wales!! If you want to visit their website its http://www.corcasnewydd.co.uk/

At the concert the boys have a lot of fun with the audience as well as singing an eclectic mix of songs including my personal favouries Hallelujah and Bring Him Home. If you want to catch them before they jet off to China and Australia have a look at their website http://www.blakeofficial.com for further dates. Thanks to Blake for a great evening had by all!!


Post form 2011

The Nutcracker, Moscow Ballet , Le Classique Swansea Grand Theatre

The Nutcracker at Swansea Grand Theatre

I had a great time last night capturing The Nutcracker with Moscow Ballet, Le Classique in Swansea Grand Theatre. A Full house it was lovely to see all the little girls in their sparkles with dreams of being a ballerina one day excitedly taking their seats. Some of the mummies were sparkling too!

The setting had a Victorian feel to it which was the perfect backdrop to the  lovely dancers. The Nutcracker is a great ballet to go to as it is so varied with solo performances enabling the dancers to show off their superb talent.

The audience loved it and it was heart warming to hear the family's come out laughing and smiling with little girls showing off their ballet moves. It definitely added pre Christmas Sparkle!!
I can't wait to capture it on paper, watch this space!

Worth a visit if they visit near you. Tour dates below
http://www.airagency.com/nutcracker.html

Gyles Brandreth

Gyles Brandreth arrived at Swansea Grand Theatre on Feb 2nd with his sold out one man show. An actor, author, broadcastor,One Show reporter, former MP and government whip turned raconteur his show spills the beans on his life in showbiz and politics.

I would thoroughly recommend you catching his hilarious and insightful show. The rest of his dates you can see on his website below.
http://www.gylesbrandreth.net/

---

I am a huge fan and it was really thrilling to meet him. He was extremely charming and funny and I look forward to painting his portrait. Thankyou to Giles for taking the time to pose for me in his very busy schedule! It's much appreciated!

post from 2011

Anne Widdicombe, Al Murray and Ballet Theatre UK 2012

Its been a very busy week at the Grand , my feet have not touched the ground!! First I went to see Snow Queen with Ballet Theatre UK, a new production and their first visit to Swansea. The Snow Queen looks beautiful with exquisite costumes and sublime dancing. A must see if you can go!!
http://ballettheatre-uk.com/TourDates.aspx

The fabulous Al Murray very kindly posed for me. Very charming and Very tall!! Can't wait to paint his portrait!
http://www.thepublandlord.com/
And last but certainly not least, Ann Widdecombe. I have been a fan from her iconic dancing in Strictly and it was a pleasure to meet her. A very gracious lady!
http://www.annwiddecombe.com/text.aspx?id=1

With Ann Widdecombe

 

original post 2012

Irenie's Ballet Class at Swansea Grand Theatre

One of a series of quick pen and wash sketches from life in a ballet class at Swansea Grand Theatre. Taught by Irenie, formerly of Ballet Russe the classes go from the very young to adult. First up were tiny ballerinas in a flurry of pink tutus!! Too cute for words!
The sketch here is of the second class of older children working hard at the barre, warming up. All the children were fascinated by my drawings and I thoroughly enjoyed capturing them. A real pleasure as they were all so charming!!

At the opening of Christmas Exhibitions at the Ceri Richards Gallery and the Arts Fair in the Ostreme Centre, Mumbles

Photos from Christmas Gallery openings in Ceri Richards Gallery, Swansea and Arts exhibition in Ostreme Centre , Mumbles



Me at Ceri Richards Gallery Christmas Exhibition with my paintings




Jan with her beautiful ballerina pastel

Sue with her beautiful ballerina painting at Ostreme

More of my art classes fantastic paintings at the art exhibitionat Ostreme

Amazing tiger by Jen

Paul Llewellyn with his wonderful pottery

I just had to take a picture of this beautiful textile painting by Maureen Cotty

More lovely paintings by Jen