After my recent illness I had a few days off work and then it was back into rehearsals again (although taking it slightly easy) for Monotones II and Lilac Garden. Since I had performed Monotones II before with the same cast, it should have been straightforward. However, Nigel Burley fell ill with flu, which meant that Alastair Marriott had to step in at the last moment. He had already performed the role before, and was due to dance later in the run with Zenaida Yanowsky and Maurice Vodegel-Matzen, but it still caused a few tricky moments in the General Rehearsal before the Friends of Covent Garden. In fact, this was actually our first rehearsal. Inaki Urlezaga was also dancing in Symphonic Variations, Lilac Garden and Gloria so it had been impossible for the three of us to get together before the 'General'. I performed two shows with Alastair and Inaki and the other two with Inaki and Nigel - after he had recovered! I was also rehearsing Lilac Garden at the same time, working mainly with Inaki and William Tuckett so I was kept pretty busy in the rehearsal studio.
Before my debut as Caroline in Lilac Garden I had my final Swan Lake to perform which was also the last night of the run. Roberto (Bolle) and I managed to have one of those shows where all the hours of hard work in the studio pay off. Now we are looking forward to performing in The Nutcracker in January.
My debut in Lilac Garden was during a schools' matinee. We only had one stage rehearsal beforehand and as that was very much stop - start - stop - start... the show felt slightly like a rehearsal. Schools' matinees are notorious for the noise the students make but they really enjoy themselves and it's great to see them take full advantage of the opportunity to watch an afternoon of ballet. Although Lilac Garden is over 60 years old, in some ways it is incredibly modern. It's also very challenging, as it calls for a lot of acting! Because of my performances in Monotones and Lilac Garden, I have been involved in all the mixed bills this autumn. That's unusual, but it's been great.
Off stage I opened
the Ice Rink at Somerset House. Although I didn't actually skate (too big a risk of injury) it was an honour to be invited to the ceremony. The rink will be open until the 6th of January and the setting is beautiful so it's worth a trip even if you don't get your skates on! I was also honoured to switch on the lights of the Stage Christmas Tree. This has been set up in a small warm-up area at the side of the stage, known to the stage crew as the 'kitchen'. You can see a picture of it and also some stage door shots in Gallery 4. By the way, the photos on this page are from the Gold Virtuosi 2000 International Jewellery Design Awards, some of which are available as a calendar from the Royal Opera House Shop. (Photos by John Swannell, styled by Hilary Alexander with hair and make-up by Jonathon Malone.) That same evening I went to the Key to Christmas party at Tiffany's where, on arrival, guests were given a key. If your key opened the box you could win a diamond necklace. My key didn't win anything but I had a great time anyway.
Did you see the Barrymore programme with National Youth Ballet on the 10th of December?I had fun meeting Michael and enjoyed being on his show. He has a great pair of legs and certainly keeps you on your toes as you're never sure what is going to happen next. And it was a wonderful chance for the dancers of the National Youth Ballet to gain valuable stage and television experience.
As I mentioned last month I unveiled three watercolours of myself, by Gordon King, at the Opera House. The limited edition prints are available and can be bought on line. You can get further information from Ever English or click on the image of one of the watercolours. If you buy on line you will help raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society.
Thanks to everyone who entered the
pointe shoe competition. The correct answer was, of course, Jonathan Cope, who was my prince when I made my debut as Odette/Odile on the 3rd of February 1990. A draw was held, as so many people had given the correct answer. And the winner was.....Alexander Straker. Congratulations! The shoes will be on their way to you very soon, Alexander.
I would like to thank everyone who has sent cards, letters and gifts to me at the Opera House; I really appreciate your support! Thanks also for the comments regarding this site.
I am looking forward to a relaxing break over the Christmas period. It will be the first time in years I haven't performed during the holidays, but Roberto has other commitments in Milan. I hope you enjoy your break too.
I hope you enjoyed the newsletter. Please come back again to see what I have been up to.
Enjoy your dance!!
| 
