I loved dancing Cinderella again and it was a shame we didn't have more shows. My last Cinderella was in 1998 at the Festival Hall when the Opera House was closed - and Johnny was my partner then as well. This time, however, Cinderella kept him very busy since he also partnered Tamara Rojo. Johnny kept reminding me that he was 42 when we were rehearsing - he is an amazing dancer. His physique is wonderful: he is so strong and has a great line. I'm not sure any male dancer has ever been that good at his age. Happy as I was to be dancing with Johnny, I was a little apprehensive about the ballet's new set. Although I did manage to have one stage call at the end of November, that was only for the kitchen scene... and that was before I'd even started rehearsing! But it was Act Two I was concerned about: coming down those steps can be pretty scary. Fortunately, during one of the early Matinees I ran on to have a look at the Act Two set and even managed to practise my entrance from the coach with Johannes Steppenek temporarily standing in as my prince. While going down those steps you rely on your partner so much: he squeezes your hand to indicate when you step down. It would be easy to fall and sprain your ankle if the timings were wrong!

The second act solo from Cinderella is one of the best solos in the classical ballet rep. For a fairy tale ballet it has a wonderful feel-good factor, is such an uplifting piece and has beautiful music. It was also great fun dancing with Philip Mosley and Alastair Marriott who were fabulous as my 'sisters', providing all those comic touches that audiences love. My daughter Phoebe was able to watch me perform the Paul Hamyln matinee. That was very special.

 

Then it was on to Manon, one of the most tiring ballets to rehearse and perform as it is so physically demanding. I did feel a bit battered after the rehearsals and having my two shows close together; you just don't recover as well unless you have a little more time. Roberto was suffering a bit with a bad knee beforehand, but he managed to perform wonderfully. Manon is an especially difficult ballet for the man, since each pas de deux is so demanding. It's frustrating because you can't really help your partner as much as you want to; all you can do is make sure you're in the correct place. Because Manon is such a physical ballet and you have to keep very tense when you're being thrown around, you get quite a lot of bruises. Roberto likes to run through ballets most days so (as I was also rehearsing Symphony in C at the same time) my muscles were aching. I found the only way to relax my muscles was an Epsom salts bath.

 

Performing Manon was wonderful this time. Roberto was on great form, it felt very natural - it was very natural, and exhilarating. I also had some beautiful flowers and Audi gave a wonderful reception on my last Manon, they always do it with great style. Their guests seemed to have a brilliant evening.

 

What am I working on now? As well as rehearsing Symphony in C, I am also working on Pavane, a late replacement - with Duo Concertant - in the next mixed bill.

 

Although I've not had many shows during the last couple of months, I've kept busy. Penguin Books had a small launch party for my Pilates book which seems to be doing well - there are already plans to bring out an Advanced version. Then I was asked to open a ballet shop in Woodstock - and that was quite something. The Mayor was in attendance and I spent nearly 2 hours signing autographs and having photos taken with children, Mums and Grandmas. It was a great day, though very tiring. I also opened a School Dance/Sports Hall at St. Mary's School in Ascot. It turned into one of the biggest things I have ever done, with video cameras and a large screen behind me. Then I had to give a speech in front of the girls, their parents and a bishop who blessed the building. The girls performed a 25 minute contemporary dance which was amazing. It was a lovely day and I felt very honoured to have been asked, but I really hadn't expected it to be such a big occasion!

 

I've attended a couple of Award shows too. 'Great Britons 2004 Awards' were held at the Royal Courts of Justice and I presented a prize to Kelly Holmes, the Olympic runner and Gordon Brown spoke. I also attended the Proctor and Gamble Beauty Awards at the Banqueting house and opened a friend's ballet school. This was a much more relaxed occasion since we've been friends since White Lodge and other members from the company were also there.

 

Finally, I attended the launch party - organised by Puffin Books and Comic Relief - for Angelina Ballerina's How to be a Ballet Star(written by Katharine Holabird and illustrated by Helen Craig). They were holding a lovely party for about 25 children and we all danced Angelina's Red Nose Day Dance. I was lucky enough to dance it with Angelina Ballerina (red nose to red nose!) which was great fun. It was gorgeous that Phoebe was able to come too. It was filmed, so perhaps you will see the dance on Comic Relief night.

 

It was great fun, also, to do my bit at 'Fame Academy' - though I did have to get up at the crack of dawn. I went into the house where, even though I'm not a teacher (either of Pilates or dance), I enjoyed showing the contestants a few moves and gave advice on how to hold themselves (posture is very important for singing!). All the contestants were charming and very good students. Kevin Adams, the fitness instructor, was great and very keen to partner me!

Don't forget to support Red Nose Day (11th March).

 

Thank you again to everyone who has sent cards, letters and gifts to me at the Opera House; I really appreciate your support. Sorry for the delay in replying to some of them - I am still working my way slowly through the pile, so if you haven't heard from me yet, you will soon. Thanks also for the comments regarding this site but unfortunately I'm unable to offer any personal advice.

 

 

I hope you enjoyed the newsletter. Please come back again to see what I have been up to.

 

Enjoy your dance.