Good morning everyone, 19c and sunny with highs of 32c expected.
We heard the very sad news that a great supporter of the Arts and friend of ours sadly passed away last weekend. Michael and Linda have always been hugely passionate about the arts and have been amazing sponsors for many years, they have been familiar faces at stage doors around the country and ROH and ENO and even abroad, encouraging and supporting dancers they like and always smiling. RIP Michael and lots of love and strength to you Linda, our thoughts are with you.
The first thing that I wanted to do this morning was to write to thank everyone concerned with the International Ballet Classes in Prague for sharing your wonderful two weeks with us.
However, I found this (above). It is so kind of you to acknowledge Michael’s passing in this way. Thank you. I am very, very touched. The contact that we have had with dance and dancers over the years has been a real privilege, not least because our improved understanding of the underlying training and the intense and detailed preparation which lies behind every role in every performance has enabled us to appreciate what we see on the stage even more.
Over these last two weeks, those of us who have followed the Masterclasses online have seen something marvellous happening, especially in the wake of all the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The students have had the space to stretch out in beautiful studios, a proper structure and sense of purpose to each day, expert tuition from, and contact with, star dancers, and a sense of achievement as a result of new challenges. This year, in particular, the opportunity to be with other students in a normal way, interact with people from different countries and backgrounds, and experience Prague is very, very special.
The experience you have afforded so many young people is priceless and something that they will never forget. Those of us who have followed the blog and the videos online have had the ‘virtual’ delight of being with you each day and that is appreciated all the more after the long lay-off.
I hope that everyone concerned in the organisation will now be able to take and enjoy a break and return to their own countries safe and sound.
Thank you again!