Latest news with #NeitherDrumsNorTrumpets
The Guardian
30-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
The week in dance: Rachid Ouramdane: Outsider; Pam Tanowitz: Neither Drums Nor Trumpets
It's a rule of life that dancers can do anything with their bodies. In Rachid Ouramdane's new work, Outsider, made with the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève, they slide across the stage like oil, tumbling and curling like acrobats, swinging one another around like supple dolls. One woman falls and rises like a pendulum across a mass of bodies that gently push her from side to side. The stage, in Sylvain Giraudeau's stark design, is crisscrossed with a cat's cradle of taut climbing wires held on gantries. French-Algerian choreographer Ouramdane's stroke of magic is to introduce four extreme sport athletes who hang aloft seamlessly in semi-silhouette, their weightlessness contrasting with the gravity-bound dancers beneath. When they walk the tightrope, their arms wobble gently as they seek balance. Towards the close, they pull up four dancers from below, letting them dangle lengthways like human mobiles. Against Stéphane Graillot's pale lighting, and accompanied by Julius Eastman's minimalist score, the effect is meditative, transfixing. It's also slightly alienating: dance as an exercise in physics and composition. The excellent dancers are ciphers, parts of a puzzle. It's thanks to the thrilling range of London's Van Cleef & Arpels Dance Reflections festival that it was possible to watch Outsider on the same day as a new piece by the American choreographer Pam Tanowitz that uses pattern in a much more human way. Neither Drums Nor Trumpets (the title taken from a line in a film by François Truffaut) is performed in the up-close space of the Royal Opera House's Paul Hamlyn Hall. Using seven of her own dancers and a phalanx of students from the Rambert School, Tanowitz weaves a layered 45-minute work that fills the room with movement and life, at once rigorous and playful, tugging at aspects of the building's history as a floral and dance hall. Her dancers are in flowery costumes (by Maile Okamura, who also performs), and the score composed by Caroline Shaw additionally features long stretches of Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony and a scratchy recording of Second Hand Rose, sung by Fanny Brice and beloved by Tanowitz's late mentor, the postmodernist choreographer David Gordon, to whom the work is dedicated. What's so impressive about Neither Drums Nor Trumpets is the power of its structure; the way Tanowitz builds repeated skeins of complex movement that thread in and out of the piece, conjuring ideas and fleeting thoughts. There are deep balances on one leg, little hugs of the arms across the body, sharp jumps from standing with arms raised like Merce Cunningham angels. At moments, the dancers sit thoughtfully, legs curled, like the Little Mermaid or a Nijinsky faun. Victor Lozano, in silver trainers, taps quietly round the performance square. Caitlin Scranton and Anson Zwingelberg crouch on their haunches and walk like children. Marc Crousillat carries the ethereal Christine Flores like a dart and then a scrunched-up ball. Lindsey Jones jumps across the stage, arms flailing wildly, then flattens herself against a screen. They are all superb – strong, striving human, raw. The students, meanwhile, make grave processions of detailed movement, the most basic dance positions of dance vocabulary transformed into subtle embroideries. Seeing these young dancers alongside professionals is remarkably inspiring – it feels like a gift to the future. Star ratings (out of five)Outsider ★★★Neither Drums Nor Trumpets ★★★★
Forbes
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
What to see, do and experience in London for Mother's Day
Big Ben and westminster bridge in London Spring is here, celebrate in London with a variety of Mother's Day events and experiences from luxury facials, to theatre shows, and drinks tastings. Watch some dance: The fifth edition of Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels, a programme launched in 2020 to deepen the high jewelry Maison's ties to the world of dance, has returned to London. Celebrating international choreographic creations, from recent works to known pieces in contemporary dance history, head to the Royal Opera House and Ballet to watch the likes of Pam Tanowitz: Neither Drums Nor Trumpets and Balanchine: Three Signature Works (Serenade, Prodigal Son, and Symphony in C). Address: Royal Ballet and Opera, Bow St, London, WC2E 9DD Enjoy a traditional Sunday roast lunch: The homely Red Lion and Sun pub in Highgate offers a selection of roast dinners including roast rib of beef (35-day dry-aged, grass-fed British beef), slow-roasted belly of pork, côte de boeuf (680g for two people), and braised Cornish lamb shank, complete with roasties, broccoli, root vegetable mash, Yorkshire pudding, and red wine jus. Wash it down with a selection of wines, and whiskies. Address: The Red Lion & Sun, 25 North Road, Highgate Village, London, N6 4BE Just desserts: 45 Jermyn St. London has launched its new menu, including seasonal and classic puddings that suit all of those with a sweet tooth, think an almond pannacotta with poached rhubarb and ginger crumb, a rich dark chocolate fondant, and a classic egg custard tart with pistachio ice cream. Wash it down with a cocktail from the new cocktail menu too. Address: 45 Jermyn St, London, SW1Y 6DN Go to the theatre: For theatre lovers, Much Ado About Nothing is showing at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, one of London's most beloved venues. The stellar cast features Tom Hiddleston as Benedick, Hayley Atwell as Beatrice, Mara Huf as Hero, Forbes Masson as Leonato, and Phillip Olagoke as Friar Francis. Directed by Jamie Lloyd, this vibrant production explores love, wit, and deception in this Shakespearean comedy. LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 19: (L to R) Jonathan Glew, Jamie Lloyd, Mara Huf, Forbes Masson, Mason Alexander Park, James Phoon, Tom Hiddleston, Hayley Atwell, Tim Steed, Mika Onyx Johnson, Gerald Kyd and Phillip Olagoke attend the press night after party for Jamie Lloyd Company's "Much Ado About Nothing" at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on February 19, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by) Address: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JF Book a blow dry: Treat your mum to a celebrity experience and book her a blow dry at Larry King, with salons across London, check out the newest one in Marylebone. Larry King salon in Marylebone Address: Larry King Marylebone, 55 Marylebone Ln, London, W1U 2NT Relax at a spa: Indulge in a holistic experience at Bamford Wellness Spa, designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit, using Carole Bamford's range of organic Bamford products. Choose from a variety of treatments, including the Bamford Wellness Full Spa Day (3 hours 15 minutess). This experience includes a guided yoga and meditation session, a soothing foot bath ritual, a 90-minute therapeutic back massage with Thai stretching, scalp treatment, reflexology, and temple balm to promote peaceful sleep. Finish with a signature Bamford facial tailored to your needs (rejuvenate, vibrant, or detox), plus lunch served on the hotel's terraces. There are also dd-ons available, such as LED Light Therapy, Gua Sha Facial Massage, and Foot Therapy with Arnica Balm. 1 Hotel Mayfair Address: Bamford Wellness Spa at 1 Hotel Mayfair, 3 Berkeley St, London, W1J 8DL Try some fine wines: At this tasting, the Wines and Spirits team at Fortnum & Mason will guide customers on a journey of discovery through their curated selection of wines and spirits, perfect for Mother's Day. In true Fortnum & Mason style, the tasting will also be accompanied by delicious food pairings. Address: The Crypt at Fortnum & Mason, Lower Ground Floor, 181 Piccadilly, London, W1A 1ER Get the glow: Book the signature SturmGlow™ Facial, a 60-minute treatment that's designed to leave the complexion radiant and refreshed, while boosting and strengthening the skin's barrier function and improving overall skin health. Address: Dr. Barbara Sturm London Boutique & Spa, 125 Mount Street, London, W1K 3NS Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea: The Goring has been perfecting Afternoon Tea for over a century, earning awards for its homemade pastries, jams, and teas which are served daily in The Veranda with views overlooking garden. There are a range of afternoon tea experiences to choose from, including a Traditional Afternoon Tea, the TeaTotaler with a mocktail, and the Prestige Afternoon Tea with a glass of Bollinger 2014 La Grande Année. Classic Afternoon Tea at The Goring Address: The Goring Hotel, 15 Beeston Pl, London, SW1W 0JW Book a makeup session: Visit Charlotte Tilbury's new Covent Garden store for a luxury beauty experience, and enjoy personalized makeup artistry with expert tips and tailored recommendations. Address: Charlotte Tilbury, 1 James St, London, WC2E 8BG Get your nails done: Townhouse has a number of salons across London, offering top-notching nail service from luxury manicures, pedicures, nail art and more. For Mother's Day, they're running packages at certain outposts, check out the website for more information. Address: Across London Take in some art and co-ordinating cocktails: Ochre, the restaurant within London's National Gallery, has launched a new cocktail menu inspired by the upcoming exhibition of Mexican artist José María Velasco. Running from 29th March to 17th August, the exhibition celebrates Velasco's landscapes and his significant role in 19th-century Mexican art, and the cocktails, which have been specially created for this first-ever U.K. showcase. Expect the essence of Velasco's art, combined with seasonal flavors, marking the 200th anniversary of U.K.-Mexico diplomatic relations. Rocas Espresso Martini Trolley at Ochre Address: Ochre, National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN Try out some personal styling: Book a one-to-one appointment at a Hobbs store, where a styling expert will offer advice on fits, trends, and help with wardrobe updates or finding the perfect outfit. Virtual appointments are also available, where stylists share outfit suggestions via video call. Address: Across London Book a face peel: The Dr Obagi Blue Radiance Peel uses salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid to brighten and smooth the skin's texture. As we transition from winter to spring, it's the perfect time for a facial peel as it'll exfoliate dry, dull skin and bring about a fresh, glowing complexion. Address: Mayfair Aesthetics Laser & Skin Clinic Angel, First Floor, Colebrooke House, 10-12 Gaskin St, London, N1 2RY Take your mother to the movies: Head to Selfridges for a shop, swing by the huge confectionary hall, and visit its cinema while you're at it. There's a host of movies showing from Black Bag with Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender to Bridget Jones Mad About The Boy, and the multi-award winner Anora is imminent. The Cinema at Selfridges Address: The Cinema at Selfridges, 40 Duke St, London, W1U 1AT Attend a candlelight concert: Get your tickets for Vivaldi's Four Seasons by Candlelight in London and enjoy performances by The Piccadilly Sinfonietta, along with guest soloists. It's a perfect experience for both classical enthusiasts and newcomers, all set in the beautiful, candlelit ambiance of St James' Church. Address: St James's Church, 197 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LL Pick up a bouquet: McQueens Flowers is known for its exquisite bouquets, and their master florists have curated spring blooms in time for Mother's Day gifting. From the wild beauty of Stella to the vibrant Colette, expect elegant arrangements that showcase the best of the season, and add on a bottle of Telmont Champagne and NOSHY Artisan Truffle Buds. Address: McQueens Flowers, 29 N Audley St, London, W1K 6WY
