Georgina Butler
Writing. Dancing.

INTERVIEW with Dominique Densmore, Artist and Illustrator, October 2024

 

Artist and illustrator Dominique Densmore chats with Georgina Butler about dance, art and her new painting series.

 

Artist and illustrator Dominique Densmore grew up dancing and drawing and can’t imagine her life without them. Everyone has some pursuit or perspective that they choose to engage with, develop skill in and derive satisfaction from. Individuals are unlikely to perceive what they do and how they do it as a gift. Nonetheless, their enthusiasm and expertise will interest and inspire other people.

My propensity for writing and dancing – not to mention writing about dancing – is encapsulated in the notion of the ‘adventures of a dance writer’. All my experiences and opportunities in editorial and educational environments are underpinned by the focus, freedom and feeling gifted to me by words and movement. Being a writer who writes about dance is niche, but being curious about things, and often compelled to convey new information to readers or learners, is not. It is unsurprising, then, that I am always intrigued by the creative pursuits of others.

When I met Dominique at the barre in a London dance studio, and we got chatting after class, an interview to coincide with World Ballet Day celebrations seemed inevitable. Unfortunately, the host companies (the Australian Ballet, the Royal Ballet and San Francisco Ballet) have decided to pause World Ballet Day this year. The good news is that they are promising that the event will return in 2025 with a refreshed and dynamic approach.

In the meantime, Dominique’s gift as an artist is simply too good not to share! I caught up with Dominique to learn more about her experiences as a dancer and artist. It was wonderful to chat – and I was treated to a private viewing of her stunning new painting series, Gifts of Virtue.

 

Artist and illustrator Dominique Densmore.

 

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INTERVIEW with Abigail Prudames, Northern Ballet, April 2018

 

Northern Ballet soloist Abigail Prudames is taking dance audiences on an amazing aquatic adventure in The Little Mermaid.

She surfaced from beneath the waves for long enough to chat to Georgina Butler about becoming a mermaid ballerina.

 

Dancer Abigail Prudames is getting so used to decorating her face with iridescent make-up, flaunting a headdress adorned with seashells and slipping on a shimmering fish tail that being a mermaid is her new normal.

The 25-year-old soloist was cherry-picked by Northern Ballet’s artistic director, David Nixon, last year to originate the principal role of Marilla the mermaid for his balletic rendering of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale, The Little Mermaid. She started discovering and developing the mystical creature’s personality and mannerisms in earnest from May 2017. Just four months later, on 21 September 2017, the production had its world premiere in Southampton.

Abigail, who is from Harrogate in North Yorkshire, trained at the Royal Ballet School, White Lodge and Elmhurst School for Dance. She joined Northern Ballet in 2011, so has enjoyed dancing many characters. However, The Little Mermaid’s Marilla is the very first title role that has been created on her.

We squeezed in an interview between Abigail’s rehearsals for Northern Ballet’s concurrent touring production (a revival of Cathy Marston’s Jane Eyre), the company’s daily class and performances of The Little Mermaid in Edinburgh. Read on for her thoughts on the creative process, dancing as a mermaid and why this immersive new ballet is making such a splash with audience members of all ages!

 

Northern Ballet dancer Abigail Prudames.

 

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INTERVIEW with James Leece, The Snowman, December 2017

 

Dancer James Leece plays the title role in the stage show version of classic Christmas cartoon The Snowman.

Between performances and festive family fun, he found time for a chat about choreography, costumes and childhood nostalgia with Georgina Butler.

 

James Leece was born in Aberdeen and trained at The Royal Ballet School and London Studio Centre. He began his professional performing career dancing for Matthew Bourne’s company in the early days when it was called Adventures in Motion Pictures and continued when it became Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures. James has performed roles in Bourne’s Swan Lake, Nutcracker!, Highland Fling, Edward Scissorhands and The Car Man. Further theatre credits include being Robbie and first cover Johnny in the West End production of Dirty Dancing at the Aldwych Theatre, and starring as the leading man, Don Lockwood, in the 2013–2014 UK tour of Singin’ in the Rain.

Currently, James Leece is one of two performers alternating the title role in the Birmingham Repertory Theatre production of The Snowman at The Peacock Theatre, London dance house Sadler’s Wells’ West End venue. This enchanting show is based on the 1982 animated film, which was inspired by Raymond Briggs’ 1978 children’s book. The narrative sees a young boy and his snowman share a magical night of friendship, fun and flying.

Directed by Bill Alexander, the stage show tells the story entirely through music and dance. It features a musical score and lyrics by the film’s composer Howard Blake – including the classic theme song, ‘Walking In The Air’ – and choreography by Robert North.

The Snowman is now an annual seasonal staple in the capital. The five-week Christmas 2017 run marks the production’s 20th year at The Peacock Theatre, making it the longest-running Christmas show in English theatre history. In November 2017 the cast toured the show to Manchester and Glasgow. The tour will resume throughout January 2018, with performances in Southampton, Milton Keynes and Brighton.

Without a doubt, The Snowman has become a much-loved festive tradition for audiences and cast members alike. Indeed, James is presently donning the fluffy white Snowman suit for his sixth year in the title role. A father to two young children, and an experienced performer, he is full of admiration for this timeless show.

 

Dancer James Leece chats about his role in The Snowman stage.

 

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INTERVIEW with Tamara Rojo, English National Ballet, October 2017

 

English National Ballet’s artistic director and lead principal dancer Tamara Rojo talks to Georgina Butler about why the company’s new double bill has the potential to change lives.

 

Tamara Rojo is in no doubt that we need the arts in our lives. That is why she has devoted herself to the business of ballet dancing.

The Spanish ballerina danced with Scottish Ballet and English National Ballet early in her career, before moving to The Royal Ballet for twelve glittering years. Dedicated, ambitious, articulate – Tamara Rojo dreamt of not only dancing with a world-class company but also running one. This dream came true when she was appointed in the dual role of artistic director and lead principal dancer of English National Ballet in 2012. Upon starting the top management job, she initiated a rebranding process to sharpen the company’s identity as a distinctive troupe of incredibly versatile ballet dancers with something to say.

Five years later and the touring company, which endeavours to bring ballet of the highest quality to the widest possible audience, has found lots to say under Tamara’s leadership. It has developed collaborative relationships with exciting choreographers; confidently crossed into the realms of contemporary dance; staged new versions of old classics and made history as the first ever ballet company to perform on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury.

English National Ballet returns to Milton Keynes Theatre with a brand new double bill from Tuesday – with Tamara performing a lead principal role. Unsurprisingly, keeping up with her duties as artistic director and the demands made on her as a dancer ensures Tamara stays extremely busy.

Happily, she still managed to find time for a chat.

 

Tamara Rojo, Artistic Director and Lead Principal Dancer of English National Ballet. Portrait by Rick Guest.

 

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INTERVIEW with Barry Drummond, English National Ballet, November 2016

 

English National Ballet dancer Barry Drummond finds a few minutes to chat to Georgina Butler about Nutcracker and the magic of Christmas.

 

English National Ballet opens its acclaimed Nutcracker at Milton Keynes Theatre this evening and First Artist Barry Drummond is looking forward to a busy run.

The festive family favourite boasts a sparkling seasonal story, captivating characters and delightful dancing. This ballet’s enduring popularity has seen the Company present a Nutcracker production every year since 1950, its founding year. Last Christmas, over 73,000 people made watching a performance of English National Ballet’s Nutcracker at the London Coliseum part of their holiday celebrations.

This year’s tour (beginning in Milton Keynes and then visiting Liverpool before a return to the Coliseum) continues the annual Nutcracker tradition while bringing choreographer Wayne Eagling’s version to audiences outside the capital.

First Artist Barry Drummond is already embracing the Yuletide season thanks to Nutcracker. As well as looking forward to being part of audience members’ Christmas celebrations, he is eager to make the most of his own festivities when the big day finally arrives!

 

“Nutcracker is a one-way ticket to festive cheer!”

 

English National Ballet dancer Barry Drummond.

 

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