A.
Australia
A short but very exciting tour, The Royal Ballet performed two great productions - The Winters Tale and Woolf Works in Brisbane, Australia.
Steven at the QPAC party, myself and Alexander posing for a photoshoot.
B.
Bikram Ballet
June was an incredibly hot month this year in London and dancers were feeling it ! The pins were out for class which led to some great style in the studio.
Sian in a high bun and flip flops, Leticia and Chi surviving the heat
C.
Charlotte Tilbury
Always on the lookout for a magic beauty fixer and this year I discovered Charlotte Tilburys ‘Magic foundation’, which really evens out my skin tone ! I told anyone who listened - even ‘Grazia’ magazine heard me!
D.
Darcey Bussell
Darcey was one of the first ballerinas I saw live on stage and she made a huge impression on me. She has worked a lot with the Royal this season and its lovely to have her around again - I catch myself staring at her in the lift! Although she doesn’t dance anymore she hasn’t lost her grace and presence, I feel like she could step straight back onto stage.
Darcey in Song of the Earth
E.
Eric Underwood
Eric sadly left The Royal Ballet Company last season. He had a wonderful energy and charisma on stage that will be sadly missed. I wish him all the best for the next move in his career.
Eric showing those incredible pins.
F.
Fans
A dancer’s life can be very tough, from the long hours to the pain you put your body through, a fan really shows you that it’s all worth it. I sometimes wonder where I’d be without the (your) support, the cards and gifts at stage door, the messages on social media, and general love.
Here’s a message to you guys -
Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart, your support pushes me to carry on with this website, it’s so appreciated, much love, Olivia xxxxx
Here with a big fan at side stage, my beautiful niece and goddaughter Mary Saville.
G.
Gyrotonics
My dream machine this year ! Keeps you lengthened while toning your muscles.
Laura working on the machine
H.
Huel
Always have a Huel in my ballet bag. A great source of carbs, protein and vits when a sandwich isn’t enough !
To find out more..
I.
Injuries
I have been suffering with acute achilles tendonitis for over 3 years and have always just coped and danced with pretty awful pain. This year I decided to take the time to give rehab and treatment a chance and tackle the problem. It took 4 months which has been the longest I have ever been off in my whole career. I’m not patient so it was tough and frustrating. However it was ultimately rewarding as the pain subsided and the injury seems to have healed. I am so glad I took the advice of physiotherapists and experts.
J.
Jewels
These Costumes are from the ballet Diamonds in George Balanchine’s ‘Jewels’, absolutely beautiful.
Hannah, Annette and Demelza respectively.
K.
Kenneth MacMillan
Kenneth MacMillan is one of the greatest choreographers to have ever lived. His powerfully dramatic ballets,(Requiem, Mayerling, Manon to name a few) exemplify the choreographer's ingenuity of dramatic storytelling. Birmingham Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, Northern Ballet, Scottish Ballet and The Royal Ballet, came together this year to commemorative the 25th anniversary of his death. I adore his work and alway feel very privileged to dance in his Ballets.
Their pas de deux range
N.
The Nutcracker
A classic ballet that is shown by most ballet companies around Christmas time. Us dancers slightly roll our eyes when we know we’ve got 30 shows of a glitter fest to do but there’s a part of us that loves it as it’s such a happy ballet and nothing gets you more in the mood for Christmas than a show of The Nutcracker!
Charlotte and Ashley relaxing between diverts in Act two.
P.
Plaits
They are so pretty and have been both popular in the studio and catwalk alike.
Mica’s tussled plaits in class.
Q.
Quatre-quarts ballet store
A great ballet store based in Japan that has been so supportive this year. Check out their great range of ballet t- shirts and leotards !
R.
Rick Guest
A fantastic photographer and friend, Rick Guest has a couple of great books. Perfect for any ballet fan on their coffee table ! Go to the link to purchase ..
Ed Watson on the cover.
Louis McMiller dancer with company - Studio Wayne McGregor
T.
Trendsetter- Jeremy Scott for Moschino
His collection this year was hugely ballet inspired, I loved the dirty punk edge he brought to the style.
U.
Untouchables
These costumes from ballet - Untouchables are super cool. Designed by Holly Waddington.
Leo rocking this look
V.
Vadream
Vadim Muntagirov’s nickname ... the name says it all !
Photographer - Daria Klimentova
X.
X marks the spot- accupunture ( See what I did there ?!?! )
Accupuncture my best friend for the last couple of months !
Ryo going mental with the needles and a good helping of recovery boots for good measure.
W.
Weleda skin food
If it’s good enough for Victoria Beckham, it’s good enough for me !
Y.
Yellow
My favourite colour this year. Makes me feel happy and positive.
Z.
Zenaida Yanowsky
The legend that is Zen. It was her last season this year as a principal with The Royal Ballet Company. The kindest and most stylish ballerina out there, will be sadly missed.
I hope you enjoyed my round-up of 2017. Please comment with any wishes for 2018, I’m all ears!
