News clipping: Bolle in Winter Olympics, Northern Ballet hiring BBC orchestra, November, Forsythe, McGregor, Cherkaoui and why Marseille

Ikuko Kurahone
Nov 11
2 min read

All dates are 2025 unless otherwise noted.

Roberto Bolle will headline the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics closing ceremony, AP reported on 6th November, citing the announcement from the organiser. The ceremony is titled “Beauty in Motion,” and it will be performed at Verona’s ancient Roman amphitheater, one of the world’s oldest. (Personal note: People does not give him a break)
Northern Ballet hired the BBC Concert Orchestra to record part of The Nutcracker, after putting Northern Ballet Sinfonietta artists on freelance contracts, Slipped Disk reported on 4th November.
The New York Times published a editorial on 3rd November about choreographer Mthuthuzeli November, who talked about a "pinch me' moment working with Paris Opera Ballet. Coming from a humble background in South Africa, he is now rising to a stardum in the ballet and dance industry. It is a very inspiring read. Click here. Subscription required.
Gramilano published an essay by William Forsythe about his work, Blake Works V, on 10th November ahead of a triple bill at Teatro alla Scala in Italy. The William Forsythe Evening / The Blake Works triple bill revives Prologue, The Barre Project and Blake Works I.
The Observer newspaper published an article featuring choreographer Wayne McGregor and his exhibitions in London on 22nd October. McGregor, known for combining dance and technology, told the newspaper dance should embrace technology and AI instead of being scared of them. However, he also pointed out that while funding to arts were being reduced, lots of money was being poured into AI. "It feels like an emergency tipping point," he said. The newspaper said he now had an ever strong voice to be heard as he was knighted earlier this year. Click here for the full article.
Bachtrack published a feature piece about Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, the artistic director of ballet Grand Théâtre de Genève and popular choreographer, on 30th October. It is a long read and difficult to summarise. But this quote stood out: “I have to accept that my projects have a life of their own, and I need to simply navigate them like a conductor and be in different places at the same time.” Click here for the feature.
Dance Magazine run an article titled, "Why Are So Many Dancers Moving to Marseille?" on 30th October. For example, Northern Irish choreographer Oona Doherty moved to the city in South of France in 2023. The magazine pointed out the positive influence of the Festival de Marseille, the warm climate and a good availability of affordable studio space among many other factors. Click here for the article.