Dance

When I meet John Neumeier in Vienna in the late afternoon, he explains immediately that he is feeling a little discombobulated (my word not his). He is currently choreographing and filming for the New Year’s Day Concert and his working hours are 8pm until 4.30am. His sleep patterns are feeling a tad muddled. In spite of this, he looks supremely elegant and relaxed.

Alina Cojocaru, one of the finest dance artists working today, has divided her career across several companies. She has danced the canon of classical roles as well as creating new works with the world’s top choreographers. Her next performances are with London City Ballet, a small touring company. She is delighted to be back.

Miyako Yoshida talks about her deep connection to Giselle, bringing her own production to London with the National Ballet of Japan, and the challenges of being an artistic director. “I was just lucky that I met Sir Peter Wright!” says a very modest Yoshida, referring to the start of her career.