Latest news with #Swan
Press and Journal
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Review: Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake simply sensational as it takes to Aberdeen's HM Theatre
I vividly remember the first time I saw Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake, and I was convinced it was the best production I had ever witnessed on stage. And last night, as it took to the Granite City for its 30th anniversary tour, I became an even bigger believer. I am a huge ballet fan, especially for someone who stopped wearing a tutu when I was about 8. But nothing compares to the feelings this piece of art evokes from the audience. I'm not sure, but I do believe last night's performance was the first time I've ever experienced the audience audibly cheering at the end of act one. It is almost hard to put into words just how good this is. From the first haunting note to the final dramatic moment, it was a performance that utterly consumed me. This production broke new ground when it first premiered in 1995 by replacing the traditionally female swans with an all-male ensemble. Three decades on, that decision still feels revolutionary — not just for its boldness, but because it works so completely. The male swans bring a physicality, ferocity, and rawness to the stage that mirrors the power and elegance of real swans more closely than any ballet I've seen. The dancers' movement is animalistic yet artistic, and impeccably portrays both beauty and threat. There's also something visceral about the way the swans move. They ripple across the stage with wing-like arms that strike out in bursts of strength and sudden grace. Rather than the typical portrayal of dainty little swans, these dancers are intense, proud, and untamed — and in that, they feel astonishingly real. The central Swan, played by Rory Macleod, was utterly mesmerising. But the magic happened when the swans came together and dominated the stage, it was uttlely breathtaking. The choreography is powerful, emotive and funny. Contemporary to its core, yet it stays utterly true to the traditional Swan Lake in so many ways. From the use of shadows to the vocal hissing of the swans the tiny intricate details brought a whole other dimension to the Tchaikovsky classic. As the curtain went down for the final time the audience was clearly in agreement with me. An immediate standing ovation was more than deserved. The last time I was fortunate enough to see this masterpiece was in 2018 and I am seriously considering purchasing tickets to watch it again this weekend. I don't want to wait another seven years before the opportunity arises again. I could not recommend this more highly. You can buy your tickets here.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
In Springfield, a vigil to remember George Floyd and to urge protection of eroding reforms
SPRINGFIELD – Five years ago, people took to the streets after a video of the killing of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis Police went viral. Corporations, the justice system and others responded by instituting initiatives to improve racial equity. But attendees at a vigil on Sunday said that movement is losing much of the momentum it gained as President Donald J. Trump removes diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in government and education and encourages businesses to do the same. 'That moment that we had in 2020, we need that again,' said Bishop Talbert W. Swan II, president of the Greater Springfield NAACP and pastor of the Spring of Hope Church of God in Christ, at the vigil on Boston Road Sunday. On the Sunday anniversary of Floyd's death, a crowd that including many Black churchgoers gathered to remember Floyd and push for new justice reforms while protecting the gains already made. The event was held outside the site of a proposed Target, which announced in January it was walking back key diversity and inclusion initiatives after Trump took office. 'We are coming up a number of challenges and we need some bold soldiers,' Swan said. During the vigil, which included nine minutes and 29 seconds of prayer to remember the amount of time former police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on Floyd's neck. Chauvin was later convicted and sentenced to more than 22 years in prison in the slaying. Multiple pastors from across Springfield focused on how standing together brought power and change, even if overreaching use of force by law enforcement was impacting Black and brown communities more than others. 'If we stood together we could exact change that we couldn't do in our individual silos,' Swan said. 'I think that is what propelled the corporations to make the commitments they did, the Department of Justice to do the investigations they did.' Swan and other faith leaders called for the community to rise up to protect health care, fight poverty and empower elected officials to stand with them and battle the 'wicked administration.' 'Those within the corporate structure who were more or less responding to the pressure have felt that pressure now released because they have an administration that now supports them doing business as usual,' Swan said. 'Once again, we have to show how this administration is not just affecting Black and brown communities, it is literally affecting communities across the spectrum.' Along with speakers calling for justice, they also urged boldness and an acknowledgement of their history, which is being removed from the classrooms and museums. Verleane Harris, an evangelist for Spring of Hope Church of God, pushed for economic equality and asked people to find ways to support, build and expand Black-owned businesses and Black financial institutions. 'We are at risk of losing our freedom,' she said. 'They are trying to erase us from history.' During the event, one participant called out for the group to return for the opening of Target, which is to be located at the site of the former Eastfield Mall, to protest again if corporate managers do not return to earlier policies to support diversity, equity and inclusion. Tracey Carpenter, of Springfield, said she feels the Black Lives Matter efforts gained so many social justice improvements due to a cross collaboration of people of different ages, races, genders and interests standing together. 'I feel like we are losing education and knowledge and that takes away empowerment,' she said. Agawam Historical Museum, with stories of town residents on display, reopens Monday Gov. Healey at Mount Holyoke: 'This is a moment that clarifies our values' Exhibit explores Springfield's witch panic that occurred years before Salem Speed bumps petition gains support after child killed by car in Springfield Read the original article on MassLive.
The South African
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Simone Ashley dazzles at the grand finale of Cannes
Simone Ashley truly stole the spotlight on the final day of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The British actress graced the red carpet in a breathtaking white gown by Vivienne Westwood. This sculptural, swan-inspired dress was a masterpiece from Westwood's Spring/Summer 2025 'Gateway to India' collection. It perfectly matched the grandeur of the Palais des Festivals. The gown's dramatic silhouette featured a corseted bodice with a plunging neckline shaped like angel wings. It was paired with a voluminous skirt that recalled 18th-century court dress, according to Lofficielusa . The intricate structure and romantic design were signature Westwood, blending historical elegance with modern glamour. Simone Ashley's look was completed with pristine white Aquazzura heels, which complemented the gown without overshadowing it. Soft, glossy waves framed her face, while subtle nude makeup with faint smoky eyes and a gentle blush enhanced her natural beauty. Statement rings and diamond earrings added just the right touch of sparkle. Celebrity stylist Rebecca Corbin-Murray, who also styles stars like Florence Pugh, curated this unforgettable look with her signature refined yet bold approach. Simone attended Cannes as a guest of L'Oréal, the festival's longtime beauty partner. She was present for the premiere of The Mastermind as a L'Oréal ambassador. She brought a blend of glamour and grace that resonated with the festival's elegance. Fans on social media were quick to praise her appearance, with one tweeting, 'She's so out of this world,' and another calling her 'the Swan princess that she is!' This stunning red carpet moment was the perfect finale to a week filled with standout fashion. Simone Ashley's Vivienne Westwood gown was a statement of timeless beauty and bold sophistication. This dazzling moment at Cannes cements Simone Ashley's status not only as a rising star on screen but also as a formidable fashion icon on the world stage. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'We don't want to do that': Swans coach on repeat bans
Sydney coach Dean Cox concedes a mix of ill-discipline and bad technique has led to his side copping 10 weeks' worth of suspensions. Key forward Joel Amartey is the latest Swan serving a three-week ban for rough conduct after his bump on Jordan Boyd left the Carlton defender concussed. Justin McInerney was handed his second suspension this season for a separate high hit on Jack Silvagni in their 16-point win over the Blues. The Sydney winger had already sat out three matches in 2025 for a bump on Brisbane Lions defender Brandon Starcevich. Lewis Melican is also serving a three-game ban for striking GWS opponent Toby Bedford, and will be eligible to play after this weekend's MCG clash against Melbourne. Justin McInerney has received a three-match ban for this incident involving Brandon MRO findings: — AFL (@AFL) March 16, 2025 The Swans lead the league with suspensions, with their players serving three more weeks than Hawthorn (seven). Asked if his players were battling with technique rather than discipline, Cox said: "It's probably a little bit of both. "The players need to be aware of what they can and can't do, and then the technique, they have to train that. "Whether it's arms out, not shoulder in. Try and tackle, that's probably the first thing that we always say, instead of bump. "Players know now that if you're doing that and any collision, you're sitting on the sidelines. "The bump and any contact you do make with the head, you're a high possibility of being suspended for a number of weeks. "We need our best players playing footy, so they were made aware that we don't want to do that as a football club." Sydney will also lose Aaron Francis after the defender suffered his second concussion this year, joining an already lengthy injury list. But Cox expects to regain captain Callum Mills if he passes training later in the week, while key forward Hayden McLean and midfielder Taylor Adams are also options. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) Mills marked his first game back from a foot injury by finishing with one goal, 20 disposals and three clearances in the VFL, while Adams took 30 touches. "(Mills) has got one more session. If he gets through the session, he's playing," Cox said. "That's probably the great thing about Callum now. He played extremely well in the restricted minutes that he had on the weekend. "We've also got to understand Callum hasn't played a lot of AFL footy the last two years, so the expectation is for him to come and contribute to the football team, not to be the best player on the ground."
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
‘It was just a senseless act': Westside Jacksonville father killed defending his property
A Jacksonville woman said her fiancé was only trying to defend his property when he was shot and killed. Iesha Gibson said she and her fiancé, 38-year-old Donte Swan, watched the suspects from their home security system as they tried to break into their cars. It happened early Thursday in the 7000 block of Wheat Road. That's when Gibson said Swan called out to the people to get away from his cars, then he let off a warning shot. The suspects returned fire, ultimately killing Swan. Now, Gibson is setting the record straight and clarifying that this was just a random act of violence, and that Swan was an active father, college graduate, and entrepreneur. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] 'They took someone away from us that didn't deserve it. He was a great father, provider for us, all of us. This was not about drugs. It was just a senseless act. These kids are going around the block just checking people's cars, and it so happened, we were just one of the families that they got to,' Gibson tells us. According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, five suspects were involved, but their identities are unknown, and the suspects are still at large. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Gibson is hoping that the public will come forward and share any information they have about the people responsible. If you have any information, you can call JSO at 904-630-0500. You can email JSO at jsocrimetips@ Anonymous tips can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
