Sarah Lamb and Steven McRae of The Royal Ballet rehearse Mayerling - World Ballet Day 2018

[@AvalonMorley]

Some commenters here are so weird, complaining about the rehearsal director/coach speaking during this video. People, it's a REHEARSAL, and, believe me, the dancers are eager for the feedback. We are so privileged to have the chance to see this, and why would you want them to not show a true example of their work together? There are opportunities to see performances of the entire ballet, or excerpts from it, both live and recorded, if a performance is what you want to see.

[@chocolatesouljah]

Well stated. I'm a dance teacher (not on this level!) and it's all a part of the process. You are coaching and I love hearing the feedback being given.

[@beth7437]

This is extremely mild compared to the treatment the dancers receive in Russia. Going by a couple videos I've seen.

[@pertelote4526]

@@beth7437 Definitely! Perhaps Russian teachers care much less about the presence of the camera and the online audience ;-)

[@egemgogen7230]

so true!!!!

[@mathildewesendonck7225]

AvalonMorley Actually I can‘t find any of those comments 🤔 Maybe people deleted them

[@brendaannedufaur6244]

I love how in rehearsal you can see the dancing so purely and so much better. No costume covering the legs. No dramatic lighting and spotlight distractions. All you see are the bodies up close. And that's all you need. Plain room lights and the brilliant dancing gives you every mood and effect you could ever want.

[@kittylady6946]

That’s why these are here

[@deborahbarry8458]

I adore watching rehearsals

[@helenchua3408]

If anyone is curious, since I don't see it listed in the description, the piece is transcendental etude no 11 Harmonies du Soir by Liszt. And the pianist did a great job, not an easy piece.

[@juliada8121]

Thanks for the info, it's amazing!

[@lisilein2]

Omg yes! I sometimes forgot that there were people dancing because I was marveling at the pianist. S/he is amazing!

[@juliada8121]

@@lisilein2 The pianists of the company really can't be appreciated enough IMO, they always represent a whole orchestra and have to be super flexible and spontaneous!

[@brendaannedufaur6244]

thank you knowledgeable souls!

[@Will-st1pg]

Do you happen to know the name of the song in the bedroom pas de deux?

[@eurekamreum5458]

Sarah's arches are to die for.

[@the_dancerjen1773]

She does. Sometimes I worry that she's gonna break her foot. lol She's awesome.

[@Monocultured01]

@@the_dancerjen1773 well it wouldn't be the first time if she did

[@taliab.7329]

they look absolutely incredible but it’s scary to watch at the same time DJSJDJ

[@magnoliabranca5149]

Eureka Mreum I was thinking the same lol I could only wish!

[@natahliasmith9533]

Absolutely stunning!!!

[@melibeneli5906]

This shows more love and passion than romance movies nowadays

[@ernestcastro6238]

Meli Beneli Yes you are so right.

[@elijahsackville-glucksburg]

of course it's ballet, idiot.

[@memlykermit2041]

@@elijahsackville-glucksburg tf is wrong with u??? Just say ur insecure and think ur superior to everyone bc u like “classical stuff and not the modern trash” and move on damn

[@memlykermit2041]

@@elijahsackville-glucksburg I saw ur comments on the other vids as well damn u must not have a life to be soooo negative. Hmm sucks to be u I guess 😔💕 here a cookie 🍪 it’s for u

[@MonastraOperaSymphonyClassical]

​@@elijahsackville-glucksburg "When Peter speaks ill of Paul, he speaks more of Peter than of Paul". Why the insult at an enthusiastic comment?

[@ginettepagan3387]

Omg! The charisma, chemistry and synergy between these two is sooooo... what can I say? Delicious to watch. Beautiful, passionate... wow!

[@christinestill5002]

Ginette Pagan s. Steven is my favorite too. Though I detest "modern dance) if that is what they call this. He & his wife had a baby last year, I believe! Is the woman the choreographer?

[@AvalonMorley]

Christine Still, the choreography is by the late David MacMillan. I wish they'd include the name of the ballet mistress coaching them. It's such a super-dramatic, emotional ballet, judging from the many excerpts I've seen from it (never seen the full ballet, which I'd love to do).

[@edzoi414]

AvalonMorley The choreographer is Sir Kenneth McMillan and the coach is former RB principal Lee Anne Benjamin.

[@AvalonMorley]

@@edzoi414, THANK you for correcting my weird mistake of calling him "David" MacMillan (I think I was sleep-deprived). I've corrected that now. And thank you also for identifying Lee Anne Benjamin. I suppose she must have danced this ballet quite a bit, during her career.

[@erikanann]

I agree...it's so passionate and emotional. Beautiful and sexy.

[@theodoramanolakou2750]

My favorite dance couple.... they are more than magnificent

[@pinkwings8036]

I've never been intimidated by these two before, but they have such darkness in their eyes for this dance it's unnerving. I love it.

[@sopranosd]

This is the most difficult choreography I’ve ever seen! He must be amazingly strong. Of course she’s as light as a feather but still

[@Poppy-]

OMG when Sarah jumped at 10:20!!! What a catch. Steven is really strong. Favorite duo, they are so expressive.

[@yoyohee4083]

this duo is ICONIC

[@TheMaxhabib]

Preach

[@hamamaha6854]

Absolutely floored by the energy of the piece and the amount of trust and comfort they have with each other

[@c004857]

The coach is so tactful. She will say "fabulous and splendid BUT you should do this instead". I love her. That's how you learn and the reason why you need a coach to critique your work.

[@izzy1221]

These two are lovely together!

[@wendyliu183]

Izzy I see you everywhere

[@omgturtlz2570]

So I thought this was a sleeping beauty rehearsal for some reason so imagine my surprise when she pulled A GUN on him

[@brendaannedufaur6244]

youre funny!

[@abigailcardona483]

HAHAHAHAHAHAA

[@rosiegreen813]

It was a sleeping aid ;) - sorry, couldn't resist...

[@hillerychan9483]

How does this look like sleeping beauty though 💀

[@PernilleFromHansen]

How on earth do the dancers remember such an insane amount of choreography??? It's insane!!

[@Gr95dc]

I love how Sarah dances. I don't know anything about ballet besides I've been in love with it for as long as I can remember but she just make me want to cry of happiness sometimes when I see her dance. It's so beautiful and she make it look so effortless and like is some kind of magic. Sorry if I'm rambling English isn't my first language and when I try to express my feelings it gets complicated for me.

[@ld3354]

You made perfect sense to me ☺️

[@ab-zg8pt]

I LIVE for that thumbnail!!!!!!

[@Gimpygladiator]

As a Deaf violinist who roams the world via wheelchair, dancing has always been such a fascinating, beautiful art. Building that relationship, as partners take dance moves and intertwine emotions and entire conversations into the smallest details, and having the privilege to see that unfold from the perspective of a coach/teacher, such a gift! All my years of wheelchair rugby and tennis, basketball, soccer, hockey.... repetitious blocking and defense, trusting partners and communicating almost entirely with eye contact and body language, I can't even begin to fathom how fun/creative/exciting it must be to pour all that energy into a performance on stage and make every blink and movement say entire chapters in just a few seconds, much less have those emotions reciprocated like a physical script. Just beautiful! Thank you for a sneak peek behind the show, to see critiques in real time, such a gift!

[@lacouerfairy]

Sarah is so beautiful. Her face is like a perfect Victorian doll.

[@haute03]

The dancing is beautiful, but I would say their acting is equally as impressive. Well done!

[@cmccloskey56]

AGREE! The acting takes it way beyond the steps.

[@KendraEMoyer]

He's such a good partner.

[@kimk948]

And dancer too🤍

[@giasharie274]

@@kimk948 I’m pretty sure that’s what’s OP meant

[@Hauuah]

Me: trying to a appreciate the excellent dancing and years of hard work That man’s mustache: 👁👁

[@Hauuah]

Update: the dancing won in the end 👏👏

[@taylorlingwall2441]

ah I ruined the 111 likes but it had to be done :)

[@voraciousreader3341]

You need to understand the backstory of this ballet, obviously. The “Mayerling incident,” as it’s called, involves the murder-suicide pact between Crown Prince Rudolph of Austria, who was a psychological mess from syphilis and realizing he had passed it on to his wife-a tragedy in itself-as well as years of his serial affairs with mistresses and prostitutes, and the lover who said she would die with him, 17 year old Baroness Mary Vetsera. Rudolph took morphine for the pain of the syphilis boring holes in his bones, which explains the needle in the scene. _Their bodies were found on January 30, 1889 in the royal hunting lodge in Mayerling, and Rudolph WORE A LARGE MUSTACHE!!_ Facial hair was common at this time for men, sometimes huge mutton-chop sideburns, or waxed, pointed mustaches, _so rather than wear a fake mustache which might fall off during the hot, sweaty, close dancing in costume during the performances, McRae was smart and grew his own!!!_ Look up photos of Rudolph, Crown Prince of Austria circa 1885 if you want to see for yourselves.

[@Thatax13]

I really love how raw this piece feels! Just the realness of it all, and how much contact and expression they have! One of my favorites!

[@estherherzog7655]

I am physically and emotionally exhausted just watching this. Wow.

[@barbaralemere5183]

Sarah Lamb and Steven McRae are so fantastic in these roles. I love watching them together.

[@irishmud]

Her point is spectacular

[@isobellemcghie3465]

Charismatic even in rehearsal 🎉

[@Womanwithblackdog]

Such a privilege to get this insider look at the dancers working on this complex and difficult choreography. Beautiful even in rehearsal!

[@brendaannedufaur6244]

I cant believe how gorgeous this is. Sara Lamb is a marvel. Splendidly beautiful. The choreography incredible. MacMillan is one of the greatest, his Romeo and Juliet my favorite. I hate the gun. The rehearser is wonderful.

[@bonjouratous1460]

5:43 That Kiss!!! My favorite couple, their physical beauty, their talent, their sensitivity. however, they seem to have different natures. she is more serious and Steven more cheerful. He naturally needs to hug her at the end of the coreography.

[@kathymyers7279]

I watched an interview with her and she WAS a “serious “ type. Yikes

[@orange_leaf4913]

@@kathymyers7279nothing wrong with that. Why is that a yikes for you?

[@robertromero8692]

I am fascinated by the sight of such exceptional bodies moving so gracefully, so far beyond beyond what most people can do. Sarah Lamb is the most beautiful ballerina I've ever seen.

[@brendaannedufaur6244]

Sarah Lamb is exquisite. SO hard what Steve is doing. Thank you for this incredible, incredible treat.

[@caseyelgin6988]

Brilliant. The rawness of this piece combined with the skill of these 2 dancers, just perfection.

[@daisymurf4727]

*these two are my absolute faves ahhhrghhhhhh*

[@Micheleh2o]

One of the most beautiful, purest forms of true artistry I have ever seen! I love hearing the light crack of the leather of Sarah's shoes, and the pointe tapping on the floor. Steven is incredibly strong yet fluid, This is dance at the highest level... Freaking incredibly beautiful, ALL!!!

[@milou4753]

This pas de deux is incredible, and what a stunning partnership.

[@PaulMonaghan-h7m]

It is very interesting to see the very talented Sarah Lamb in rehearsel,,,Ballet really is the language of movement, which can stimulate the imagination with such grace.

[@brendaannedufaur6244]

This is so gorgeous. Sara is sublime. Steve is a superb partner. Choreography is beautiful - MacMillan is just one of the greatest choreographers who have ever existed. I love the ballet mistress. She is so positive and respectful yet she is trying to yield every ounce of beauty that she can. She is a joy. Thank you so much for this video.

[@jazlyndingfelder98]

I’m sobbing. Openly sobbing. This was everything.

[@ThatsShowbizBabyy]

Isn’t it? So incredible ❤️

[@lordbyron3603]

Thank you so much for the privilege of watching this rehearsal.

[@yfzhou8074]

Could not take my eyes off them! This is so beautiful and absolutely perfect.

[@kaykomckayface1097]

Omg sarah is the best...her dance is mesmerizing...

[@katarinavujic1741]

They are more then amazing. Best couple

[@jane90186]

Their performance in Mayerling was unbelievable, fantastic.

[@taracanales9684]

3:56 me coming to ask my mom for food after waking up from a nap

[@janicebone6191]

saw this for the first time with Steven and Sarah. today(2020)... all I can say is WOW!! what an amazing duo....love the rehersal format as well....its so interesting to see how it comes together.....

[@bodulica3]

No words to explain the beauty of their dance. It hits my emotions. That's it!

[@gilbertrocha2847]

Piloerections with just gesture, grace, expressions- emotion is real without said words

[@taracanales9684]

3:56 nobody: Sara: Appears out of nowhere

[@jennacampbell7759]

Love these two! 😍 There both such great dancers.XD Steven's mustache makes him look older.

[@the_dancerjen1773]

Wow! Talk about totally going for it and leaving it all in a performance (and this is a rehearsal). Holy cats Sarah and Steven have crazy chemistry!

[@carmen9330]

That choreography...so beautiful and so complicated. These two are so wonderful, so passionate in it, bravo👏💕

[@melbygosling890]

Absolutely beautiful, Passionate and moving dance!!!!Well done Sarah and Steve!!!

[@piros100]

now I'm even more excited to watch them on Monday 😆😆😆😆 I have to travel to Vienna from Budapest, but who cares, it's worth everything 💖💖💖💖

[@daisymurf4727]

I've booked my tickets to see this in the cinema and I'M SO READY

[@AvalonMorley]

When is it showing in cinema? I hope it will be shown here in Dallas, TX. The Royal's ROMEO & JULIET, shown quite a few years back (I think they've broadcast another performance of it since then), with Lauren Cuthbertson and (I think) Roberto Bolle in the leads, was one of the most beautiful, moving things I've ever seen, not just in ballet.

[@eurekamreum5458]

I'm watching it this thursday! I'm so excited!

[@Monocultured01]

I know this a almost a year ago, but I'm so jealous. Now I'm just glad they released a DVD of this with these two in the lead roles.

[@RS-be7iy]

What splendid work. Just amazing. I love rehearsal videos from ROH.

[@yeeeoonnjuuuuuu]

i will never get over sarah lamb

[@islandhorsetaker]

I just love Mayerling, it's a genius of a ballet. I loved the rehearsal clip of this same scene danced by Edward Watson and Mara Galeazzi so much, that I go back and watch it again every now and then. Steven McRae and Sarah Lamb have also done a terrific job! Also it's so nice to see Leanne Benjamin coaching them!

[@Studio344]

This popped up in my KZbin feed... SO BEAUTIFUL! And the feedback from the instructor is so intriguing and nuanced. THANK YOU for this amazing treat!

[@katehobbs2008]

Absolutely stunning and this is only a rehearsal. the coach hardly has to say a word. I like to see this just as much as the actual performance

[@ich2928]

Wow, this is so passionate and intense and stunning and truly amazing. There aren't enough words...

[@marissabojiuc]

I now understand the greatness of Sarah Lamb!

[@jenjenbee1340]

This was just wonderful to watch! ❤

[@eye_sing]

What a wonderful look into the world of ballet ! Thank you so much for sharing this. Rehearsals look awesome. The actual show must have been breathtaking.

[@kaitd3816]

Holy hell that was emotional. I don't know much about ballet, but that makes me want to get more into this

[@helen9525]

The most exquisite rehearsal i have ever seen - thank you !

[@cynthiachristofis4317]

God they are stunning. I love watching these two together

[@emilygilmore7532]

Beautiful story telling.. timeless piece. Bravo :)

[@a.phillips6892]

Loved every second of this...They are both mesmerizing to watch. So glad I get to see the rehearsals!!

[@nicolereding7234]

Amazing my favorite Transcendental Etude of Liszt by 2 outstanding dancers.I remember him as young boy winning Lausanne with 2 incredible variations and his red hair…❤🎉😊

[@primrosedeluna]

The way she just tosses herself and he carries/flings her about! I love their chemistry, they’re acting the heck out of this and it’s only a rehearsal! Wow. Wow, wow, wow. If you all think the director’s commentary is excessive, I couldn’t be there, hear me yelling, “CMON, SARAH! You better give us face and passion!” “YES, STEVEN!” 😂 so beautiful 🖤

[@heidihunt236]

Great great dancers!!! Brought tears to my eyes!! 👏👏👏

[@CocoFripouille]

Stunning! What an excellent rehearsal! Absolutely beautiful! Thanks for uploading this!!!

[@piermalhr733]

I am still watching... but my hands are clapping... my dog thinks its play time...

[@maitesofia1133]

Beautiful!!! Such emotion!

[@ashareeoo]

The dream team is back!!!! 😍😍😍

[@deborahhigginbotham7276]

I can't imagine that this could be better danced and expressed as with this duo.

[@vale29mo]

The chemistry between them 😍

[@AudreeAdam]

so beautiful, they are amazing together!

[@lmccauley7319]

My two favorite things are music and ballet. Their bodies are so beautiful and fit from all the dancing, they are just beautiful.

[@rosiegreen813]

What an impossibly difficult pas de deux...must be a MacMillan ballet...and fabulously performed! Quite matchless.

[@alexsandrasousa5200]

Is so beautiful and of an amazing delicacy😍

[@christinehooper2078]

Phenomenal choreography and dancing. Just amazing.

[@Kate-zl3zl]

Just discovered Sarah Lamb....what a great artist overall. The acting, too...

[@maliceburgoyne495]

Question to folks out there. Is Mcrae one of the best male dancers in the world? I just ask because to my eyes (on video at least) his grace and perfection catches me every time. I don’t know much about ballet.

[@kdub10009]

Most definitely, yes!

[@Meeesa]

I would have say yes. He throws himself into each role. It's mesmerizing.

[@chooseyourpoison5105]

Yes he absolutely is.

[@cmccloskey56]

And he can do anything! From the romantic full-length ballets, to contemporary ballets (Twyla Tharp) to the comical pieces like the Mad Hatter. Love it!

[@gwendolynfish2102]

Absolutely incredible dancers. Beautiful and powerful!

[@userWillyBilly]

Охренеть😳!! Столько страсти и любви!! И все это БЕЗ СЛОВ! Шикарно!! Просто шикарно!!

[@ebi7041]

I love you Sarah！ From JAPAN

[@TotallyMH729TsMH]

uGhhhhh ABSOLUTELY BREATH TAKING. AMAZING. MAGICAL. FANTASTIC. MY HEART WAS JUST!!!!! FOR THESE TWO WAAAAAH😭💙💯

[@teresahankgomez9657]

This was not only beautiful but just looked so easy and light, it's astonishing how these dancers make it look. Also the teacher is so well spoken and helpful, the fact that she's pointing out the good things is very important in my opinion, coming from a strict russian teacher who just told us what was wrong - this in comparison is so much more teamwork. And well the dancers didn't do anything wrong obviously

[@kittylady6946]

Absolutely MESMERIZING!

[@mittielfe]

they're SO GOOD together

[@nicolereding7234]

Transcendental etudes is one one of my favorite etude from Liszt pkaying by Yuchan Lim out of the wirld and dancing by the amazing St. Mac Rae and S Lamb a great happiness.Good job❣️🎉

[@LarissaSilva-lz9tq]

This is amazing! 😱Beautiful... very beautiful!

[@patriciabenians3986]

An opportunity & a privilege - wonderful, Thank you

[@ancams9596]

I. LOVE. EVERYTHING. ABOUT. THIS.

[@9elitemarketingservicesllc575]

OMG....could there be anymore passion??!! 👏👏👏

[@orangewedges]

I adore these two so much!!!!

[@thangvuong9196]

Such a difficult partnering pas de deux performed beautifully!!!