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

Steven McRae and Sarah Lamb rehearse Kenneth MacMillan’s Mayerling, filmed as part of #WorldBalletDay 2018. Find out more at www.roh.org.uk/productions/ma...
Mayerling is based on the true story of the deaths of Crown Prince Rudolf and his teenage mistress Mary Vetsera in 1889. This dark and intense ballet was created for The Royal Ballet in 1978 and is regarded by many as among Kenneth MacMillan's finest works. Orchestrated and arranged by John Lanchbery, the music of Franz Liszt sweeps the story to its intense conclusion, and sumptuous designs by Nicholas Georgiadis bring to life the formal, oppressive world of the Austro-Hungarian court.
The large-scale crowd and court scenes show the whole Company off at its dramatic finest. But it is MacMillan's choreography for Rudolf, one of the most technically and emotionally demanding roles in the repertory for male dancers, that makes this ballet so iconic. Rudolf's emotional decline is charted through daring and visceral pas de deux with his mother, his wife and Mary Vetsera - choreography that pushes classical ballet to its limits.

[@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

[@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!!!

[@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

[@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?

[@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?

[@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.

[@yoyohee4083]

this duo is ICONIC

[@TheMaxhabib]

Preach

[@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

[@theodoramanolakou2750]

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

[@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.

[@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 💀

[@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.

[@Poppy-]

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

[@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.

[@ab-zg8pt]

I LIVE for that thumbnail!!!!!!

[@PernilleFromHansen]

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

[@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

[@lacouerfairy]

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

[@hamamaha6854]

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

[@izzy1221]

These two are lovely together!

[@wendyliu183]

Izzy I see you everywhere

[@irishmud]

Her point is spectacular

[@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!

[@taracanales9684]

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

[@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 ☺️

[@estherherzog7655]

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

[@taracanales9684]

3:56 nobody: Sara: Appears out of nowhere

[@isobellemcghie3465]

Charismatic even in rehearsal 🎉

[@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

[@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!

[@valeriepagendarm6376]

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

[@barbaralemere5183]

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

[@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.

[@jazlyndingfelder98]

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

[@ThatsShowbizBabyy]

Isn’t it? So incredible ❤️

[@daisymurf4727]

*these two are my absolute faves ahhhrghhhhhh*

[@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.

[@yfzhou8074]

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

[@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.

[@a.phillips6892]

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

[@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!

[@lordbyron3603]

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

[@carmen9330]

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

[@helen9525]

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

[@bodulica3]

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

[@RS-be7iy]

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

[@melbygosling890]

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

[@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.

[@AudreeAdam]

so beautiful, they are amazing together!

[@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.....

[@CocoFripouille]

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

[@gilbertrocha2847]

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

[@ich2928]

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

[@maitesofia1133]

Beautiful!!! Such emotion!

[@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 💖💖💖💖

[@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.

[@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

[@jane90186]

Their performance in Mayerling was unbelievable, fantastic.

[@jenjenbee1340]

This was just wonderful to watch! ❤

[@katarinavujic1741]

They are more then amazing. Best couple

[@heidihunt236]

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

[@LarissaSilva-lz9tq]

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

[@anthonygrisu3527]

So beautiful, so wonderful ! Thank you for this vidgift !

[@kaykomckayface1097]

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

[@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!

[@alexsandrasousa5200]

Is so beautiful and of an amazing delicacy😍

[@marahelenamorgan8316]

Gorgeous! I was crying watching this🙈...

[@orangewedges]

I adore these two so much!!!!

[@kittylady6946]

Absolutely MESMERIZING!

[@emilygilmore7532]

Beautiful story telling.. timeless piece. Bravo :)

[@cynthiachristofis4317]

God they are stunning. I love watching these two together

[@TotallyMH729TsMH]

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

[@lylaharris9314]

Absolutely stunning

[@jennacampbell7759]

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

[@gwendolynfish2102]

Absolutely incredible dancers. Beautiful and powerful!

[@daynazamali6432]

So flowingly beautiful. My heart felt it. ❤❤💙💜💚💛

[@Chris-op4ue]

These two are always so brilliant together.

[@marissaventre222]

This is absolutely breathtaking!

[@thalesrodigues]

Simplesmente fantástico, bravo!

[@hollabelle]

That was in incredible! The strength and grace!!

[@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!

[@Monocultured01]

I am in awe of this pas de deux. It's amazing.

[@yvonnenc3009]

UGH so friggin GORGEOUS.

[@ShonWilsonOfficial]

Ballet is EVERYTHING.

[@niaashmore9227]

Breath taking x

[@christinehooper2078]

Phenomenal choreography and dancing. Just amazing.

[@ancams9596]

I. LOVE. EVERYTHING. ABOUT. THIS.

[@limlianhui9462]

The catches are fantastic!

[@patriciabenians3986]

An opportunity & a privilege - wonderful, Thank you

[@barbarakempf761]

So lovely to watch

[@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…❤🎉😊

[@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.

[@kaitd3816]

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

[@nancyarchibald9095]

So fluid! Stunning!

[@CarolinaReisss]

Thank you so much for this vídeo! I cryed, they're very very beautiful! 😍👏 Wawwww

[@HeidiBird]

Beautiful work!

[@userWillyBilly]

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

[@tatyana1230]

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 🖤