Cultural dispatches from Milano: the debut of Paris Opera étoile @humarchand as a lead in Rudolf Nureyev’s Nutcracker at @teatroallascala, who - alongside the company’s Principal Dancer @alimariani - will launch the new ballet season on December 18❣️💋 A joy and an honour to spend an afternoon styling and interviewing such artists, who between coming of age and pushing the edge are at the peak of their stride, revealing an ever-inspiring energy that comes from the experienced fingertips of ballet mentors, sheer relentlessness and utter devotion to their practice. As they said: “I remember being in the studio as a kid, realising that my body was going to be a tool to express feelings,” recalls Marchand, talking with a poised demeanour like we’re in the back row at school. “While growing up, you become acquainted with the fact you have a body and you feel differently about it. That was the first thing that struck me strongly: that I had a body I could use, and within myself, I was triggered that this was going to be a tool of freedom.” The first time Mariani met Marchand in January, she had a winsome feeling about him. “I think we’re missing a dancer like him at La Scala, so I think it is an amazing opportunity for our theatre and for us dancers to work with someone like him. Plus, he’s such a hard worker fully committed to his role.” I’m SO here for this amazingly game-changing set of artists who are writing history on their own terms, shaping the codes of theatre and far beyond. Bravo @humarchand ❤️ watching you dance on set felt like just a soothing feast for the senses. Live on @theglassmagazine, now Photographer @alessandrolofaro.archive Editor and Stylist @chido.obasi Head of Production @jessicalovato_ Fashion Coordinator @coccobeloooo Make up: @sofiafoiera via @blendmanagement Hair @__mr.bread__ via @julianwatsonagency Set Designer: Irene Coveri @pennyennyemmy Photography assistant @_jamas_ Fashion Assistants @isabellapetrocchi @lillympadilla @vaghiveronica @clabacetti @lindaripaa #Ballet #Dance #teatroallascala #parisoperaballet #paris #milano #thenutcrackerballet #nutcracker #rudolfnureyev #prima #premiere #hugomarchand #alicemariani