Anonymous Reporter (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} thingstheydid) wrote in ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/community.gif){kind=small} fuckyestheydid,@ 2006-07-09 18:18:00 |
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TOEING AFTER MUM
For ballet enthusiasts or those people interested in the goings on of the rich and elite, it will come as no surprise that Elizabeth Driscoll, more formally known as Bess, the oldest daughter of Claire Fitzwilliam, is starting at England's prestigious Royal Ballet School come autumn.
Spotted attending the opening night of the week-long end of year performance put on by the Lower and Upper schools, she was as every bit the image of her mother at her age - with one noticeable exception. Her hair is nearly black.
When asked if she is worried about keeping up the parade of talented ballerinas that seem to trickle forth from her family, 11 year old Bess says, quite simply, "No. I can handle it quite well."
Laughing, her mother, barely a day older in appearance than the evening she took her final bow, clutching bouquets of roses in her slender fingers, gently brushes stray hair from Bess's very bright hazel eyes and says, "She's a remarkable dancer. Absolutely dedicated and much stronger than I was."
It seems nearly impossible to believe that anyone could be stronger than the prima ballerina who gave up her tutu for maternity wear and, ironically, is heavily pregnant now (though should this change by the time the article is published, congratulations!). Known for her remarkable technique and unbridled emotion, the perfect character actress and classical ballerina, Claire upheld a high standard that was, with great luck, very nearly matched by now retired Darcey Bussell.
When asked about Bussell's retirement, Claire smiles sadly and nods as though she expects the question. "I understand her reasoning, though I never reached my physical limit. I retired much too young and there are moments when I regret it, but Darcey is ready and I will enjoy watching her pilates workouts to keep in shape myself." She laughs.
Bess, holding her mother's hand, offers an appreciative giggle. For her age, she has a presence far beyond her years - unashamed, I admit I was slightly intimidated. But soon we will be watching her on stage, judging her here in Covent Garden, hoping to see the same joy her mother brought so many fans.
We wish her the best of luck. All of England will be watching.
For ballet enthusiasts or those people interested in the goings on of the rich and elite, it will come as no surprise that Elizabeth Driscoll, more formally known as Bess, the oldest daughter of Claire Fitzwilliam, is starting at England's prestigious Royal Ballet School come autumn.
Spotted attending the opening night of the week-long end of year performance put on by the Lower and Upper schools, she was as every bit the image of her mother at her age - with one noticeable exception. Her hair is nearly black.
When asked if she is worried about keeping up the parade of talented ballerinas that seem to trickle forth from her family, 11 year old Bess says, quite simply, "No. I can handle it quite well."
Laughing, her mother, barely a day older in appearance than the evening she took her final bow, clutching bouquets of roses in her slender fingers, gently brushes stray hair from Bess's very bright hazel eyes and says, "She's a remarkable dancer. Absolutely dedicated and much stronger than I was."
It seems nearly impossible to believe that anyone could be stronger than the prima ballerina who gave up her tutu for maternity wear and, ironically, is heavily pregnant now (though should this change by the time the article is published, congratulations!). Known for her remarkable technique and unbridled emotion, the perfect character actress and classical ballerina, Claire upheld a high standard that was, with great luck, very nearly matched by now retired Darcey Bussell.
When asked about Bussell's retirement, Claire smiles sadly and nods as though she expects the question. "I understand her reasoning, though I never reached my physical limit. I retired much too young and there are moments when I regret it, but Darcey is ready and I will enjoy watching her pilates workouts to keep in shape myself." She laughs.
Bess, holding her mother's hand, offers an appreciative giggle. For her age, she has a presence far beyond her years - unashamed, I admit I was slightly intimidated. But soon we will be watching her on stage, judging her here in Covent Garden, hoping to see the same joy her mother brought so many fans.
We wish her the best of luck. All of England will be watching.
[London Times]
