From the February - March Issue of The Dance Gazette, 1997
Darling, how delightful to be back amongst you, all aglow from February’s delightful flurry of dance performances. I tell you, the season has truly begun, and we've seen everything from thrilling premieres to revivals that have simply set our pulses racing. A little birdy tells me there’s even a certain something rather naughty coming up for our dear Sylvie Guillem this month, so I can hardly wait to see what the Bolshoi is whispering to her...
From the City of Lights
Oh, Paris, you simply enchant me. The ethereal grace and exquisite beauty of a Balanchine program at the Opéra Garnier last month – it was as if the very essence of elegance was distilled onto the stage. And the sublime "Symphony in C" – with those perfectly synchronized arabesques and crystalline formations, you'd think they were angels floating through the air. Not to mention the dancers! I couldn't tear my eyes away from the ethereal Aurelie Dupont as she effortlessly pirouetted across the stage, and the ever-handsome Nicolas Le Riche, simply divine, with his power and elegance in equal measure. Then, just this month, it was Les Ballets de Monte Carlo in a most impressive "Giselle" at the Palais Garnier, featuring a radiant, achingly fragile Marie-Agnes Gillot, in a heartbreaking portrayal. Her pure beauty and the raw vulnerability of the character she conveyed? It left me in tears. She was simply extraordinary! And of course, the corps de ballet was, as ever, breathtaking, forming an unreal vision of a dreamlike world of sylphides and villagers. The staging was utterly sumptuous, the music glorious – a production of such sheer artistry, I fear it may forever leave me haunted. I shan't forget this particular "Giselle" anytime soon.
From the Imperial City
We've simply been enthralled here in London. First, the magnificent Royal Ballet at Covent Garden. Imagine my delight – they revived their production of "Swan Lake", which I haven't seen since that fateful evening back in ‘92! It was as if a lifetime had passed and I had fallen in love anew with it. A particular highlight, was Darcey Bussell – who else – a breathtaking, hauntingly beautiful Swan Queen. Her effortless technique, exquisite phrasing and sheer star quality brought the house down! I can never get enough of watching her dance. Speaking of ballerinas with that certain “je ne sais quoi,” the one and only Sylvie Guillem returned, this time in "Mayerling". This production of Kenneth MacMillan’s tragic love story, I'm afraid, is one that still haunts my dreams, its dark, twisted drama deeply unsettling and intensely compelling. However, darling, it was Guillem, quite simply radiant in her role as the femme fatale Mary Vetsera, who quite stole the show. Theirs was a dance filled with desperate longing, heartbreaking passion and sheer theatrical power that I was frankly mesmerized by. One particular scene where she dances alone under the dimmed stage lights, the stark bareness of her movements in that stark moment of isolation; well, it left me gasping, absolutely blown away! Her emotional depth and incredible physical control is truly a sight to behold. There is, for my money, simply no one like Sylvie.
Back at home, it’s a mix of delight and surprises.
The Birmingham Royal Ballet opened the year with "Swan Lake". While a truly lovely performance with a charming and sensitive performance by Alina Cojocaru – always a lovely sight – the production lacked, let's be honest, that bit of extra oomph! Not that I am at all critical darling! There is still much to be admired about their version, including some clever, well-constructed choreography and beautiful stage design, yet the music left me wanting a tad more! Now let’s move to Edinburgh, a town I always have great affection for. Their Scottish Ballet brought a particularly enjoyable "Nutcracker", it really was the perfect mix of tradition and charming originality. Those enchanting sets were as magical as ever and a young talent who goes by the name of Dawn Atkins shone brightly in the Sugar Plum Fairy role, an exquisite dancer I’m looking forward to watching grow. But, you know me, I must say, that one had a tad too much traditional festive "bonbonniere" choreography for my taste, darling.
Finally, news from across the pond
A mere whisper on the wind informs me that a “very special” new version of "Don Quixote" is being presented this season at American Ballet Theatre, and with a new choreographer no less, the darling Mikhail Baryshnikov! What will they create together? The rumours flying back and forth are making this something I am eagerly looking forward to, that is for sure. And, to top off an already excellent season, The Royal Danish Ballet is staging a new ballet, with choreography by “The master of modern” Wayne McGregor, at The Royal Theatre. With all this happening, I'll have a tough time finding the time for afternoon tea this month darling!
Until next time, adieu. I will let you know all the hottest dance happenings as the Spring Season blooms. You must, darling, keep yourself informed!