AI Ballet Fashion Review 483

August 1997: A Month of Artistic Enchantment Darling, it's been another whirlwind of a month on the international ballet circuit, with enough dazzling performances to send one into a complete spin! I simply must share these glorious experiences with you, my dears. From the opulent opulence of Paris to the glittering glamour of New York, the stage has been alive with the magic of movement and the elegance of pure artistry. The month started, of course, with the **Paris Opera Ballet** at their legendary Palais Garnier. It wouldn't be August without the intoxicatingly elegant "**La Bayadère**" and it did not disappoint. The production, as always, was a stunning spectacle, with an almost unbearably beautiful set and opulent costumes, the very essence of Imperial Russian splendour. Sylvie Guillem and Manuel Legris as the star-crossed lovers, Nikiya and Solor, were simply exquisite, their duets a heart-wrenching tour-de-force. Across the Atlantic, New York's **American Ballet Theatre** gave a thrilling rendition of **"Giselle"**, a ballet that always manages to take one's breath away. The hauntingly beautiful score of Adolphe Adam is matched by a dramatic and passionate performance. I am particularly smitten with Julie Kent, who embodies the tragic heroine with an extraordinary mixture of fragility and fiery passion. While New York provided the dramatic and theatrical, London brought the whimsical and charming. **The Royal Ballet** delighted with their production of **"The Sleeping Beauty"**, and while the tale is a classic, it felt so fresh, almost innocent, in their staging. Darcey Bussell and Jonathan Cope were nothing short of divine. Oh, darling, the energy and athleticism of **"Don Quixote"** was simply unforgettable at the **Royal Danish Ballet**, in Copenhagen! It was a joy to watch this ballet with its swirling energy and playful choreography, which is a bit like watching a joyous whirlwind. The choreography, particularly for the lead roles, requires immense stamina and technical prowess, and the dancers simply sailed through it all! The company showcased the strength and versatility of Danish ballet to the world with this masterful performance. On the more contemporary front, I absolutely had to witness the world premiere of the newest **Wayne McGregor** work at the **Rambert Dance Company** in London. It's titled "**Entity**" and it is the absolute epitome of contemporary dance with a daring, modern approach to movement and choreography. The use of cutting-edge technology and projections created a multifaceted stage that drew me into the depths of a truly profound theatrical experience. It wasn't all about large-scale productions, though, darling. In the realm of smaller, intimate performances, I found true brilliance at the **Nederlands Dans Theater**. They staged the most intriguing work by the extraordinarily talented Israeli choreographer **Ohad Naharin**. His signature blend of lyrical beauty and jarring intensity left me both bewildered and enthralled. The power of movement is so potent with Naharin. And while the heart of the ballet world has a certain grandness and formality, I am always a sucker for a quirky and experimental piece. This month, that came in the form of the **New York City Ballet's** production of **"The Dream"**, a collaboration between the late Jerome Robbins and Philip Glass. The pairing of ballet and the minimalism of Glass may seem like an unlikely mix, but the result is captivating and utterly compelling. It’s not your typical “classical” ballet, my dear, it's much more evocative, it's pure poetry in motion! Of course, darling, August would not be complete without a mention of **the annual Aspen Festival**, in Colorado. It’s always a wonderful gathering, a perfect chance to enjoy some sun and beauty while experiencing an inspiring selection of performances, ranging from workshops to the mainstage events. This year **The New York City Ballet** took center stage in Aspen. The stunning natural beauty of the mountains simply provides the perfect backdrop for such an ethereal and graceful company. The month concluded with a whirlwind trip to **La Scala, Milan**. You know me darling, I simply have to have a touch of Italy every now and then. They showcased **"La Sylphide"**, and oh, it was pure romantic beauty! A very sweet and romantic performance. I have a feeling this ballet, with its enchanting music, delicate beauty and tragic love story will always hold a special place in the world of classical dance. With all of this activity in the world of ballet, I must remind you, darling, to seek out new experiences, embrace the beauty of every movement, and always cherish the exquisite art of ballet. We are truly blessed to live in a time where we can witness such remarkable artistic brilliance. And do tell me, my dears, have you seen any interesting performances lately? And remember, my darlings, "Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty" – a truth which can truly only be captured in the grace and form of a perfect pirouette! And "If life were an opera, what act would you like to skip?" Yours always in artistic enchantment.