The September Dance Scene
My dears, it's September! The air is crisper, the colours are more vibrant, and the ballet season is in full swing! From the hallowed halls of the Bolshoi to the glittering stages of the Metropolitan Opera House, a whirlwind of breathtaking artistry awaits. Let us dive into this month's exhilarating ballet scene!
Moscow: Bolshoi Ballet in a Class of Their Own
A pilgrimage to the Bolshoi is always a must for any devotee of the dance. And this season, the venerable institution is on fire, as ever. Their recent production of "Swan Lake," the epitome of romantic ballet, was simply sublime. Natalia Osipova, a truly phenomenal ballerina, graced the stage with an effortless grace and strength. Her every gesture, from the ethereal flit of a swan to the powerful leap of a prince, held the audience captive. The sheer spectacle, the exquisite costumes, and the heart-wrenching narrative—it was a reminder of why ballet remains a timeless art form.
Speaking of Natalia Osipova, the Bolshoi seems to have hit a gold mine with her, as her performance in "Giselle" was even more nuanced and emotionally potent than her portrayal in "Swan Lake." It seems she was born to bring the delicate, tragic heroine of "Giselle" to life. The masterful portrayal of a peasant girl torn between love and duty, madness and sanity, truly gave me goosebumps.
Paris: The Dance of Innovation
Paris, the city of love, is always abuzz with artistic energy, and this month, the Opéra Garnier has truly captured that spirit. They are hosting the sensational Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève, and the programme has a fascinating mixture of classic and contemporary works. "Romeo and Juliet" was truly enchanting. I especially enjoyed the masterful interpretation by the leading dancers, as their heartfelt performances gave me a fresh and exciting look at the legendary ballet.
The contemporary choreography by Benjamin Millepied is truly revolutionary! His piece, "Dérive," which premiered last month, is both physically and conceptually demanding. Millepied doesn't just showcase athletic prowess; he delves deep into the emotional landscape of our times, crafting a powerful ballet that is truly unforgettable.
New York: An Unforgettable 'Nutcracker'
New York City Ballet is synonymous with Tchaikovsky's magical "Nutcracker," a production so iconic that it's a must-see holiday tradition. This year, their "Nutcracker" was truly a tour-de-force, and this season, the audience were swept away by the magic and wonder. Every element, from the captivating music to the vibrant costumes, was brought to life with exquisite precision and creativity. And the company's dancers are truly remarkable; they convey the wonder and the magic with such sincerity that the child within all of us is awakened. The sugar plum fairy was beautifully interpreted and so elegant.
London: A Tale of Two Cities
London's ballet scene, as always, is dynamic and full of surprises. This month, the Royal Ballet had a dazzling revival of "The Sleeping Beauty," featuring a beautifully designed set that captured both the regal grandeur and fairytale enchantment of the classic tale. The company's dancers truly brought out the elegance of the ballet, but it was the lead dancer’s incredible physical performance that stood out; I don't think I've ever seen such impressive extensions!
Over at the Sadler's Wells, the exciting Scottish Ballet is performing "The Comedy of Errors." This delightful fusion of Shakespearean comedy and dance has been charming the socks off London's audience. This company is quite new to me, and they really know how to give it the je ne sais quoi — with great comedic timing and dynamic dance movements!
A Bit of "Star Wars" for Ballet Fans
Speaking of contemporary ballet, let's travel to Hamburg, where the Staatsoper Hamburg, under the artistic directorship of the legendary John Neumeier, has premiered "The Lady of the Camellias" in the style of a ballet— and who wouldn’t enjoy a dash of drama and love! The stage is transformed into a beautifully designed world, with exquisite costumes and set design.
A recent newsworthy event that I thought was rather daring is a "Star Wars" inspired ballet by Matthew Bourne at Sadler's Wells in London! This unusual production promises to bring the force to the dance, and I can’t wait to catch this intriguing production soon.
The Ballet World Awaits!
There you have it, my lovelies—a snapshot of the dynamic and diverse dance world as we head into the autumn. So whether you're looking for the grace and elegance of classic ballets or the innovative brilliance of contemporary choreographers, there's something for every dance lover in this season’s incredible line-up of ballets around the world!
Until next month, happy viewing and may your dance shoes never lose their twinkle!