A whirl through the world of ballet - November 1998
Dearest readers, it’s a crisp autumnal evening and I’m settling in with a glass of something bubbly, my feet still tingling from last night’s performance. The world of ballet has been awhirl this month with some spectacular events, from dazzling premieres to revivals that left me gasping for breath.
The buzz around the ballet world, you see, darling, is not just about pirouettes and pas de deux, it’s also about the social whirl and, let's be honest, the clothes! Last night, I was the picture of Parisian chic in my favourite Chanel number, the tiny black dress with the feathery trim, all thanks to the fabulous Giselle at the Opéra de Paris. It truly was a feast for the eyes, a production that breathed fresh life into this classic. The performance was breathtaking, the romanticism as potent as ever, and the dancing … divine! I especially loved the heartbreaking pas de deux in the second act, so beautifully crafted with tender vulnerability. But dear reader, you already knew it was going to be extraordinary, as I mentioned the dazzling new costume designs by Jean-Paul Gaultier. Can you imagine? Think classic, but with a modern twist, exquisite but also undeniably chic. Gaultier’s bold choice to modernise the costumes and create something fresh, without betraying the essence of the work, was genius. It’s not often that I’m left utterly speechless, but I’m sure everyone was equally captivated.
This month also saw the premiere of La Danza della Morte by the American Ballet Theatre, and let me tell you, it was a show-stopping experience. My goodness, it was dark, mysterious, and so beautifully danced! The music … well, it was like the soul of the dance, so perfectly integrated. This isn't for everyone, but if you enjoy something more thought-provoking and experimental, you have to go! The production has just the right blend of classical elements and edgy modernity, leaving the viewer in a contemplative mood afterwards.
But it's not all about new works. A well-chosen revival can also be a revelation, and so it proved at The Royal Ballet, where I found myself spellbound by their stunning Swan Lake. They've really taken the production up a notch, with breathtakingly beautiful sets and costumes. I do love the drama of a traditional Swan Lake - a beautiful and poignant performance! My dear, I don't know if I'm ever going to be able to take a seat at a ballet again without wanting to leap on stage and give it all!
My trip to Russia earlier this month for the Moscow Ballet’s annual performance was like stepping back in time. It was simply enchanting to experience the artistry and raw talent of the Russian school. While their repertoire remains fairly traditional, their precision and technical brilliance never cease to amaze me! The entire experience felt utterly glamorous; I even went out to a dinner after the show with my darling friend Natasha in her amazing red velvet dress with a Russian fur coat thrown over her shoulders, truly glamorous!
As a dedicated fan, I know that ballet isn’t always about spectacle, but the Royal New Zealand Ballet proves that some of the most enchanting evenings are the simplest. Their recent performance of In the Wings was simply exquisite. A more stripped-down experience that left me wanting to experience the ballet world from the inside, to glimpse the effort, the commitment and the camaraderie. The beauty of the art form truly came to the fore, unfettered by showstopping sets and elaborate costumes. You felt as though you were watching something profoundly personal and vulnerable. It truly did stay with me for days.
However, ballet isn't the only art form captivating me this season. I recently enjoyed an extraordinary performance at the Parisian Opéra, L'Enfant et les Sortilèges. This delightful work was a perfect blend of music, theatre and dance, not to mention those adorable puppets. I'm talking about charming little fairies, mischievous cats and terrifying monsters - just a touch of the magical and whimsical. This kind of piece is a reminder that ballet can truly be a medium that unites art forms. The combination is so effortlessly done that you can't tell where one form ends and the other begins.
Finally, for something a little less traditional but no less enthralling, I attended an experimental performance at The Brooklyn Academy of Music. The performance was by a young and innovative company, a whirlwind of energy and creativity, with bold costumes, and some of the most dynamic and expressive movements I’ve ever seen. You can tell these young dancers are pushing the boundaries of what ballet can be, blending dance styles and using props in an original and exciting way. The music was incredibly innovative - electronic and rhythmic with an underlying classical melody that pulled you in right from the start. The performance felt almost punk rock at times, a complete break from the classical traditions, and yet I found myself absolutely entranced!
I hope I have piqued your interest in a little trip to the theatre yourself, my dear reader! With so much to offer, I can assure you that there is something for everyone. As always, do keep me posted about your experiences!