June's Ballet Buzz: A Whirlwind of Whimsy and Wonders
Oh, my darlings, what a month it’s been! June, with its promise of balmy evenings and garden parties, seems to have swept the ballet world up in its silken embrace. From the grand stages of Paris to the intimate theatres of New York, it’s been a whirlwind of whimsy and wonders.
London Calling
Naturally, we begin our tour at the hallowed halls of Covent Garden. The Royal Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet, directed by the formidable Sir Kenneth MacMillan, simply must be seen. This timeless tragedy was brought to life with such emotional intensity that even the most hardened theatre critic couldn't hold back a tear or two. Darcey Bussell, with her captivating portrayal of Juliet, and Jonathan Cope’s masterful performance as Romeo, brought an unmatched fire and passion to this most beloved tale. I, for one, felt my heart skip a beat with every desperate look, every tortured embrace. Bravo!
Across the Thames, Sadler’s Wells has been humming with an infectious energy. The exquisite dancers of the Rambert Dance Company brought an entirely different flavour to the stage with their powerful production of The Rite of Spring. It was truly captivating – the raw, primal energy, the thrilling movements, it was all simply sublime. While I must confess to finding some of the choreography a tad jarring at first, the sheer intensity and visceral nature of the performance won me over. This is modern ballet at its finest, darling, pushing the boundaries while keeping us captivated from beginning to end.
French Flashes
Across the Channel, Paris is buzzing with artistic excitement. The Opéra de Paris always puts on a magnificent show, but this month's performance of Giselle has really been the talk of the town. Auberon Weber's exquisite music was beautifully enhanced by the dazzling talent of the ballerinas. My dearest, this production was sheer, unadulterated magic, and Marie-Agnès Gillot as the eponymous Giselle simply took my breath away. Her technical virtuosity, not to mention her stunning emotional range, brought the story of this love-struck maiden to life in a truly unforgettable way.
Speaking of unforgettable, I can't let you forget about Le Sacre du Printemps at the Théatre du Châtelet. This daring, if slightly challenging, piece by Pina Bausch was truly unforgettable, daring to question traditional boundaries and embracing a wild and primitive beauty that had us all utterly enthralled. The audience, as usual with Bausch's work, were captivated. The movements were stark, expressive, and a tad unsettling, a reminder of that inherent, wild beauty lurking beneath the polished facade of our everyday life. A master class in choreographic daring.
The States of Dance
It wasn’t all grand Parisian affairs this month. New York’s dance scene is brimming with excitement as usual, showcasing both venerable classics and the freshest talent on the scene. The New York City Ballet's Serenade, the iconic ballet by Balanchine, brought the grace and power of neoclassical dance to life. Each movement, each subtle gesture, felt carefully choreographed and perfectly executed. And of course, nothing can replace that joyous, infectious energy that only the NYCB dancers possess. This is why New York has long remained a hotbed for creative, captivating, and often groundbreaking choreography. The sheer athleticism on display, the breathtaking grace, the vibrant energy—these are the hallmarks of the American ballet style and why they keep the audiences coming back.
Across town at the Joyce Theatre, a more intimate affair was taking place. The Parsons Dance company’s innovative piece, The Light, has been creating quite a buzz. What captivated me was their bold approach to traditional ballet conventions and their deft exploration of contemporary themes. I’m not entirely convinced they have achieved what they set out to do – after all, a dance can't tell you much about what lies beyond the veil – but it was, without question, an intensely stirring and memorable performance.
The World Unfolding
Our journey must continue beyond these celebrated hotspots. Japan is a treasure trove for ballet lovers. A must-see is the dazzling production of La Bayadère at the New National Theatre Tokyo. With its lavish sets and costumes and its deeply moving story, it’s truly an unforgettable ballet experience. The exquisite execution of the classic, the precise and breathtaking beauty of the ballerinas, is simply divine, an exquisite reflection of the sophisticated beauty and culture of the country. It is always a joy to witness this particular brand of ballet, one that reflects the beauty and poise of the dancers, and this show did not disappoint.
And lastly, from one corner of the globe to the other, the breathtaking artistry of the Australian Ballet in Swan Lake was the highlight of Melbourne’s cultural calendar this month. This masterpiece, with its ethereal, haunting score and captivating storyline, truly transports audiences to another world. The beautiful dancing of the corps de ballet – the graceful swans with their gentle, expressive movements – was an utter delight.
Fashion Forward
Naturally, darling, the ballet world is about so much more than just the dancing itself, although, let’s face it, the dancing really is the centerpiece. But for this sophisticated balletomane, the fashion plays a key role. June's shows have had a wonderful blend of tradition and the modern. A standout look: the delicate tulle and silken chiffons favoured by the Parisian ballerinas. A dream for the eyes and so effortlessly chic.
The dancers at Sadler's Wells are opting for a more streamlined and athletic look – sleek jumpsuits and dancewear, perfect for the dynamic and powerful movements of their contemporary pieces. This month has shown how far contemporary ballet has come - from the bold colours and innovative silhouettes of modern dress, it truly is the art form for our time.
A word, darling, about the jewellery: this month's performances saw a trend toward exquisite pearl necklaces with simple diamond pendants – understated yet luxurious. After all, we are speaking of ballerinas! I cannot leave the subject of jewels without mentioning that, the intricate beading and crystal embellishments on the costumes at the New York City Ballet. Talk about opulent, dramatic, simply gorgeous, my darling!
The Verdict?
It’s been a month of breathtaking beauty and unforgettable performances. And with a summer calendar packed with ballet delights from Madrid to Moscow, my dears, get ready to embrace the joy, the artistry, the utter enchantment of the dance! As ever, we’re all ready to dive into the fascinating, exquisite, and occasionally controversial world of ballet. See you at the next show!