August 1999: The Dance World Takes Flight
Darling, as the summer heat gives way to a more manageable autumnal nip in the air, it's clear the dance world is refusing to let go of the soaring heights achieved throughout this extraordinary season. We've been whisked from the shimmering shores of the Mediterranean to the ethereal beauty of the Far East, and back again, witnessing productions that have pushed creative boundaries, leaving us with a thirst for more.
It's impossible to begin this month's review without celebrating the extraordinary Royal Ballet's "Giselle". It's not simply that Alina Cojocaru and Johan Kobborg embodied the tragic romance of Giselle and Albrecht with a raw, heart-stopping honesty; the entire production had a renewed dynamism. The corps de ballet, dazzling in their ethereal white, danced with a precise and ethereal grace that could only be described as heavenly. Even the male ensemble were captivating, their dancing imbued with a raw, athletic strength, perfectly showcasing the beauty of this timeless masterpiece.
Across the channel, in the enchanting world of the Paris Opera Ballet, there was a sense of exhilarating audacity that sent shivers down our spines. Rudolf Nureyev’s breathtaking production of "Romeo and Juliet", with its dark and passionate interpretation of Shakespeare's timeless love story, truly stole the show. Isabelle Ciaravola in her role as Juliet radiated an undeniable vulnerability, while Mathieu Ganio embodied Romeo with a controlled intensity, both artists bringing a captivating realism to their roles.
Then we journeyed east, captivated by the enchanting dance drama, “The Tale of the White Snake”, presented by the Shanghai Ballet. Inspired by the legend of a serpent transformed into a beautiful woman, it transported us to a realm of dazzling artistry. The seamless blend of traditional Chinese dance with modern contemporary elements was quite exquisite, and the elaborate costumes were truly awe-inspiring.
Our exploration didn't stop there. We felt the energy of the Latin pulse coursing through our veins at the National Ballet of Cuba's sizzling rendition of "Carmen." The dramatic intensity, coupled with the raw energy of the Cuban dancers, left us gasping for air. And let's not forget the incredible talent of Alicia Alonso, her performance resonated with the essence of this timeless femme fatale, showcasing the beauty and complexity of true artistry.
But, the month didn't just belong to the giants. We saw the incredible raw talent shining through at The English National Ballet, with "La Bayadère". The younger generation of dancers, bursting with energy, delivered an elegant and thrilling performance, the sheer vibrancy and beauty of their choreography a breath of fresh air.
While some sought new and unexpected horizons, we were also delighted by a return to familiar ground. "Swan Lake" at The Royal Opera House had the entire theatre holding its breath, the sheer magic and beauty of this ballet always guaranteed a delightful evening. And let’s not forget the undeniable artistry of Sylvie Guillem, her return to the stage in this classic work had an electrifying effect, and brought a power and depth to Odette/Odile that left us captivated.
Speaking of “electrifying,” this month witnessed a bold exploration in modern dance. We travelled to New York's American Ballet Theatre to witness the electrifying, edgy and dynamic new work "After Eden" choreographed by Mark Morris. This mesmerizing work challenged both dancer and audience with its powerful, sometimes shocking and truly daring exploration of humanity’s frailties. The piece wasn’t for the faint-hearted, but its raw power left us with an overwhelming sense of wonder.
While some danced across the stage, others brought a more contemplative tone. The ethereal beauty of Martha Graham Dance Company's "Appalachian Spring" in a new production, truly mesmerized audiences with its gentle beauty and exquisite grace. It is a timeless masterpiece, bringing a haunting poetry to the profound themes of love and loss that have been explored by artists for centuries.
However, dance is not merely a performance on stage. It lives in the art we view and the stories that we hear, often told through the elegant strokes of the human body. We've seen stunning photography exhibitions that explore the beauty of the dance form in all its nuance and detail. And we've witnessed documentaries that have exposed us to the hidden stories and incredible talent behind these extraordinary individuals.
Of course, what would a review of August be without mention of the annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival. A whirlwind of artistic expression, this festival, with its daring spirit, pushes the boundaries of what we consider dance and embraces new ways of thinking, exploring and communicating through the human form. From highly experimental productions pushing audiences into uncomfortable territory to the heartwarming vulnerability of intimate performances, the Edinburgh Fringe continues to be a beacon for the artistic, bold and unexpected.
This month, we celebrated not just the performance itself but the entire dance community, the stories they tell, and the artistry they create. From grand ballets in glittering halls to the intimacy of street performances, dance continues to connect us with a vibrant, evolving energy that is both universal and deeply personal.
As September approaches, we can’t wait to see what the dance world has in store for us. One thing's for sure, darling, it’s going to be spectacular.