Ballet Bulletin: June 2000
Darling, the world of ballet has been simply positively brimming with exquisite performances this month! Let us dive in and dissect the crème de la crème, shall we?
London’s Royal Ballet positively stunned audiences with their rendition of Giselle. The sublime Darcey Bussell, a goddess on pointe, conveyed the fragility of Giselle with her trademark poise and impeccable technique. Her final, ethereal moments were simply breathtaking, leaving even the most jaded theatre critic teary-eyed. And speaking of jaded critics, even we were bowled over by Jonathan Cope's dramatic portrayal of Albrecht. Such depth! Such gravitas! His leaps were effortless, and his portrayal of guilt and remorse deeply affecting.
But, darling, let's not forget the exquisite corps de ballet, a bevy of ballerina beauty in ethereal white tutus, their movements fluid and expressive, echoing the very essence of the woodland spirits. Giselle truly was a triumph of beauty and passion, leaving me wanting nothing more than a swift trip to the stage door, bouquet in hand!
Now, over to the glittering realm of Paris Opera Ballet, where The Sleeping Beauty was more than just a ballet. It was a spellbinding spectacle of artistry and enchantment. Sylvie Guillem, as the bewitching Aurora, embodied youthful grace and ethereal elegance, her pirouettes as delicate as spun sugar and her fouetté a whirlwind of perfection. The Prince, danced by the ever-charming Manuel Legris, was the perfect complement to Guillem's radiant presence. Their pas de deux was, simply, magic!
Of course, darling, no Parisian ballet would be complete without a tribute to their legendary choreographer, Rudolf Nureyev. The sheer opulence and grandiosity of this production would have even the most demanding socialite purring with delight. But truly, darling, the ballet’s sheer exuberance is simply irresistible!
Meanwhile, in the United States, New York City Ballet was the centre of attention with their critically acclaimed revival of Agon by the legendary George Balanchine. Darling, Balanchine’s ballets are the epitome of style and sophistication. There’s a crispness to the movements, a sense of unyielding rhythm that keeps you enthralled from beginning to end. It’s balletic precision at its very finest.
The talented Peter Martins brought an unexpected dynamism to the ballet. Martins, darling, possesses that rare combination of technical prowess and artistic depth. And oh! the men! With Damian Woetzel leading the pack, they were so perfectly, beautifully controlled, it left me weak in the knees! Agon truly cemented New York City Ballet's place at the pinnacle of contemporary ballet.
Now, let’s take a peek into the intriguing world of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The sheer vibrancy of this company was a visual and emotional feast. Revelations was, dare I say, a raw and soulful masterpiece that tapped into the rich African American tradition of dance. The emotions on display, the sheer passion in every movement, simply swept me away! It was an absolute joy to witness. This performance is one you simply must see before it disappears!
Speaking of disappearing, the elusive Mikhail Baryshnikov has once again graced the stage, and this time with a tour of his new ballet company. Oh darling, Baryshnikov’s artistry is unmatched. He still possesses a captivating stage presence. And let's not forget his exceptional, impeccable technique, an absolute delight to watch! It was a privilege, darlings, to witness his return to the world of ballet. It was as if the sun shone just a little bit brighter!
And speaking of brighter things, it would be a crime not to mention the stunning productions that continue to grace the world stage. We’re all in awe of the Bolshoi Ballet, their production of Swan Lake a classic for a reason. They remain the standard for ballet grandeur. But don’t underestimate the rise of companies like the National Ballet of Canada. Their dancers possess an exceptional artistry that truly reflects their artistic ambition. They have their eye on making a global impact, darling!
And now, darling, I’m excited to share my personal recommendation: A tiny little theatre called The Place in London. It’s a little jewel box tucked away in a quiet corner, a truly wonderful haven for budding artists and experimental performances. The raw passion and energy in this intimate venue are unmatched, so full of character! You have a chance to witness dance history in the making! It's where you truly discover what ballet is all about, and darling, trust me on this one - a chance encounter with ballet in its rawest form will forever change your outlook on the art!
Now, darling, off to find the next must-see performance, and perhaps a delightful cup of tea at The Ritz. I daresay a ballerina can never have enough tea, can she? See you next month!