A whirl of silk and whispers - October's Dance Diaries
Darlings, can you believe it's October already? The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and the theatre season is well and truly underway. Oh, the thrill of it all! It seems like the whole world is dancing right now, from the grand stages of Paris to the intimate studios of London. I've been dashing about like a ballerina in a whirlwind of tutus and top hats, and let me tell you, it's been a simply divine month for ballet.
A Parisian Paradise: From the sublime to the sensational
Let's start with the City of Lights, where the ballet scene is always vibrant. This month, I was utterly enchanted by the **Paris Opera Ballet**'s rendition of "Giselle". The iconic work was presented with all the pomp and ceremony befitting the legendary institution, and darling, the costumes! Exquisite, simply exquisite. The romanticism of the piece was beautifully portrayed, with the corps de ballet swirling and floating like ethereal spirits. But the real highlight was the sensational performance of **Sylvie Guillem**, who danced with a power and passion that left me gasping for breath. The sheer athleticism, combined with her incredible expressiveness, truly transformed Giselle into a tragic heroine for the ages.
However, Paris wasn't just about grand classics. The **Ballet du Grand ThÊâtre de Genève** graced the OpĂŠra Bastille with a stunning production of **âLes Nocesâ by Stravinsky** , which they'd created for the last Basel Tanz Festival, I hear itâs had everyone talking since. This ballet was something truly unique: it combined bold contemporary movements with the raw, primal energy of Stravinskyâs music. A perfect storm of visual artistry and musical prowess.
Across the Channel: The allure of British talent
After Paris, I flew to London, the place where it all started for me, the city that still beats to the rhythm of classical ballet. And darling, the Royal Opera House, the Covent Garden, never disappoints! This month saw a spectacular revival of **âSwan Lakeâ** featuring the dazzling talent of **Darcey Bussell** who stole the show with her exquisite technique. Her portrayal of the swan queen was breathtaking, a mixture of elegance and vulnerability that had the audience mesmerized. I even spotted a certain Duke amongst the crowdâŚ
The **Royal Ballet** however is not just about classic repertoire. This month, the Company unveiled a new work by the visionary choreographer **Wayne McGregor**, "The Human Project". And darling, this piece was something special. I loved its daring use of technology, projecting moving images directly onto the dancers. I confess I nearly toppled out of my box at the finale. You haven't truly seen cutting edge dance until you've experienced Wayne McGregor.
Beyond the Capitals: Where inspiration flourishes
But darling, London isn't the only place where Britain's ballet magic shines. I journeyed up to the Northern Balletâs home in Leeds, and let me tell you, it was like a breath of fresh air. Their production of **"The Great Gatsby"** is one of the most inspired pieces I've seen this year. It really was the perfect fusion of jazz-inspired dance and flapper style costume that made for the perfect American era mood board.
My trip to Leeds was a reminder that some of the most exciting ballet can be found beyond the capitalâs established houses. From there I flew down to Dublin. The **Irish National Balletâs** production **âThe Tempestâ** had everyone mesmerized, a stunning modern ballet in every way.
I canât deny that Dublin made me want to run out and book a flight to San Francisco, for I hear the **San Francisco Ballet** have a new ballet on based on **Oscar Wildeâs** âThe Picture of Dorian Grayâ, how absolutely intriguing. Iâm hoping for some seriously decadent dance there.
And for something utterly different..
Now darling, I canât resist throwing in a completely off-beat recommendation this month. My friends recently whisked me off to the **Scottish Ballet** production **âMacbethâ** , a stark and moving piece based on the Shakespearean tragedy, featuring a modern interpretation of **The Three Witches** - a darkly poetic concept, a darkly stunning concept, which made for a wonderfully powerful interpretation. A stark and emotional reminder that dance can go well beyond pretty tutus. And it just might give you something to talk about over your post-ballet supper.
Until next month darlings...
Iâve barely scratched the surface, dear reader, as there are countless dance companies around the world that are producing incredible work right now. Next month weâll delve further into **Ballet and Art Collaborations** that are sweeping the art world from Paris to Seoul - stay tuned!
In the meantime, remember - the magic of ballet is all around you, just waiting to be discovered. Keep your eyes open for something unexpected - a tiny company in a corner theatre that might surprise you.
I'll be on the front row. See you there!