AI Ballet Fashion Review 523

Ballet International: December 2000
**Oh, the Places We Went!** My darlings, it’s been a month of dazzling dance around the globe, from the ethereal grace of Bolshoi swans to the fiery flamenco of Seville. This seasoned critic is practically a jet-setter, fuelled by passion for the art and a love of Champagne at midnight. Buckle your ballet shoes, because we’re taking flight.
**The Bolshoi Ballet's Swan Lake, Moscow** I must confess, darling, my heart nearly burst when I beheld the majestic spectacle of **Swan Lake** in Moscow. The Bolshoi’s grandeur and the breathtakingly beautiful choreography transported me. And Svetlana Zakharova, oh my! Her ethereal lightness and effortless artistry left the entire audience speechless. Her black swan, oh so sinuous and seductive, is a triumph of pure expression. Let us give a moment of appreciation to the men as well, especially Nikolai Tsiskaridze. With his robust masculinity and noble bearing, he made Prince Siegfried’s predicament as captivating as the dancing swans. There’s nothing quite like seeing such dedication to the craft in every step, every gesture.
**English National Ballet's The Sleeping Beauty, London** Moving from the opulent drama of Russia, I flew to the cool elegance of London. **The Sleeping Beauty** is a perennial favourite at the Coliseum and this time, they didn’t disappoint. A particularly joyous and accomplished performance, with a sumptuous backdrop and magical choreography that transports you to a magical world. The charming performance by Darcey Bussell brought life to Aurora and her playful spirit in the famous rose adagio.
**A Trip to Seville, Spain** Ah, Spain, where passion pulses in every beat. In Seville, I stumbled upon the most mesmerizing flamenco performance at **Tablao Cordobes**. Imagine yourself nestled in a charming courtyard, with flickering candles casting shadows across the dancers. It’s sensual and intimate. This intense and electrifying style of dancing is exhilarating - these passionate dancers embody fire and grace with their fluid movements and rhythmic stomping. It's raw and deeply emotive. A far cry from the pristine beauty of ballet, yet it’s equally mesmerising.
**The American Ballet Theatre, New York** Back in the big apple, where the ballet world whirls as fast as the city’s streets, the American Ballet Theatre, gave a new take on **Giselle** at the Metropolitan Opera House. I'm talking fierce athleticism with a stunningly modern and contemporary twist, thanks to the brilliant Alexei Ratmansky's vision. It’s still all about a love lost, but the intense emotional dynamics are magnified. There’s an undercurrent of raw emotion here. It’s raw and gritty.
**The Royal Ballet's New Production of La Bayadère, London** And finally, the Royal Ballet’s new production of **La Bayadère**. My dear, this production is a breathtaking ode to the grandeur of the Romantic era. A feast for the eyes and soul. I especially enjoyed the newly-created Kingdom of the Shades scene. It's pure heavenly ballet - delicate, fluid and ethereal. The celestial ballerina, Alina Cojocaru, embodied the spirit of the Bayadère, captivating the audience with her elegance and precise technique. The corps de ballet are utterly exquisite; each movement flows seamlessly, like a silken river.
**International Scene** A quick dash to Tokyo revealed **The Tokyo Ballet**, who are excelling with **Le Corsaire**, a spectacular and flamboyant spectacle that showcased the company’s technique and storytelling ability. This ballet has become a hallmark of their season and rightfully so. And let’s not forget our dance masters at the **San Francisco Ballet** who had audiences captivated by the breathtaking staging of **The Rite of Spring** . And last but not least, the **Royal Winnipeg Ballet** , truly enchanting us with **The Nutcracker** during their recent US tour. This classic never fails to put a sparkle in my eye.
Dancing Stars The season has also been peppered with exceptional performances by individual dancers, truly showcasing the global evolution of dance. Who else can turn an arabesque into art than the phenomenal Svetlana Zakharova? Her command over technique and expressiveness makes her truly mesmerizing. From the majestic grace of Misty Copeland and the dynamic energy of Herman Cornejo, to the powerful performances of Diana Vishneva and David Hallberg, I am filled with endless inspiration from their talents.
**Beyond Ballet: Fashion and Culture** Of course, I can't discuss the ballet scene without acknowledging its fashion scene. Let's face it, dance has always been an intimate marriage of form and style. From the opulent designs of the Moscow Ballet to the more streamlined silhouettes at the Bolshoi, this season has seen exquisite costumes, with their layers of silk and lace and feather trims, taking center stage. But what I love most are those exquisite little details - the embellishment on a ballerina’s tulle skirt, or the artful placement of a dancer’s jewel-toned shoes - they are a symphony of beauty. I find myself constantly drawn to the creativity, and the way it complements the dancer’s movements perfectly. And lastly, darling, the ballet world always plays host to fascinating events that go beyond dance. I thoroughly enjoyed the pre-show reception hosted by the Royal Opera House, and was deeply moved by the gala for injured dancers, organised by the Paris Opera Ballet. The energy and passion that is shared at such events is palpable.
More Than Just Performances But as much as I adore a magnificent production or a brilliant performance, my heart sings for the raw passion, the unsung heroes behind the stage, the dedication and discipline that fuels every dancer’s soul. From the young pupils to the seasoned veterans, it’s this enduring commitment that keeps the art of ballet thriving generation after generation. As I leave you for now, I encourage you all to find your own personal connection with ballet, whether through the elegance of a graceful ballerina, or the unyielding energy of a powerful dancer. Until next time, dear reader.