A Month of Magic: February 2001
Darlings, it’s been a whirlwind of a month! From the icy majesty of the Bolshoi to the intimate fire of a tiny, bijoux ballet company in a forgotten corner of Paris, February has been a delicious, dazzling month for ballet. My stilettos are practically worn through, but oh, what delights!
The Bolshoi's Grandeur: The first stop on my grand tour was, naturally, Moscow. I daresay you can imagine my excitement - I’ve always adored the Bolshoi. I remember attending the "Swan Lake" at the Bolshoi back in 1994 – that iconic moment where the swans take to the stage... sheer poetry! This month, however, was a whole other level of artistry. “La Bayadere” was divine - a kaleidoscope of costumes, a storm of movement, a story of longing that ripped at the heart. And Olga Smirnova as Nikiya… a delicate wildness in her performance. Absolutely mesmerizing.
Parisian Panache. Of course, darling, a quick hop across the channel landed me in Paris. I have a weakness for the French - they are the only ones who can make ballet as luxurious as couture! I was fortunate enough to see the "L'Histoire de Manon" by MacMillan at the Opéra National de Paris, and oh, the elegance, the dramatic tension, the pathos – simply exquisite! I can't imagine a better production. And the performance of Sylvie Guillem – who else, really, could so flawlessly portray Manon's desperate passion?
From Russia With Love… to the Scottish Highlands! I may have succumbed to a touch of jet lag during my whirlwind journey but it was well worth the experience. I caught the Scottish Ballet performing a newly created “Giselle” in the most charming, intimate, cobweb-laden theatre, nestled amongst rolling hills. Their production wasn’t all lace and tutus - it was refreshingly bold and had the audience breathlessly rapt. They stripped "Giselle" down to its raw emotional core and imbued the performance with an intoxicating air of intimacy and genuine longing.
In New York… Always in Fashion. And then it was off to New York, the city that never sleeps…or dances, for that matter. This time, it was the American Ballet Theatre's production of “La Sylphide.” I must confess I was apprehensive – the original “La Sylphide" at the Bolshoi had spared nothing for extravagance…I mean, imagine a full stage of tulle – pure ethereal wonder. But ABT managed to make it just as alluring in a very different way – a subtle re-imagining of this classic with a powerful performance by Julie Kent as the mischievous, fragile Sylphide. New York, oh darling, never fails to surprise!
More Than Just Ballet. Of course, the month wasn’t just about ballet, but about the performance art of dance in all its forms. There was a captivating display of modern dance in Tokyo – “Noh” dance by Yumi Kaneko. It's quite difficult to describe, really…it was almost hypnotic - a meditation in movement. An incredible and visceral experience.
Small Wonders, Big Heart. But perhaps my most unexpected treat was at a tiny theatre in Madrid, a little off the beaten track. "The Dancing Butterfly" is a troupe of talented dancers - nothing spectacular, darling, nothing at all glamorous – who make a joyous show out of sheer passion and virtuosity. I loved them – each of these dancers had that undeniable stage presence, their performance was electric. I always think there’s something quite magical about discovering a hidden gem and witnessing its magic.
Dance Through Time. I can't conclude without acknowledging the magnificent "Royal Ballet Gala." A delightful mixture of the tried and true classics from Diaghilev and the exquisite innovation of choreographers like Christopher Wheeldon – an artistic exploration of ballet through time. My dear, the stage felt like an enchanted portal to other worlds, filled with exquisite movement, breath-taking artistry and unforgettable performances. The sheer talent on display was just overwhelming!
This February, darling, my love affair with dance reached fever pitch. I've been swept away by stories spun with tulle and tears, mesmerized by bodies in motion, and I’ve been reminded of the sheer joy and power that dance holds. Let’s see what March holds, shall we?