From the Editorâs Desk
As the July sun finally claims its dominance, our world of dance, darling, continues to twirl with exciting performances and captivating collaborations. Oh, the artistry, the athleticism, the sheer ethereal beauty of it all! We are lucky to live in a time when the world of ballet continues to flourish, to push boundaries and embrace a kaleidoscope of innovative choreographers, brilliant dancers, and of course, those absolutely exquisite costumes that we, as devoted devotees of the art, simply adore!
So pour yourselves a glass of something sparkling, slip on your favourite sequined number, and settle in, dear reader, as we embark on a whirlwind tour of ballet brilliance from the ballets of London to the exquisite elegance of Paris. From contemporary's cool edge to the traditional classics that always hold such romantic sway, this July promises an eclectic dance spectacular.
The Royal Ballet at the Coliseum
It simply would be unpardonable to embark on any ballet review without mentioning the behemoth of British ballet - the Royal Ballet! They opened July in style at the glorious Coliseum with their breathtaking rendition of "Swan Lake". Let us just say that the iconic story, as we all know, holds no bounds in terms of romantic allure and, letâs face it, every ballerina wants to be the ethereal swan princess, right?!
From the exquisite poise of Daria Klimentova as the innocent, then heartbroken Odette, to the effortless masculinity and commanding stage presence of Marianela Nuñezâs Prince Siegfried, it was the epitome of classical grace. Darling, donât even get me started on the costumes â an utter dream, just an absolute dream. The sheer, glittering fabric in Odetteâs swan dress was positively breathtaking. Such artistry!
However, my darling friends, I couldnât leave this review without mentioning the sheer audacity of "The Dream". The Royal Ballet, led by a vibrant "Titania" played by a sensational Natalia Osipova, embarked on a modern interpretation of this classic Shakespearean work. And oh darling, did they ever embrace the avant-garde with gusto. Those costumes! A delightfully vibrant fusion of Renaissance and the sheer modern aesthetic, the Royal Ballet had no trouble keeping us on the edge of our seats, yearning to see more! It was, shall we say, decidedly more 'high-fashion couture' than traditional. But then, darling, isn't that what the Royal Ballet always does - redefines, refines, and most definitely reinvents the ballet world?!
The Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow
Ah, Moscow! Always, darling, always such exquisite ballet to be found within the legendary walls of Bolshoi Theatre. This July, we were simply spoiled with their captivating âRomeo and Julietâ and âThe Sleeping Beautyâ which is a timeless classic that truly transcends all the generations. We saw ballet in the truest sense, the seamless marriage of pure movement, heart-wrenching narrative and technical brilliance. It was a true feast for the eyes!
Speaking of visual feast, can we take a moment to acknowledge the costumes? The iconic pointed shoes, the flowing, dramatic dresses of Juliet. It was all just sheer, dazzling artistry. I even caught whispers of a young new talent Natalia Zagorinsky who just simply floated across the stage. One to watch, darling. Definitely, one to watch!
Contemporary Creations at the Paris Opera Ballet
From Moscow to Paris, and Paris, oh darling, truly embodies the essence of modern style! This month, I had the pleasure of attending two of the most exciting productions in the dance world. Firstly, we have the breathtaking talent of Benjamin Millepied with "Daphnis and Chloeâ. Honestly, this ballet simply transcended the boundaries of what we expect from modern dance! It was an exhilarating journey that explored the complexities of the human spirit, our desires and most certainly the captivating force of love. It's something of a modern take on the traditional with its dramatic narrative, and with the balletâs core story told in silence, with no actual speaking, it is a stunning exploration of physical expression. I have never been so captivated, dear reader!
Then, we must explore the world of contemporary dance extraordinaire - "The Choreographers' Ballâ. A true testament to innovation and artistic collaboration, darling. This was a true explosion of creative expression from some of the most notable contemporary choreographers. It simply blew my mind!
But, of course, darling, we couldnât talk about ballet in Paris without touching upon "Giselle". The story is so timeless and full of heartbreaking beauty, but what truly captivated me was the new production at the Paris Opera Ballet. The ethereal ballet is given new life with modern costuming - a sophisticated mix of textures, colours, and sheer romanticism that leaves you wanting more!
A New Wave of Choreography
This July, dear reader, there are so many talented choreographers emerging, making their mark on the dance scene and we are truly fortunate to see such a burst of energy and artistry. New faces such as Justin Peck, Wayne McGregor, and the incredible Christopher Wheeldon have captivated audiences around the globe, and rightfully so! Each brings their own unique voice and flair to the world of ballet and have reimagined classics such as "Romeo and Juliet" and even given âSwan Lakeâ a contemporary spin.
The Art of Costuming
Of course, my darling, we mustnât forget the magic of the costume! It's one of those essential details, darling, that can completely transport you to another realm and, without a doubt, set the stage ablaze. From the dazzling, feathered headpieces at the Royal Ballet to the simple, elegant modernity of Benjamin Millepied's "Daphnis and Chloe", it seems we are seeing an explosion of creativity.
And can we discuss the âtutus" darling? Yes, that iconic symbol of a ballerina. The beauty of tulle is being redesigned! We've seen exquisite tulle-heavy ballet dresses and in contrast some incredible streamlined leotards that celebrate the dancerâs powerful lines and, oh my dear, have we been spoilt. This summerâs costumes were so visually captivating that it felt like we were seeing ballet through a couture lens.
Dance and Fashion â A Fusion for the Ages!
Speaking of couture, it is simply fascinating to watch the interplay between dance and the world of high fashion, dear reader. Some of the most celebrated fashion designers, like Karl Lagerfeld, have become involved in ballet design, lending their incredible, avant-garde talents to costuming. Ballet has always, darling, been inspired by the trends, colours, and the era of high fashion but in this modern age, fashion, I believe, has been completely captivated by the elegant and athletic world of dance!
In an exciting turn of events, we are seeing ballerinas on the catwalks! There is an incredible fusion, my dear, happening where dance and fashion intertwine beautifully and they continue to complement one another so divinely!
This July has simply showcased the incredible diversity of dance - from the timeless classics, with their grace and romance, to the contemporary ballet productions with their experimental and captivating edge! We are in a truly glorious time for dance and I know for one, darling, I will be booking my tickets for more and I canât wait to see what balletâs next bold step will be! Enjoy this month, and remember, dear readers, dance your way to a fabulous life!