A Breath of Spring: March 2002
Darling, oh darling, it feels so good to be back after a winter that seemed to last an eternity. Now, March is upon us, bringing with it the promise of new beginnings, blossoming flowers, and yes, a season brimming with exhilarating ballet performances! I've been hopping from one glittering city to the next, soaking up the artistry and the glamour. From the soaring heights of the Bolshoi to the intimate charm of the Paris Opéra, I've sampled the delights of this wondrous art form. Let me unveil, in all its intricate detail, my personal musings on this dazzling month in dance.
A Triumph in Moscow
Moscow is, as ever, the heart of the dance world. There I was, nestled in plush velvet seats at the Bolshoi, utterly captivated by their revival of "Swan Lake." Now, we've all seen our fair share of Odette and Odile, haven't we? But this, darlings, was something special. Olga Smirnova, in her regal elegance and impossibly fluid movements, simply redefined what we thought possible with the White Swan. Her vulnerability, her ethereal grace - she brought tears to my eyes, I'll confess. And as Odile, she was a fiery temptress, a veritable vision in black, oozing seductive charm. I have never seen such effortless technical mastery, coupled with raw emotional power. And that grand pas de deux, oh darling, simply breath-taking. This "Swan Lake" is a must-see for any true devotee of the art.
A Parisian Rhapsody
My next stop, Paris! Oh, how I adore the Parisian ballet scene, with its effortless sophistication and penchant for the dramatic. I was lucky enough to catch "Romeo and Juliet" at the Opéra Garnier, and my, what a production! A true celebration of Prokofiev's passionate score, with each note interwoven with the sweeping choreography. Marie-Agnès Gillot was exquisite as Juliet, her vulnerability and fierce independence captivating. This Juliet was truly a woman ahead of her time, exuding an extraordinary depth and complexity. Her Romeo, Alexandre Hammoudi, was the perfect match, full of youthful energy and genuine emotion. The scene where Romeo declares his undying love for Juliet - simply divine! The corps de ballet, dressed in costumes of shimmering emerald and pearl-grey, were absolutely mesmerising. Their synchronised movements painted a poignant tableau of the world surrounding the tragic love story. My only complaint? The finale was a tad too tragic for my liking! I know it's Romeo and Juliet, but just a hint more optimism for a lighter touch, darling, you know?
In the Heart of the City
Back in London, I ventured into the vibrant heart of the city, drawn by the magnetic pull of "Giselle" at the Royal Opera House. This production, starring the exceptional Natalia Osipova and David Hallberg, truly captured my imagination. Now, this Giselle isn't your usual sweet and delicate version. It's darker, more passionate, and perhaps more real. Osipova, with her unparalleled virtuosity and haunting gaze, brought a deep psychological complexity to Giselle's vulnerability, her transformation into a wilis a poignant display of grief and vengeance. Hallberg's Albrecht, oh darling, what a romantic he was, torn between two worlds, the reality and the fantasy. This "Giselle" was truly a treat for the senses. I wouldn't have minded seeing a bit more finesse in some of the supporting dancers, but that's just me nitpicking, you see.
An American Dream
To escape the winter chills, I headed for sunny Los Angeles, for the annual Ballet Gala at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The lineup? Absolutely spectacular, darling! The programme showcased the best of American dance talent, with everything from the exuberant power of "American Rhapsody" to the refined artistry of the Pas de Deux from "Don Quixote." The highlight? Michelle Wiles, in the solo "Black Swan Pas de Deux." Her leaps were simply otherworldly, soaring across the stage with the power and elegance of a mythological creature. The technical brilliance coupled with emotional resonance, she left us mesmerized! There's just something about American ballet, wouldn't you say, with its confident, larger-than-life, showmanship? I, for one, love it!
Other Enchanting Encounters
Of course, my dance diary has more to offer than just grand premieres! I had the most wonderful time watching the ballet companies in Berlin and Copenhagen. The Berliner Staatsballett, under the masterful direction of Sasha Waltz, performed a contemporary work called "Sacre." Their movements, daring and experimental, redefined traditional notions of ballet. In Copenhagen, the Royal Danish Ballet surprised me with its enchanting "La Sylphide" , a classic interpreted with a fresh, modern perspective. Their "Sylphide" was a vibrant creature of the air, a dream come to life!
The Fashion Notes
Oh darling, no ballet season is complete without a glimpse into the latest fashion trends. And this year, we're seeing a captivating mix of elegance and edge. From the sleek lines and ethereal textures of the costumes at the Bolshoi, to the shimmering glamour of Parisian couture in the Opéra's "Romeo and Juliet," it seems we're moving toward a new era of understated drama on the ballet stage. Think sleek, minimalistic but sophisticated, and bold, unexpected colours! It's the perfect marriage of classical ballet and contemporary sensibilities!
A Month of Discovery
As we bid farewell to March, it is time to embrace the vibrant energy of spring, to carry within us the memories of those awe-inspiring performances that stirred our hearts and imaginations. I am left with a renewed appreciation for the elegance, the drama, and the power of ballet. A heartfelt thank you to every dancer, every composer, every director and designer who pours their heart into this breathtaking art form. I, for one, cannot wait for next month to see what wonders await us.
Until next time,
Your Devotee,
X
[reviewer's name],
The Dance Muse.