From the Desk of Fiona Fitzwilliam, Contributing Editor
Chérie! Autumn has arrived, bringing with it the divine scent of crisp air and, most importantly, the thrilling promise of new ballet productions around the globe. I am, of course, already deeply engrossed in the dizzying world of tulle and tutus, sipping my morning Darjeeling and devouring programmes as we speak. Prepare yourself, darling, for a delectable feast of artistic insights from the heart of the dance world.
Our first stop takes us to the hallowed halls of the **Royal Opera House**, where a sense of joyous chaos reigns as they prepare for a revival of **Giselle**. Ah, Giselle! That eternal masterpiece of love, betrayal, and haunting, otherworldly grace. This time, the enchanting **Sylvie Guillem** graces the stage as the doomed village maiden. Sylvie, with her peerless athleticism and achingly expressive soul, promises to make Giselle's descent into madness a truly heart-wrenching spectacle. I shall, of course, be perched in the Royal Circle, sipping my champagne and sighing with exquisite despair alongside the rest of the crème de la crème of London's ballet cognoscenti.
Moving from the grand theatre to the more intimate space of **The Place**, we encounter the exquisite **Rambert Dance Company**. Renowned for their experimental flair and daring choreography, Rambert never disappoints. This season, they present **After Life**, the newest offering from the rising star choreographer **Wayne McGregor**. Wayne's choreography, known for its fluidity and athleticism, combined with the always electrifying Rambert dancers, promises to be a fascinating and daring exploration of mortality and the complexities of human emotions.
Now, darlings, if you’re craving something a little more outlandish, the **Paris Opera Ballet** is set to unveil a completely reimagined **La Bayadère**, a work of unparalleled opulence and fantastical storytelling. Imagine the splendour of the Indian Temple scene – I, personally, would simply faint with delight at such a magnificent display of dance, colour, and sheer extravagance. The formidable **Natalia Osipova**, a true force of nature, will be making her long-awaited return as Nikiya, bringing her ferocious strength and unrivalled technical mastery to the role. My dear readers, let's face it, with a costume change like that – I hear it involves the most glorious jewels! - we'll need an extra bottle of Bollinger, wouldn't you agree?
Across the pond, the **New York City Ballet** continues its unwavering commitment to the work of the great **George Balanchine**, unveiling a retrospective of some of his most iconic pieces. I, for one, can never resist the intoxicating energy of **Agon** and **Serenade** - Balanchine's choreographic genius simply explodes onto the stage. This will undoubtedly be a treat for seasoned dance enthusiasts, while the younger generations of dance devotees will discover the brilliance that continues to define Balanchine's unparalleled legacy. The New York City Ballet's dancers are simply divine, imbued with a youthful athleticism that brings these iconic pieces to life with an intensity that is positively thrilling!
My travels don’t end there! I have my sights set on the exotic and vibrant city of **Tokyo** where, within the breathtaking **Tokyo Bunka Kaikan**, the esteemed **Kバレエ カンパニー** are poised to present a spectacular staging of **The Sleeping Beauty**. The company’s breathtaking choreography, inspired by classical tradition but imbued with the dynamic energy of Japanese artistic expression, promises to deliver an interpretation of this timeless fairytale that will leave you utterly enchanted.
But hold on, darling! There's so much more to discover in the fascinating realm of ballet. Let’s delve a little deeper, shall we?
Beyond the Established
My darling, it’s not always about the established ballet stars, it’s about the exciting young talents taking the dance world by storm. And my sources have whispered some deliciously exciting news! The **Norwegian National Ballet** in **Oslo** is showcasing a daring new work by the prodigious **Christopher Wheeldon**. I’m simply fascinated by Wheeldon's intricate and evocative choreography - a delightful combination of lyrical fluidity and startling athleticism.
While we're in the world of rising talent, let’s cast our gaze to **Stuttgart**, home of the iconic **Stuttgart Ballet**. There, **William Forsythe**, the avant-garde king of contemporary dance, is set to premiere a brand-new piece called Something. It is rumored, darling, that **Something** will involve cutting-edge technology, stunningly unconventional costumes and, most exciting of all, the kind of boundary-pushing choreography that has made Forsythe an absolute legend of the dance world.
Not to Be Missed: A Smorgasbord of Spectacle
And who can forget those magical, immersive ballets that promise to transport us to a fantastical world. Prepare to be transported!
- Cirque du Soleil brings its extraordinary blend of acrobatic feats, storytelling, and magical, dazzling costumes to the stage with their latest spectacle **Delirium** - I dare say it will be the hottest ticket in town.
- **Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater**, always known for its bold, emotionally charged and thrilling performances, is set to tour with a selection of signature pieces, including **Revelations**, the iconic masterpiece that tells of the African American experience with an intensity and emotional depth that leaves you breathless. Prepare yourself, chérie! It is nothing short of divine.
Oh, my dear readers, what a time to be alive and experiencing this captivating world! So, grab your ticket, find your favourite frock, and prepare yourself for an enchanting season of ballet! I, of course, will be at all the hottest openings. And be sure to follow me in the fashionable, always thrilling, world of ballet!
Adieu, my dears! Until next time...
Fiona Fitzwilliam
Contributing Editor