February's Flights of Fancy: A Whirlwind of International Ballet
Oh darling, the dance world is truly ablaze this month, with a dazzling array of ballets gracing stages from the hallowed halls of Covent Garden to the sparkling venues of Tokyo. This month, the magic of ballet has taken flight, transporting us to fantastical worlds and stirring our hearts with its raw beauty.
The Royal Ballet: Swan Lake Still Soars
We can't begin our journey without acknowledging the timeless enchantment of "Swan Lake." At the Royal Ballet, this production has returned, a testament to the enduring power of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece. The sublime Natalia Osipova, her graceful figure a shimmering presence on stage, truly embodies the fragile innocence and exquisite suffering of Odette. Her every gesture, every ripple of movement is steeped in emotional depth. Her pas de deux with the ardent, commanding David Hallberg is nothing short of magical; their interplay an electrifying expression of longing and despair. And the Corps de ballet - exquisite in their ethereal unison, each movement a flawless wave of feathers and tulle - complete the picture, their presence a gentle yet formidable reminder of the relentless nature of fate.
A New Dawn for The Paris Opera Ballet
Over in Paris, the hallowed Opéra Garnier was recently the stage for an explosive premiere, "Nocturnes," a dazzling new creation by the talented choreographer, Angelin Preljocaj. The dancers of the Paris Opera Ballet, renowned for their impeccable technique, truly blossomed under his avant-garde direction. This ambitious work explored the tenuous border between dreams and reality. It was an innovative blend of balletic precision and raw, primal movement. With stunning costumes by Thierry Gaudin and mesmerizing lighting, "Nocturnes" is an intoxicating exploration of human desire, its raw energy palpable throughout the theater. Preljocaj has definitely marked his territory in the French dance landscape. The ballet world is abuzz, eagerly awaiting his future contributions.
A Daring Encounter: American Ballet Theatre in Tokyo
The jet-setting American Ballet Theatre took its dynamic repertoire to Tokyo, causing a stir amongst discerning Japanese audiences. And it's "Romeo and Juliet" that has particularly captivated Tokyo's dance enthusiasts. The ballet's timeless story of forbidden love, fueled by the tragic clash of star-crossed families, resonated strongly in this elegant, sophisticated setting. The passionate and technically brilliant Paloma Herrera was radiant as Juliet, and the stoic yet deeply-feeling David Hallberg proved his prowess as Romeo once again. The intensity of their rendition was undeniable, their dancing a vibrant dialogue that unfolded with heartbreaking intensity.
The Dance World Gets Quirky - The Batsheva Dance Company in Edinburgh
But it isn't always about the traditional, darlings. At Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Batsheva Dance Company took the stage, a bold departure from the familiar world of ballet. With their avant-garde, energetic, often humorous work, they offered a vibrant tapestry of dance unlike anything I have seen before. "Synapsis," their daring creation, challenged traditional expectations, employing unusual physicality, unexpected shifts in tempo, and an overall air of joyful anarchy. With an intriguing use of light and sound, Batsheva challenged conventional dance forms, proving that the art form is truly a boundless entity capable of embodying countless interpretations.
And Let's Not Forget...
- In San Francisco, San Francisco Ballet celebrated the 50th Anniversary of "The Rite of Spring" with a vibrant staging.
- A splendidly bold rendition of "Don Quixote" graced the Bolshoi stage, and Mikhail Kravchenko and Nina Kaptsova were nothing short of breathtaking as the exuberant, star-crossed lovers.
- Over in Amsterdam, the Nederlands Dans Theater is causing quite a stir with its cutting-edge production of "Sleep" - an exploration of nightmares and dreams, and a testament to the company's contemporary brilliance.
A Symphony of Movement and Emotion
From the elegant swans of "Swan Lake" to the vibrant exploration of "Nocturnes," this February, ballet has captivated the hearts of audiences worldwide, offering an intoxicating journey into the soul of this exquisite art form. The world of ballet has proven once again to be a realm where passion, emotion, and virtuosity come together to create an enduring spectacle. So gather your ballet shoes and your sense of adventure - we are about to embark on an exciting voyage, where the human spirit takes flight.
**Yours, in Dance**,
**Iris Bellington**
**The National Ballet Review**