Oh, darling, what a glorious month for ballet! It seems the world's dancers are bursting with creativity and energy, and we were absolutely spoilt for choice. From the breathtaking classical elegance of Bolshoi's Swan Lake to the raw passion of Alvin Ailey's Revelations, May was truly a feast for the senses.
First stop, the Bolshoi! Oh, darling, this company is truly something special. Imagine a stage lit by the moon, with a bevy of swan-like ballerinas – those heavenly creatures gliding across the stage with such ethereal beauty. It's impossible not to be captivated. Their precision was absolutely astounding, every arabesque a picture of grace. And their leaps – well, they literally flew through the air, defying gravity itself! The final scene, with Odette's despair, made me literally weep with the raw emotion and heartbreaking beauty of it all. The Bolshoi’s Swan Lake remains the ultimate ballet spectacle, truly a must-see.
From Moscow to the Royal Opera House in London, we were transported to another realm, where dance takes on an entirely different meaning. This time it was a treat for the soul – Romeo and Juliet. The Royal Ballet’s dancers are truly the darlings of this country, and their passion for this classic ballet shines through. The intricate steps told the story without a single word. And those pas de deux – oh, darling! A literal tête-à-tête of passionate love and tragic betrayal. The final scene – that tragic embrace of lovers, so incredibly heartbreaking, it was truly unforgettable. I must say, there isn’t a finer, more poignant interpretation of Romeo and Juliet anywhere in the world. It’s an experience you just have to have!
Then came the real revelation! It wasn't some famous company or renowned classical ballet. No, it was a fresh, bold performance by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Sadler's Wells in London. Now, darling, this wasn't your traditional graceful, precise ballets. These were powerful, raw, expressive moves. They told stories of a different America – one full of passion, struggle, and resilience. Revelations took me right into the heart of the African American experience. It was raw, emotionally charged, and just unforgettable. If you crave something that pushes boundaries, this is it!
In the same week, I popped across to see another masterpiece - Giselle at the Hamburg State Ballet. This was, again, classic romanticism on a grand scale. But oh, how they made those steps look like a dream. Giselle's purity of expression, the sinister character of Albrecht, and Mirta's chillingly powerful presence – I truly felt transported into the ghostly world of this masterpiece. This company has such impeccable precision and emotional depth. Truly, I'm quite smitten!
And finally, we ended the month in New York City, a dazzling city that thrives on innovation. I caught the premiere of Twyla Tharp's Pretty Much Everything, and let me tell you, it was pretty much perfect. It wasn’t for the faint of heart, my dear! It was an intoxicating blend of ballet, modern, and contemporary, all wrapped up in Tharp's signature theatrical flair. There were some stunning contemporary ballet steps and sequences that just had to be seen. It's always an adventure seeing a Twyla Tharp creation – this one was a celebration of dance itself, with playful sections juxtaposed with moments of serious, thought-provoking work. It left you thinking, which, my dear, is just what dance should do!
Speaking of fashion, dear readers, I spotted an exquisite emerald green feathered shrug with a beautiful jet beadwork collar worn by the leading ballerina in the Bolshoi's Swan Lake. I simply had to inquire about its maker – apparently it was a Parisian designer creating exclusively for this show. Talk about elegance. And speaking of sartorial elegance, I'm loving the all-black lace look in contemporary ballets, paired with just the perfect pair of scarlet pointe shoes – just breathtaking. We need to start a new trend for all-black dance costumes, don’t you think? A little hint of the seductive for our dear audiences.
Overall, May was a wonderful month for all of us lovers of ballet, with performances around the world. So keep your eye on the journals, my dears, because there are exciting, breath-taking, thought-provoking and even thought-provoking things waiting to be seen.
And just so you know, darling, I have my eye on New York City Ballet's Spring Season in June and the annual June Gala in Copenhagen! Oh, to be in those cities and see what lies in wait.
Until next month!
Your ever-fashionable,
The Ballet Critic