Ballet Buzz: July 2004
A roundup of the hottest dance happenings from around the globe
Oh, darling, what a month for ballet! From the dazzling diamonds of the Bolshoi to the daring delights of Nederlands Dans Theater, July has been a veritable feast for the senses. I must confess, the thought of putting pen to paper (or, should I say, fingers to keyboard) about this treasure trove of talent feels a tad overwhelming, but one must persevere, mustn't one? Let us dive in!
Moscow Magic
Firstly, dear readers, allow me to whisk you away to Moscow. It seems the Bolshoi Theatre is back with a vengeance. The rumours, darling, the rumours are true. The Bolshoi, once whispered to be past its prime, has rediscovered its fiery spirit. This season's Giselle was simply divine. The breathtakingly beautiful Olga Smirnova, her ethereal presence captivated us all, and the strength and passion of the brilliant Vladislav Lantratov had me swooning in my seat. I dare say the combination of their exquisite technique and undeniable chemistry turned this classic into a tour de force.
However, let's not forget the supporting dancers. This production was a symphony of talent, every step, every gesture contributing to the grand tapestry of this timeless story. The Bolshoi orchestra, as ever, perfectly matched the emotional resonance of the piece, making for a truly memorable evening. If you ever find yourself in Moscow, darling, Giselle at the Bolshoi is an absolute must.
The Power of Pina
Next, we find ourselves whisked away to Germany for a captivating encounter with the work of Pina Bausch, that daring, divine creature of contemporary dance. Bausch's masterpiece, The Rite of Spring, remains as shockingly powerful today as it did back in 1975. The piece, presented at the renowned Pina Bausch Dance Theatre in Wuppertal, transported me, with its raw emotion and audacious physicality, to a place far removed from the classical confines of a traditional ballet.
The choreography is a whirlwind of primal instincts, a dance of passion, obsession, and ultimate sacrifice. It’s an assault on the senses that leaves you breathless. A bold choice for this renowned ballet reviewer, yes, but my darling readers, Pina Bausch has a way of drawing you in, a power of connection that defies categorization. I found myself totally enthralled by the relentless, pulsating energy of the piece, a mesmerizingly raw dance experience. You simply cannot go wrong with Pina.
Dutch Delight
On to Amsterdam! Oh, I adore that charming city! My darling, Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT) remains an intoxicating beacon of creativity in the dance world. Their production of Scène d'Amour was utterly delicious! Choreographed by the dazzling Jiří Kylián, it was an absolute triumph. His signature style of fluid movement, coupled with breathtakingly original sequences, had me completely transported. I confess, his daring play with lighting and costume made for some truly mesmerizing moments.
The company's dancers, dear reader, possess incredible virtuosity. Their graceful leaps and ethereal movements brought the emotional complexities of the piece to life. This wasn't just dancing, my darling; it was poetry in motion. The artistry of Scène d'Amour was simply exquisite.
Across the Atlantic: The Glory of New York
Now, darling, we are off to the Big Apple, a city pulsating with life and a hub of artistic talent. And, oh, what an enchanting experience it was watching the New York City Ballet. Their revival of George Balanchine’s Symphony in C was a sheer delight, a beautiful reminder of Balanchine's genius.
The dancers' crisp, controlled movements showcased their incredible technical precision, while their undeniable grace added a touch of sheer beauty to this timeless masterpiece. Every step was a marvel of elegance, a testament to the rigorous training that defines this esteemed company. You cannot leave New York without witnessing a Balanchine production at the New York City Ballet. You simply cannot.
Stars of the Future
Speaking of talent, dear readers, we must acknowledge the rise of young dancers in this beautiful art form. The recent "Rising Stars" competition in Paris proved, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the future of ballet is brimming with potential. From the elegant fluidity of the young French ballerina, Elise Lemaire, to the raw athleticism of the Italian dancer, Alessandro Rossi, we saw incredible potential on display. These rising stars are, without question, the next generation of dancers, ready to captivate the world.
A Touch of the Extraordinary
My journey continues, dear readers, with a brief stop in Singapore for the dazzling performance by the Russian State Ballet. They truly outdid themselves with a sumptuous production of Swan Lake. The intricate choreography and stunning costumes truly transformed the stage. But it was the dazzling artistry of the young dancer, Elena Volkova, that truly captured my attention. Her effortless grace and remarkable expressiveness had the entire audience mesmerized, the silence broken only by the thunderous applause.
Final Thoughts
As the curtains close on another extraordinary month of dance, one can't help but be filled with a profound sense of wonder at the power of this beautiful art form. From the grand ballets to the avant-garde expressions of modern dance, ballet continues to move us, to inspire us, to make our souls soar. As the stars of the future prepare to take centre stage, we can be certain that ballet's captivating spell will only grow stronger. And, oh darling, that’s just the way we like it!