From the wings...
Dearest readers, I hope this edition finds you well-rested after a busy summer of ballets and festivals. It seems a while since we last caught up, and I confess that I've been keeping my schedule delightfully full, flitting between studios and stages like a bejeweled hummingbird. The world of dance is as exciting and captivating as ever, and this month I'm positively bursting with tales of breathtaking artistry and audacious choreography, from the stately stages of the Royal Opera House to the edgy energy of New York's underground studios.
Let's dive in!
**A Touch of Parisian Chic**
My whirlwind tour began with a Parisian sojourn, where I was absolutely smitten by the **Ballets de l’Opéra de Paris's** rendition of **"Giselle"**. A masterpiece that has graced stages for over a century, it never fails to enchant with its delicate blend of classical beauty and tragic romance. **Sylvie Guillem's** performance was nothing short of breathtaking - her effortless grace and haunting portrayal of the betrayed Giselle truly moved me to tears. The choreography, perfectly crafted and rendered with exquisite precision, drew me into the magical world of the wilis - those ethereal creatures of the forest, forever yearning for love.
Of course, Paris wouldn't be complete without a trip to the **Grand Palais** for **"Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris's 300 Years of Dance"**. A veritable feast for the eyes and senses, this celebration showcased a dazzling array of the company's history, highlighting the evolving trends and triumphs that have defined ballet over centuries. The opening sequence, with a whirlwind of costumes and performances from iconic ballets such as "Swan Lake" and "The Nutcracker" , was a delight, followed by a moving concluding performance featuring a collection of choreographic gems that perfectly captured the artistry and talent that make the **Ballets de l'Opéra de Paris** so unique. The lavish lighting and stage design added to the ambiance, while the impeccable costumes, a glorious array of silks and feathers, shimmered and twirled beneath the Grand Palais's opulent chandeliers.
**The Heart of Russia**
My journey then led me to the heart of Russia - the **Bolshoi Theatre** in Moscow, for an unforgettable evening of **"Swan Lake"**. This beloved classic was brought to life with immense power and finesse. **Svetlana Zakharova's** portrayal of Odette/Odile was masterful, with a captivatingly fragile elegance in the white swan scenes, morphing into a bold and mesmerizing black swan with an intoxicatingly daring strength. **The Bolshoi Ballet's** company showcased their legendary strength and precision, each movement a testament to the long tradition of Russian ballet, and their breathtaking costumes, adorned with shimmering crystals and pearls, were a spectacle in themselves.
While in Moscow, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the annual **"Dance Open Festival"**. Always pushing the boundaries of artistic expression, this festival, a testament to the diverse nature of dance, featured performances from companies such as **Nederlands Dans Theater, Wayne McGregor Random Dance Company**, and **Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater**, a highlight being **"Revelations"**, the heartfelt and deeply moving piece by the American choreographer Alvin Ailey, whose powerful use of music, movement, and the story of the African American struggle has made it one of the most revered dance works of all time.
**A Touch of New York Grit**
Next, it was time for a quick transatlantic hop to New York, the pulsating hub of modern dance, where I experienced the avant-garde spirit of **"Merce Cunningham Dance Company"**. A pioneer of the "chance" and "un-ballet" movements of dance, Cunningham's works, although unconventional and somewhat abstract to some, are incredibly intriguing and refreshing. The performance I saw featured the dancers' precise movements interplaying with projections and even, at times, chaos, and the juxtaposition of these seemingly opposing elements made the piece remarkably dynamic. Their performances left me deeply considering the complexities of our contemporary world.
But no trip to New York is complete without an evening at the **New York City Ballet**. My evening at Lincoln Center showcased their exquisite repertoire, with the elegance of "Diamonds" from "Jewels" truly captivating me with its sparkling precision and stunning costumes - a visual delight. The performance of **"Apollo"** with its classic ballet style and a distinctly musical sensibility brought a wave of nostalgia to the evening, reminding me of the rich tapestry of classical ballet traditions.
**An Unforgettable Experiment**
My final adventure, however, took me off the beaten path, to the lesser-known city of **San Francisco**. I must confess, it's a hidden gem for the arts. I saw a truly innovative production - "Intimate Acrobatics" at **The American Conservatory Theater**. The piece challenged conventional dance and theatrical elements, blending gymnastics, dance, and theatre into a unique artistic expression that experimented with audiences' expectations. It's not every day you see dancers climbing up silks and then balancing effortlessly on acrobatic apparatus while acting out intensely intimate stories of desire and loss! It was certainly a unique and unforgettable experience.
Back to Reality, for now
I hope this whirlwind tour has painted a vivid image of the global landscape of ballet. While I'm already eager for the next performance, I must return to my desk for now - with a collection of fresh observations, new insights and of course, the most dazzling costume sketches - for my next issue. Until then, happy dancing!