A Dance Diary: February 2005
My darlings, let's dive straight into the exquisite whirlwind that was the past month in the world of dance! It truly felt as if every corner of the globe was bursting with talent and artistic brilliance, and this jaded dance critic, believe me, hasn't felt this invigorated in a while!
A Symphony of Style: Paris
From the opulent Palais Garnier to the intimate charm of the Théâtre de la Ville, Paris, as always, was an irresistible siren call for any ballet aficionado. It's impossible not to swoon over the city's inimitable je ne sais quoi – the elegant clientele, the whispered conversations in French, and the feeling that you've stepped into a Jane Austen novel. Oh, and the dance? Perfection, my dears, pure perfection.
The Paris Opera Ballet presented a stunning revival of La Bayadère. The grand corps de ballet was flawless in their intricate patterns, their movements like flowing silk. And then there was the captivating performance by the étoile Sylvie Guillem, as Nikiya, whose delicate artistry, breathtaking extensions, and poignant performance left me utterly breathless.
At the Théâtre de la Ville, I witnessed a masterpiece of contemporary choreography. The dynamic and compelling Le Sacre du Printemps by the brilliant Angelin Preljocaj. It was an explosion of raw energy, primal rhythms, and breathtaking physicality, leaving me both mesmerised and shaken.
Beyond the Bolshoi: A Glimpse into Russian Ballet
Moscow was abuzz with anticipation for the Bolshoi's new production of Giselle. This was a bold reimagining of the classic, updated and embellished for a modern audience. While the traditional aspects of the story were maintained, director Alexei Ratmansky introduced intriguing innovations, particularly with the ghostly Wilis. These weren’t the traditional ethereal phantoms, instead, Ratmansky made them much more intense and otherworldly, their movements unpredictable and raw. The staging was minimalist, drawing attention to the dramatic power of the dance itself. The exquisite prima ballerina, Svetlana Zakharova, breathed life into Giselle, portraying the fragility of innocence and the depth of sorrow with astonishing power.
Beyond the Bolshoi, Moscow also unveiled its own troupe of exquisite ballet dancers, the Kremlin Ballet. A true treat, these dancers performed at the stunning Kremlin Palace with a repertoire showcasing classic Russian ballet masterpieces, like Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty. The talent was evident from the very first pas de bourrée; their movements, both intricate and flowing, their footwork, breathtaking, their costumes...magnificent.
An Enchanting Evening at the Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House continues to hold its position as a beacon of elegance and artistry. The much-anticipated revival of The Sleeping Beauty had the whole London ballet world talking. The dazzling sets and costumes by the celebrated designer, Anthony Dowell, truly brought the fairy tale to life. The lead role was performed with exceptional charm and precision by Natalia Osipova, a talent that never fails to impress me. I simply must mention her dazzling performance in the Act Three Waltz, it was an exquisite display of technique, grace, and sheer elegance.
From America's Shores to Tokyo's Towers: A Global Journey
New York City Ballet’s season was truly inspiring, a diverse program featuring works by the veteran choreographer, Jerome Robbins, and an electrifying contemporary piece by Christopher Wheeldon. I was particularly impressed by Wheeldon's After the Rain, a melancholic, poetic piece set to piano music by Arvo Pärt.
But let us not forget the Asian ballet scene. I recently had the opportunity to witness the brilliance of the Japan Ballet Association in Tokyo. The performance of Swan Lake at the gorgeous New National Theatre was a true spectacle. I was blown away by the ensemble work. Their synchronized movements, perfectly balanced between precision and grace, simply took my breath away. The stunning stage design, the meticulous costuming, and the dramatic intensity of the performance, it was like watching a fairytale come to life.
Ballet Goes Beyond the Stage: Art & Beyond
My adventures in the dance world were not confined to the grand halls. I attended an extraordinary exhibition in the Louvre, Degas and the Dance, showcasing the life and work of the iconic Impressionist artist, Edgar Degas. His portrayal of the female ballerina was simply exquisite – not simply capturing their physical beauty but capturing the intensity and the ephemeral nature of their art. A visit to Degas’s studio was truly moving. This extraordinary artist’s passion and devotion were palpable and moving. The show will leave you enchanted.
Final Thoughts
The world of ballet is truly global. It’s a dance that speaks every language. Each production, each performance, whether from the venerable Bolshoi, the captivating Paris Opera Ballet, or the up-and-coming Kremlin Ballet, reflects the rich diversity of human emotions and artistic expression. The joy, the sadness, the love, the yearning, these universal themes are portrayed with exquisite power, artistry, and beauty.
So, my dearest readers, grab your tickets, book a trip to one of these extraordinary cities, or settle in with your favourite DVDs. Let yourself be transported to a world of pure enchantment. The dance world waits for you.