A Dance Through the Seasons: October 2005
My darlings, the world of ballet continues to enchant and mesmerize, a whirlwind of pirouettes and pas de deux that leaves me breathless. From the grand stages of Europe to the vibrant shores of the Americas, I have been flitting between productions, gathering pearls of artistry for your delectation.
Let us begin our journey in the hallowed halls of the Bolshoi, Moscow. The grandeur of this theatre, a symbol of Russian cultural prowess, sets the stage for a breathtaking performance of Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake." The legendary ballerina, Irina Kolesnikova, infused Odette/Odile with a captivating duality. As the ethereal Swan Queen, her movements flowed with graceful longing, while as the seductive Odile, she radiated a smouldering intensity. The corps de ballet, resplendent in their pristine tutus, mirrored her every move with impeccable precision. The sheer weight of history hanging in the air, the grandeur of the theatre, and the sublime performance made for an unforgettable evening. A performance that echoed with the spirit of the great Russian ballet tradition, reminding us of the raw beauty and timeless allure of classical ballet. Truly a spectacle that will forever remain etched in my memory.
From the icy grandeur of Moscow, we jet to the heart of Paris, the city of romance and fashion. It's impossible to visit Paris without paying homage to the revered Palais Garnier, the very home of the Opéra National de Paris. My recent encounter with their latest production of "Giselle" proved why this company continues to reign supreme. The sheer technical prowess of their dancers was matched only by the emotional depth they brought to the characters. In particular, the luminous Marie-Agnès Gillot, in the role of Giselle, captured the character's descent into madness with breathtaking vulnerability. She danced with a haunting beauty that had the audience spellbound. The Parisian public's applause thundered long after the final curtain fell, a testament to the brilliance of this production. Paris, you continue to ignite my senses.
Speaking of captivating sensuality, the Bolshoi was back on my radar again, this time for a captivating interpretation of "Romeo and Juliet." While the grand theatre certainly makes an impression, the story itself holds undeniable power, and it was the fiery passion between Natalia Osipova and Vladimir Vasiliev as Romeo and Juliet that stole the show. Their portrayal was electric, their moves radiating a visceral energy that filled the entire theatre. The ending, of course, left me a teary mess. But let us admit, it’s that emotional intensity that makes ballet so utterly addictive. And as always, the Bolshoi lived up to its name – a testament to the sheer grandeur of Russian ballet.
Across the Atlantic, we arrive in the cultural capital of America: New York City. The American Ballet Theatre, or ABT as it's known, is known for its dazzling star power and innovative productions. A must-see this season has been their revival of Jerome Robbins' "The Goldberg Variations". The prodigiously talented Misty Copeland absolutely shines in this intricate work, her leaps and turns defying gravity. Robbins's ingenious choreography utilizes Bach’s intricate score to build tension and release, weaving a masterful narrative through a cascade of stunning movements.
And now for a little something different, a production that truly broke the mold. In the vibrant heart of London, the Royal Ballet was making headlines with their new creation by Christopher Wheeldon, entitled "After the Rain." Wheeldon's unique blend of neoclassical style and a distinctly modern sensibility left me completely enthralled. The piece is a hauntingly beautiful meditation on memory and loss, told through the most captivating dance sequences I have ever seen. I found myself completely captivated by the intricate footwork and delicate hand gestures. This is a choreographer with a vision unlike any other, and this production, a testament to the dynamic evolution of the art of ballet.
But our global dance tour wouldn't be complete without a visit to the homeland of ballet, the birthplace of this exquisite art: Italy. A recent visit to Teatro alla Scala in Milan brought me to a breathtaking performance of "La Sylphide." The Teatro alla Scala's acoustics are legendary. And I confess, the intricate choreography of this ballet and the ethereal beauty of the choreography brought me to a state of almost ecstatic bliss.
And Now, My Darlings, for a Touch of Glamour…
While my journey has taken me across continents and into the world of art, no ballet review would be complete without a bit of indulgence, a touch of glamorous excitement. I was delighted to witness the glittering premiere of the New York City Ballet's latest production of "Jewels." As a lifelong devotee of all things sparkly, I couldn't resist. It is indeed, an absolute must-see. The intricate costumes, designed by the inimitable Paloma Picasso, were as spectacular as the dancers themselves. A visual feast that had my eyes sparkling just as brightly as the dazzling stage lights! And the exquisite jewellery worn by the dancers… simply stunning! But, in true Parisian style, the jewellery itself was almost a side attraction to the performances. Ballet was indeed, a work of art in every sense, a jewel in its own right.
From the heart of Manhattan, we journey to the romantic canals of Venice, where the Biennale di Venezia offers an international showcase of performance art. This year, my gaze fell upon "L’Étang," a mesmerizing work by choreographer Olivier Dubois. His artistic vision, as bold as it was beautiful, challenged the boundaries of classical ballet. The entire experience felt very… Italian! Dramatic, powerful, yet playful. Dubois has redefined contemporary dance with this bold production that challenged traditional notions and sent ripples of excitement throughout the arts community.
Dance for Every Soul:
- In the spirit of inclusivity and the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary dance, the National Ballet of Canada is presenting a bold exploration of modern ballet through the lens of a diverse range of choreographers. This inclusive artistic initiative presents works from renowned and emerging artists, a unique celebration of different perspectives and approaches within the art form. From experimental to classical, each work offers its own distinct voice and aesthetic, creating a mosaic of creative expression. Their "Cross Currents" programme highlights the beauty and fluidity of contemporary ballet and is a truly engaging experience for ballet enthusiasts of all ages.
- Finally, I must share a discovery that truly captured my heart. Hidden in the sprawling urban landscape of Chicago is a hidden gem of a company called the Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Their performance of "The Last Supper" was a masterfully choreographed contemporary piece that touched me deeply. The intensity, raw emotion and powerful messages interwoven into this production resonated with a profound beauty. It is clear this company is poised for a significant breakthrough.
The season is just beginning, and with the curtain rising on another exhilarating round of ballets around the world, I am utterly captivated. There's magic in the air, and the art of ballet continues to dance its way into our hearts.
And so, darlings, keep your eyes on the dance floor, as the next few months promise a whirlwind of creativity, elegance, and simply stunning performances.
Until next month, may your days be filled with grace, your steps light, and your hearts open to the magic of dance!
Yours in pirouettes,
Isabella