AI Ballet Fashion Review 596

A New Year's Ballet Bounty

Ah, darling, how divine! 2007 has kicked off in style, the ballet world aflame with a spectacular array of productions that left this reviewer utterly captivated. It’s all about 'new year, new beginnings' darling and let’s just say the world of ballet is more than embracing this mantra. The opening weeks have been simply brimming with an exciting, vivacious and daring spirit that's frankly, simply wonderful. Let me give you the lowdown, petal, on what truly left me wanting more!

It wouldn’t be a review of the year’s delights without a visit to Covent Garden. The Royal Ballet has certainly started the year as they intend to go on; full throttle with a veritable feast for the eyes, my dear!

First up, was a much anticipated revival of 'Manon' – a veritable whirlwind of passionate drama set to Massenet’s score. It's the type of production that makes your heart ache a little, but oh, so beautifully! The young, oh so divine Marianela Nuñez simply melted on stage with her exquisite performance; tender and graceful. Carlos Acosta brought such fire as Des Grieux, a veritable show-stopper; a charismatic whirlwind. And let’s not forget, the rest of the company danced like dreams, each a tiny gem on the beautiful stage! This 'Manon' was, simply heaven, darling!

Following the drama of 'Manon' was a production that offered a welcome dose of light-hearted, joyful energy. ‘The Sleeping Beauty' was an absolute gem! I’m always, always, delighted to see this gorgeous classic – it’s a true testament to the beauty and magic of ballet. I have to say, though Royal Ballet's interpretation felt utterly fresh. The beautiful Tamara Rojo , was simply radiant, the quintessential fairytale princess! Her Aurora was a true joy. The staging was glorious – with the costumes and set design so captivating, each act was a miniature piece of theatre, and this is what makes this version truly magical. Oh darling, how delightful!

It’s a testament to the Royal Ballet, that this production was followed by the premiere of Wayne McGregor's latest work. ‘Eden' is certainly a stark contrast to the opulence of ‘The Sleeping Beauty’. It was an evening of powerful, emotive choreography, exploring themes of fragility and humanity, with the breathtaking designs of Julian Opie, bringing the staging to a whole new level. Eden certainly divided the critics; some loved it's challenging themes, others, felt a little cold. But my dear, that is exactly what makes art interesting; isn’t it?

Of course, it was impossible not to catch a flight to Moscow to witness what’s going on at The Bolshoi, Darling! They always present some spectacular and utterly dramatic ballet. The opening months started with their revival of ‘The Nutcracker’. Oh my, what a glorious thing to witness! The ballet, as with so many at the Bolshoi, was lavish and flamboyant, and the spectacle onstage just glorious! This performance truly exemplified the exquisite skills of the Bolshoi dancers; their technique simply breathtaking! One to remember, for sure!

The company didn’t slow down. On the back of their successful ‘The Nutcracker', came the premiere of Sergei Prokofiev’s ballet ‘Cinderella’. This new production, beautifully directed by Yuri Grigorovich, was a sheer delight! So captivating. The costumes and sets were a dream, and the entire cast were brilliant, with the ballet itself moving effortlessly between comic and serious, lyrical and energetic, as only the Bolshoi can do!

I am simply obsessed with the Paris Opera Ballet, my dear. It is simply one of the most beautiful companies in the world; graceful, expressive, and oh-so stylish, always showcasing truly spectacular ballets. This year started, as always, with a real bang, featuring a lavish production of ‘Swan Lake’, which remains the most beloved of all the classic ballets; and deservedly so. It’s not always easy to make a classic seem fresh, but I have to say that The Paris Opera truly succeeded. The dancers, were truly remarkable – a highlight for this reviewer, was Aurelie Dupont’s performance as Odette. There was such exquisite poetry in her movements, she simply glided across the stage. This performance, as always with the Paris Opera, was absolutely divine, darling!

Darling, it’s impossible to stay in one place for too long. So naturally, the first few weeks of 2007, saw me jet-setting all over the globe. Let’s just say, I wouldn’t want it any other way, my dear. This review would be amiss without a shout out to these divine performances;

• ‘Giselle’ in Berlin. This performance was simply phenomenal. The sheer athleticism of the Deutsche Oper Berlin Ballet left me speechless. Each movement so powerful and technically flawless, making the entire production a force of nature! The Berlin Ballet continues to deliver outstanding dance – always so modern and sophisticated!
• The American Ballet Theatre performed ‘La Sylphide’, and as expected, it was a true triumph of classical ballet! It was beautiful, the technique so fine and detailed, each dancer a true delight. The sets were glorious, making for a visually stunning experience. A production not to be missed in any season!
• I saw New York City Ballet's interpretation of ‘The Four Temperaments’ in New York City, darling. It's one of my favourite ballets and NYC Ballet truly delivered. A superb evening of pure artistic excellence! I was particularly captivated by Sara Mearns' performance - she was a powerful force on stage! And Justin Peik's performance? Absolutely heavenly! A delightful blend of artistry and athleticism!

Darling, one of my favourite things to witness is the rise of new, fresh talent in the world of ballet. So exciting to see new stars! This season is no exception; the stage is teeming with dancers poised to take over the ballet world. Here are a few gems that really caught my eye.

• Alina Cojocaru – what an extraordinary ballerina, with a grace that seems effortless. She is making such waves with the Royal Ballet – watch this space. She's one to watch my dear.
• Polina Semionova – another ballet beauty with a technical prowess that makes the heart skip a beat, she was simply outstanding in ‘Giselle’ at the Berlin State Opera.
• David Hallberg – A male dancer to truly make note of! The American Ballet Theatre have found an exceptional talent with this man – his talent simply radiates, and his strength and grace are simply a delight to witness!
• And my dear, one to watch is Isabella Boylston. She is a brilliant and highly talented ballerina making waves in the American Ballet Theatre, her technical skill and poise, are utterly captivating. This is the dawn of a shining career. I am sure, of it!

Well darling, this has certainly been an extraordinary few weeks in the world of ballet. It's been an explosion of talent and creativity – and I can’t wait to see what else this year has in store!