May, 2007: A Whirlwind of Dance
Darling, what a month it has been! The world of dance, my love, continues to dazzle and delight, from the hallowed halls of the Bolshoi to the glittering stages of New York. The sheer variety of talent and performance was, frankly, breathtaking!
My first stop, dear reader, was, of course, Moscow. And oh, the Bolshoi! My heart skipped a beat when the grand curtain rose to reveal a new production of âDon Quixoteâ. This classic ballet, infused with a delightful spark, simply burst with life. Svetlana Zakharova as Kitri? Utterly incandescent! Her footwork was quicksilver, her smiles as bright as the sunbeams flooding the stage, and her passionate portrayal of a fiery, independent heroine captivated the entire theatre. A beautiful, if rather corpulent, Don Quixote (Ivan Vasiliev) charmed in his role with his robust portrayal of the hapless, but ever hopeful knight. The Corps de ballet were sublime, each dancer moving with impeccable precision and the power to completely transport you to 19th-century Spain. The dazzling finale was a joy to behold. Honestly, it simply could not be surpassed!
From Russia with love, my dears, I hopped to London for a much anticipated premiere at the Royal Opera House - Christopher Wheeldon's "Aliceâs Adventures in Wonderland." The choreography was sheer brilliance - whimsical, captivating, and at times achingly tender, mirroring the very spirit of the classic tale. The young ballerina Lauren Cuthbertson was the epitome of a spirited Alice, a girl growing up, experiencing a world of fantastical transformations and ultimately finding courage. The dancers were utterly remarkable. The costumes? To die for, a true celebration of whimsy and theatricality.
Of course, London isn't just about the Royal Opera House, though, darling. A trip to Sadler's Wells is always a delight, and this month proved to be no different! I was enthralled by Akram Khan's "Gnosis". This powerful, intensely physical piece is nothing short of a masterpiece of contemporary dance, a captivating mix of Indian dance tradition with Khan's signature style. His work always leaves an imprint on the soul. He's simply a master.
From the intimate stage at Sadlerâs Wells to the magnificent stage at the Paris Opera Ballet, where the legendary Ă©toile, Sylvie Guillem, was in top form in a dazzling rendition of Jerome Robbinsâ âAfternoon of a Faunâ. A classic in the dance world. Sylvie is a vision of effortless grace, her movements pure poetry set to Debussyâs magical score. Her every gesture, a work of art. What a privilege to see a true legend in action.
I couldn't leave Paris, darling, without a peek at the stunning new production of âThe Sleeping Beautyâ by Rudolf Nureyev. The whole thing was simply ravishing. Alavina Per and Mathieu Ganio as the awakening couple brought a tenderness and youthful joy that truly took my breath away. Their adagio was pure magic, the ballet a tale of exquisite artistry and ethereal beauty. There's simply nothing like a classic performed with the elegance and power of the Paris Opera.
And of course, no dance odyssey is complete without a visit to New York City, the pulse of contemporary performance! There I saw the masterful Paul Taylor Dance Company. Their show, "The Greatest" was, well, just that! These extraordinarily talented artists presented an eclectic mix of styles and forms, pushing boundaries of movement, leaving me exhilarated and challenged. Taylorâs brilliance lies in his ability to weave stories, evoke emotions, and challenge the very essence of dance in every piece he creates.
There are a myriad of performances happening across the globe, all waiting for you, dear reader, to experience. My advice? Grab your ticket, dress your best, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure into the heart of the worldâs greatest art form!
Ballet Boutique:
And darling, speaking of fashion, a ballet trip is simply not complete without the perfect sartorial ensemble. Here's a look at my favourites to take you to the pinnacle of style in the world of dance.
- For an evening at the Bolshoi, thereâs nothing like a show-stopping scarlet gown. Let that silk drape and sway, dear reader, it is utterly magnificent! A bold red lipstick with a touch of gold eyeshadow and dramatic lashes completes the look.
- Sadlerâs Wells calls for a bit more nonchalant style. Think classic black pants paired with a delicate, yet statement blouse, perhaps with a sheer, flowing sleeve. Let your jewelry shine â a dazzling necklace and drop earrings will finish the look beautifully.
- And for the Royal Opera House, dear reader, elegance is the key. A floor-length, sequined gown, paired with a clutch the size of a cigarette case. Keep the jewelry minimal and let your gown do the talking, my dear.
- And finally, for a touch of effortless style in New York, thereâs nothing like a chic blazer, paired with sleek black pants, an edgy top, and killer heels. Complete with a bold, red lip. Perfect for a night out in the Big Apple.
The ballet scene, darlings, is full of exciting discoveries, new trends and endless possibilities! Get out there and soak up the brilliance. Youâll never look back!
With love and a twinkle in my eye,
Your devoted dance enthusiast.