A whirlwind of Tutus and Tiaras: August's Ballet Buzz
August is a time for ballets of a more frivolous, joyous nature, a welcome respite from the grand dramatics of spring and summer's intense ballets. From London to Paris and all points in between, it seems as though everyone has donned their best frocks and waltzed their way to the stage, ready to bring a little sparkle and whimsy to the waning days of summer.
Let's begin, as we always do, with London, where the Royal Opera House had the audacity to tempt audiences with no fewer than three spectacular ballets, a dazzlingly curated triple-bill.
London Calling
The darling of the season, however, must be the Royal Ballet's new production of *Cinderella*, a confection of shimmering sets, fantastical costumes and of course, the enchanting score by Prokofiev. With a stellar cast featuring the radiant Marianela Nuñez as the titular Cinderella and the always captivating Steven McRae as the Prince, this *Cinderella* is a breath of fresh air. Nuñez captures the warmth, innocence and ultimately, the resilience of Cinderella. Every delicate plié and exquisite arabesque radiates genuine emotion. And McRae? He is simply captivating - his strength and poise a perfect foil to Nuñez's youthful exuberance.
The Royal Ballet also wowed us with a double bill, combining Christopher Wheeldon's charmingly playful *After the Rain* and Frederick Ashton's classic *Facade*. Both ballets are delightful, yet they speak to different audiences. *After the Rain* is a captivating tale of bittersweet longing, a beautiful exploration of emotions brought to life by the beautiful partnering of Lauren Cuthbertson and Edward Watson. *Facade* on the other hand, is a pure delight for the senses, a romp through a riotous tapestry of colours and movements fueled by the wit and imagination of Ashton.
While we were enjoying the Royal Ballet's offerings, the English National Ballet took to the stage in the grandeur of the Coliseum, unveiling their breathtaking new production of *Swan Lake*. A masterpiece that blends the traditional grandeur with an elegant, modern flair. There is simply something spellbinding about watching Alina Cojocaru morph from a graceful, delicate swan into the alluring and dangerous Black Swan. The ballet's exquisite set and lighting truly transport the audience to a realm of pure fantasy.
Parisian Delights
Heading to Paris, we were entranced by the sheer energy and beauty of *La BayadĂšre*. The Ă©toile, the magnificent Sylvie Guillem, is as exquisite as the temple of the gods, where she appears to flutter on air. There is something simply extraordinary about witnessing Guillem's mastery of ballet. Every move is a piece of art - her leaps are so fluid, her arabesques so perfect and graceful that you are simply lost in the sheer beauty of her performance.
Across the river at the Palais Garnier, we discovered the Ballet de lâOpĂ©ra National de Paris were showcasing an incredibly contemporary production of *Don Quixote*, infused with modern elements without sacrificing the classic beauty. The production brought new meaning to the story - a remarkably modern exploration of human emotion, particularly relevant in our fast-paced digital world. One could not help but be struck by the sheer physical skill of the dancers, and how gracefully they moved between the classical and the contemporary.
Beyond The Borders
Stepping outside the big cities, we enjoyed the smaller but no less delightful delights. The Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, of course, remained a magnet for ballet lovers around the world, offering a repertoire that blended traditional grandeur with fresh, contemporary works. In Tokyo, the famed Ballet Theatre of Japan took a unique approach with their reinterpretations of classical ballets - injecting fresh ideas and contemporary interpretations into traditional works with refreshing and exciting results.
It is quite clear that August has been a whirlwind of activity in the world of ballet. The summer's hottest shows have dazzled and delighted audiences. Whether you are a seasoned ballet enthusiast or a newcomer, it is a time to indulge your passion. And for us, as dedicated observers of this enchanting art, there is nothing we enjoy more than to share our experiences, to witness and celebrate the unrivaled skill and beauty of ballet around the world.
This Month's Must-Have Accessories:
- A perfectly tailored white linen dress, of course, the perfect complement to any ballet event.
- A pair of sleek, pointed-toe pumps, the only acceptable footwear for a stylish ballet attendee.
- A statement necklace - a dazzling cascade of pearls, or a delicate gold chain - perfect to add a hint of glamour to your ensemble.
- A bold lip colour in a classic red - after all, a little drama is never out of place at the ballet.
- And, most importantly, a good pair of opera glasses to ensure you can fully appreciate every detail of these breathtaking productions.
Our last stop, as always, is New York. We simply cannot close this monthâs edition without a brief glance at the latest offerings of the New York City Ballet. Known for its innovative repertoire and exceptional dancers, the NYCB promises an exciting fall season. Look out for the world premiere of âThe Rite of Springâ and their captivating presentation of the classics - a season not to be missed.
Onward to September
Until next month, when we will continue our tour of the world's greatest ballets, take a bow and let the magic of the dance transport you. And remember - a ballet show is more than a mere performance; it's an experience to cherish, a celebration of the human form, and a reflection of the boundless creativity and talent that abounds in the world.