A Whirlwind of Dance: October 2007
Oh darlings, what a month for ballet! From the cobbled streets of Prague to the gilded halls of the Bolshoi, October was a whirlwind of pirouettes and passion. This little black book has been brimming with notes, whispers of excitement, and – let’s be honest – a few teary moments. Yes, dear readers, I’m still feeling the magic, the raw emotion, and the sheer brilliance that this month’s productions delivered. So settle into your velvet-lined armchair, pour yourself a glass of something sparkling, and allow me to take you on a tour de force of dance!
Prague: A Touch of Bohemia
My journey began in the enchanting city of Prague. I confess, dear readers, the mere thought of a Czech ballet company sparked an intrigue within me. The Prague National Ballet, nestled within the historical splendour of the National Theatre, promised a dose of unconventional charm. And charm it had! The company’s rendition of ‘The Nutcracker’ was refreshingly original. This was not the whimsical sugarplum fairyland I had envisioned. Instead, they wove an intricate narrative of magic, darkness, and a sense of melancholy that resonated deeply with me. The costumes, oh darling, those costumes! A mix of traditional Slavic influences and avant-garde flair that perfectly reflected the piece’s unique spirit. Their performance was imbued with a vibrancy and a youthful energy that quite simply took my breath away. And, darlings, don't even get me started on the enchanting scene in the Land of Snowflakes, pure and breathtakingly ethereal. A truly magical start to my ballet pilgrimage.
Paris: A Parisian Rhapsody
From Prague’s cobbled streets, I flew into the heart of Parisian elegance. Naturally, a trip to the Palais Garnier was non-negotiable. For their opening gala, the Paris Opera Ballet presented an extravaganza celebrating the iconic “Swan Lake”. Now, you’re likely thinking, "A classic, been there, done that", and my dear, that's precisely where this production turned things on their head. The staging was divine, a stunning combination of classicism with modern touches. But it was the lead ballerina, the magnificent Sylvie Guillem, who truly captured the essence of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece. Her movements, graceful yet powerful, transported us into a world where beauty and heartbreak intertwine. It was as though Odette and Odile were embodied in a single breathtaking performance. The grand finale, an exquisite pas de deux between Guillem and her equally masterful partner Nicolas Le Riche, left the audience gasping for air.
The Bolshoi: A Grand Finale
I daresay every ballet devotee dreams of experiencing the Bolshoi. And darling, my dream was gloriously fulfilled this month. The Bolshoi, with its imposing red-hued facade and its opulent interiors, felt as though I’d stepped into a gilded cage. Their production of “Giselle" was a captivating experience, an elegant balance between tradition and a hint of modern interpretation. The dancers, trained with the rigorous Russian system, possess an exceptional power and a rare artistry. Their leaps, those sky-high sautés and jetés, seemed effortless, the epitome of balletic precision. The sheer athleticism and control were utterly mesmerising. And my dearest, don't even get me started on the ethereal “mad scene” performed by the breathtaking ballerina Svetlana Zakharova, simply exquisite, tear-jerking perfection. It was a moment that left me speechless. The grandeur and power of the Bolshoi ballet truly lived up to all my expectations.
London’s New Blood
Across the Channel, London’s ballet scene was buzzing. I found myself drawn to a youthful and energetic company - the London Contemporary Ballet. This ensemble of brilliant talents, known for pushing boundaries, was performing a new work by choreographer Wayne McGregor entitled “Infra”. The choreography was both bold and beautiful. The piece was a study in movement and emotion, a raw exploration of the human experience. The modern choreography, full of sharp, fluid movements, combined with a haunting soundtrack crafted by a talented composer Mark Antony Turnage, was quite simply, transcendent. The dancers’ energy, youthful enthusiasm, and technical prowess truly shone. A thrilling new offering in the world of dance.
Beyond The Stage: Fashionable Flicks
Now, dear readers, ballet is not just about grand leaps and elaborate tutus. This month saw a resurgence of the dance on the silver screen, and you bet your ballet flats I wouldn't miss out on the spectacle. There’s “The Company” a film exploring the dramatic and romantic world of ballet from an inside-out perspective. A must-see for any ballet aficionado who loves a touch of scandal.
And the delightful "Shall We Dance", a heartwarming story of an older man’s quest to learn ballroom dancing for love, was utterly charming. It’s a lighthearted, feel-good film, with moments of grace and humor. I especially loved the scene where the protagonist’s dance teacher reveals to his wife his long-hidden love for ballroom dancing. It left me with a swoon of delight.
A Final Note:
As I write this, I'm still reliving those magical moments from October’s ballet spectacles. The energy, the passion, the artistry of each performance have resonated within me, leaving an indelible mark. The dance world, my dears, is a universe unto itself. It's a place where the impossible is achieved through grace, power, and the beauty of human movement. Until next month’s dance odyssey, keep your pointe shoes polished and your heart open to the magic of the stage!