February, the month of love, is upon us, darling, and what could be more romantic than the sheer grace and artistry of ballet? This month has been brimming with breathtaking performances across the globe, from the sublime to the downright scandalous, each one leaving an indelible mark on my soul.
The Bolshoi, Oh the Bolshoi
Let's start in Moscow, where the legendary Bolshoi Ballet continues to dazzle. The season opened with a breathtaking revival of **Swan Lake**, and I daresay, darling, it was everything I hoped for and more. Olga Smirnova, simply divine, gave an unforgettable performance as Odette/Odile, her ethereal grace as the White Swan and her scorching power as the Black Swan utterly mesmerising. The company, in peak form, was a whirlwind of precision and passion, the men soaring with effortless leaps, and the corps de ballet perfectly in sync, creating an illusion of seamless motion that is simply magical. I do, however, wonder if the updated choreography is necessary, especially for the Black Swan. But then again, darling, itâs not every day that a ballet manages to make you feel both emotionally ravished and intellectually stimulated.
A Trip To Paris
Speaking of ravished, my little Parisian adventure left me positively breathless. I popped in on **Benjamin Millepied**'s **âDaphnis et ChloĂŠâ** at the **OpĂŠra Garnier**, a truly inspired reimagining of Ravelâs masterpiece. The sheer beauty of the costumes (imagine Grecian silks draped in layers of shimmering fabric!) was a sight to behold. Millepied's choreography was innovative, bold, and filled with sensual beauty, showcasing the sublime physiques of the **Paris Opera Ballet** dancers. There is so much going on â the swirling masses of dancers, the passionate love story, and even an erotic twist at the end â you will want to go again, just to catch every nuance! I particularly adored the innovative use of video projections. They blended seamlessly with the dancers, transforming the stage into a world of vibrant and ethereal dreamscapes. Simply breathtaking.
Scandinavia on Point
But let's not forget the little darlings from Scandinavia! **The Royal Danish Ballet**, at the **Royal Theatre Copenhagen** continues to be a force of nature. A new production of **Giselle** , was a revelation. I am, darling, a staunch traditionalist, but even I couldnât help but marvel at the subtle, almost unnoticeable changes in the choreography, which truly amplified the story. The beautiful simplicity of the sets, and the striking black and white costumes, emphasized the powerful, tragic drama of the tale. But, it was **Mads Blangsted Lund** who absolutely stole the show as **Albert**, a dancer with an amazing quality: he was truly present on stage, his soul poured into every step, every expression, a truly captivating performance.
Modern Mayhem: American Ballet Theatre
Now, darling, nothing says "modern" like the **American Ballet Theatre**. The season opening, featuring the premiere of **Alexei Ratmansky**âs **âConcerto DSCHâ,** proved, once again, why the **ABT** is the undisputed champion of contemporary ballet. This abstract ballet, set to Shostakovichâs second piano concerto, is a dance of intensity and raw emotion. The dancers are driven to the very edge of their physicality, a study in motion, each movement speaking volumes. As for the costumes â think tight, athletic lines with a touch of drama thrown in. Oh my, darling, itâs absolutely sensational, not to be missed!
Off-the-Beaten-Path Delights
However, let's not neglect the independent dancers, darling. This month, I had the opportunity to see a fantastic performance by the **Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT)**, the crème de la crème of modern dance. They presented a triple-bill of works by **Hans van Manen**, **Crystal Pite**, and **Jiri Kylian**, each one a triumph of movement, music, and emotion. The pieces by **Van Manen** and **Kylian**, especially, are so incredibly bold, using humor, emotion, and sometimes even a touch of absurdity, to create truly thought-provoking dance theatre. If youâre tired of the usual classical ballets, darling, I urge you to venture out and experience the magic of NDT. You will be blown away, my dear!
A Splash of Color and Culture
You see darling, there's more to ballet than the traditional tutus and tiaras. A wonderful, colorful example of that was the production of â **Ramayanaâ,** a performance by the **Siddhanta Dance Troupe from India.** A mix of ballet and traditional Indian dance, **Ramayana** told the epic Hindu tale of Rama, Sita, and the monkey god Hanuman. This production is a beautiful fusion of cultures, a visual and audio feast, with traditional costumes in a kaleidoscope of bright colours, and rhythmic, often percussive music, making for a vibrant and exciting performance. A little different, perhaps, but, a real must-see, darling.
Emerging Talent: A Dance for the Future
Of course, my dear, we mustn't forget the future of ballet, the new crop of talented dancers, and the new choreographers emerging around the world.
- In **Berlin**, I was particularly taken by **Alexander Ekmanâs** choreographic debut, **âIn Betweenâ**, a work filled with a unique, modern sensibility. It was performed by the **Staatsballett Berlin** and, despite its sometimes dark and intense nature, had a lightness, a humor, and an undeniably human element that truly moved me.
- Across the Atlantic, in **New York**, the **New York City Ballet**, has an exciting, young star in the making, **Megan Fairchild**. I caught her in **George Balanchine's âSymphony in Câ** and **Jerome Robbinsâs âAfternoon of a Faunâ**, and this young lady has a presence and a talent that is simply captivating.
A Note of Warning
Now, my dear, I must confess, there are also a few productions that I, for the sake of your precious time, must recommend you avoid. A revival of **âLa Bayadèreâ** at the **Royal Opera House in London**, while lavish, lacked the necessary fire and passion to really ignite. And the new choreography for the **âKingdom of the Shadesâ** section was simply, darling, atrocious. The dancers, in the most beautiful, shimmering costumes, were made to look like somnambulists, stumbling about the stage with a distinct lack of spirit. This production felt like a stale rendition of a ballet already in need of revival.
And So... The Curtains Close...
So, my darling, the world of ballet continues to enchant. It is a journey of unfolding beauty and power, a constant source of inspiration and joy. The next few months, promise to be just as thrilling, and I, of course, will be here to share it all with you.
But, as always, do indulge me: what are your thoughts, darlings, on the current balletic season? Do tell!