AI Ballet Fashion Review 612

May 2008: The Dance World Swirls with Excitement Darling, oh darling! What a whirlwind of excitement the dance world has been in the past month. From the grand spectacle of Paris to the intimate intimacy of a small London studio, the balletic stage has been alive with brilliance and passion. **Paris: A Parisian Rhapsody** The Palais Garnier is, as always, a glorious spectacle for the eyes, but this month, it was a triumph of dance as well. The Paris Opera Ballet's new production of **“The Sleeping Beauty,”** directed by the inimitable Rudolf Nureyev, left this viewer completely entranced. Nureyev's interpretation, a daring but masterful mix of classic and modern, is pure theatrical poetry. He's taken liberties, but never at the expense of the story or the emotion. The dancers, of course, were flawless, their bodies sculpted into perfection. **Berlin: An Avant Garde Vision** Meanwhile, across the channel in Berlin, a very different vision was being explored. The Sasha Waltz & Guests' production of **“Körper”**, a work in progress, challenged conventional notions of dance and, frankly, pushed me to my limit. The stark, almost brutal choreography felt alien to my trained eye. But, as with all great art, there was something strangely hypnotic about the entire experience, and it left me profoundly reflected on its power. **New York: A Celebration of Style and Innovation** Ah, New York! It was time for the annual Dance at the Armory exhibition, and what a gathering it was. Every corner of this glorious venue seemed to be brimming with innovation and excitement. My personal highlight was a work by the new rising star of choreography, Daniel Pelzig. His piece, “Urban Echoes”, is a raw, urgent reflection of city life. The dancers moved with an electrifying energy that captivated everyone. It’s not just about steps, but a feeling, an energy, that radiates off the stage. And darling, the costumes were divine, sharp lines and vibrant colors against a raw, urban backdrop. It's that sort of bold contrast that I adore. **London: Intimate and Extraordinary** And who could forget London's dance scene? It is as lively as ever! From the traditional splendor of The Royal Ballet's **"Swan Lake,"** with its unmistakable, graceful storytelling to the fresh, daring choreography of Rambert Dance Company's latest production **“Blood Wedding,”** there was a piece of ballet magic for everyone in the city this month. My personal favorite, however, was the tiny jewel of a production by The Scottish Dance Theatre at the rather unassuming Sadler's Wells. It was an intriguing, raw expression of contemporary dance, with the stark setting and the almost-naked bodies of the dancers highlighting their every move with an incredible honesty and emotional vulnerability. A Dance Odyssey: Adventures in The World of Dance A month like this, with such an enormous range of dance being explored in so many diverse corners of the world made me reflect on the sheer power of dance as an art form. It doesn't need flashy spectacle or grand gestures to move the soul. I was equally captivated by the intimate intimacy of a single dancer in a bare studio and by the breathtaking scale of a grand balletic spectacle on a vast, glittering stage. I couldn’t resist a little excursion to a charming little dance studio off the beaten track in the East End, a tiny space brimming with unbridled energy and passion. A small group of dancers were rehearsing for a performance in an art gallery next month, and they performed with such a heartfelt energy, it reminded me that sometimes it is in the simplest, most intimate settings that dance truly comes to life. Upcoming Shows to Keep On Your Radar London: * **“Sleeping Beauty”**, Royal Opera House - From May 29 to June 29, this is the classic production that every ballet lover must see, a joyful escape from reality into the magical world of fairy tales and graceful choreography. * **“A Streetcar Named Desire”**, English National Ballet at the London Coliseum - A daring, innovative production of a modern masterpiece adapted to the ballet stage - it is an ambitious attempt that will certainly stir debate. * **The Royal Ballet** at the Royal Opera House. - There are a few things that always guarantee a fantastic evening. - “Giselle” and “Cinderella” (May 11-June 7) - The sheer scale of the sets and costumes and the sheer power of the performances in both pieces always leave me completely breathless. They’re simply iconic. **Paris: * The Paris Opera Ballet are celebrating the centenary of Serge Diaghilev’s legendary Ballets Russes with a tribute called “Diaghilev and his World”. This is going to be spectacular. If you can only see one show this month, this should be it. * And darling, don’t forget to stop by the Theatre des Champs-Elysees to see the marvelous choreography of Angelin Preljocaj in his new work “Antigone” - this is going to be something special. New York: * The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has a new production coming to the New York Stage - and I simply can't wait to see it! This company always exudes raw energy and passion - the piece is called **“Revelations”**, and it’s apparently very emotionally charged. * Also in New York: The New York City Ballet is presenting its annual gala – the best way to see the most important names in contemporary ballet. And in the realm of fashion and style… While on the subject of ballet, it’s only appropriate to discuss the fashion, isn't it, darling? I've noticed an evolution in the design of ballet costumes. Some are becoming bolder and more dramatic, a bold reflection of the changing landscape of ballet itself. I recently fell in love with a series of feather pieces, all black and cream, created by an up-and-coming designers in London - they are simply divine. A feather-light elegance and sheer drama that embodies the grace and beauty of the dance.