Oh, the sheer delights of February, darlings!
As we enter the second month of the year, the ballet world positively bursts with activity, a glorious explosion of grace and talent. Oh, and the costumes! Darling, this season’s sartorial offerings are just divine. Think feathered headdresses in shades of turquoise and shimmering silks in every shade of sunset.
I was, of course, at the Royal Opera House for their sumptuous production of Giselle. The ethereal Natalia Osipova was, as always, divine, her heartbreak palpable even from the furthest balcony seat. The corps de ballet were positively bewitching, and I was particularly enchanted by the ethereal movements of the wilis, their ghostly white dresses fluttering with an otherworldly grace. And darling, the men! I practically swooned at the intensity of Sergei Polunin, who exuded the raw, tormented passion of Albrecht.
A trip across the channel, my dear, and I found myself immersed in the sheer artistry of the Paris Opera Ballet's new production of Swan Lake. This ballet is truly timeless, and the company's performance was flawless, the precision and finesse of every step simply astonishing. The exquisite costumes - from the swans' delicate white tulle to the court's rich brocades - were simply breathtaking, adding an extra layer of elegance to an already captivating performance. It was like a vision, dear. A vision of elegance, strength, and sheer grace.
Now, I've always adored American Ballet Theatre, and their latest venture did not disappoint. They tackled the epic work of Swan Lake with the same fiery passion they're known for, and my, what an exceptional cast! The star, Isabella Boylston, is a force of nature. I've seen a lot of ballets, but never with this level of athleticism combined with such heartfelt expression.
While in the US, I made a trip to Boston, darling. Now, Boston Ballet, you know, is always a treat. I caught their exquisite performance of "The Nutcracker", the costumes - all sparkling tulle and twinkling beads - truly were the stuff of childhood dreams, and the corps, divine, their synchronized movements so perfectly executed, you felt the stage might tremble. But I have to admit, my dear, what really stole my heart was the delightful, heart-warming, and yes, utterly hilarious, rendition of the "Chinese Dance" – those red dresses and the playful smiles made my evening.
And now, onto more adventurous fare. At the Sydney Opera House, the Australian Ballet gave a mesmerising rendition of "Cinderella." A whimsical blend of classic and modern, it left me utterly charmed. I confess, it took me a moment to recover from the exquisite set designs; darling, the pumpkins turned carriages simply took my breath away, and the choreography was wonderfully inventive. It's so delightful to see a ballet that's not only visually spectacular, but truly engaging on a deeper level.
To conclude our whirlwind tour of the global ballet scene, my dear, let's journey back to the United Kingdom and celebrate the unique and fascinating world of dance theatre. A ballet unlike any I've encountered was a real treat. I must say, darling, a production at the Royal Ballet that I stumbled across - I believe they call it “Black Swan Lake”? An unexpected but wonderfully subversive reimagining of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece! Now, I am all for a touch of whimsy and drama, and this, my dear, was both in spades. It felt a little “experimental,” perhaps even a little too avant-garde for some, but darling, if one can’t embrace new ways to tell a story in this magnificent artform, what can one do? It was truly mesmerizing and challenging, leaving me both delighted and a little contemplative. That’s how I love my dance, my dear, challenging yet beautiful.
- A Note to Our Readers: We'd love to hear your favourite ballet experiences from the month! Do send us your comments, darlings, to keep our passion for ballet burning brightly.