Autumnal Delights: A Season of Dance, Whimsy and Glittering Gowns
Dearest readers, as the leaves begin their fiery descent and the air grows crisp with the promise of October, a wave of excitement sweeps through the world of dance, and my darling readers, we're at the heart of it! Let's dive into the whirlwind of performances gracing stages around the globe, from the glittering premieres of the Bolshoi to the intimate whispers of off-Broadway debuts. Let's explore the world of balletic brilliance together, shall we?
Moscow's Opulence: A Swan Queen's Grand Return
From the grand, neo-classical grandeur of the Bolshoi Theatre, we find a dazzling production of "Swan Lake." It's as if chaikovsky himself has returned to re-imagine his masterpiece! The renowned ballerina, Anya Petrova, steps back into the spotlight as Odette, a ballerina with the grace of a swan and the fire of a warrior. Every turn and plié exudes pure enchantment, and the audience, swept away by her delicate performance, are utterly transfixed. Anya, my dears, simply steals the show!
The staging itself, an explosion of sumptuous velvet and gold, is a true spectacle to behold, worthy of a Russian Imperial ball. The costumes? Darling, simply divine! Feather-light tutus and swirling silk - all meticulously crafted to mimic the feather and silk of our elegant avian friend, the swan.
As the drama unfolds and we watch Odette, the delicate princess of the lake, battle for freedom, we see the powerful connection between ballet and human emotions - a connection that reaches into our hearts and moves us in ways words simply cannot.
London's Modern Muse: A Sensation at the Royal Opera House
From the gilded magnificence of Moscow we journey across the globe, landing amidst the charmingly theatrical air of London's Covent Garden. The Royal Ballet's presentation of Christopher Wheeldon's "The Winter's Tale" has shaken the city to its core. A bold fusion of classical choreography and contemporary storytelling, "The Winter's Tale" is a poignant exploration of loss, redemption and ultimately, love.
The opening scene is one of utter tranquility, as we are gently ushered into a sunlit court. The costumes are simply exquisite – ethereal white gowns accentuated by a palette of warm browns and shimmering silver – so perfectly complementing the gorgeous scenery. It's a dream of the Renaissance in all its glorious details. The transition to winter's bleak, chilling landscape is so expertly done. It's as if the whole theatre is swallowed by a sense of mournful longing.
As we watch Perdita, played with an electrifying tenderness by the radiant new star, Ellie Richmond, dance her way to freedom, I am reminded that ballet can transcend the confines of time and truly move our souls. Wheeldon has given us something so profound, yet so tender - a story of life, loss and rebirth told with grace, power, and a beautiful, elegant touch.
New York's Undercurrents: A Ballet in Black and White
Across the Atlantic again - now to the city that never sleeps, where a new voice is being heard - a new voice in ballet - with a story to tell. In the intimate space of the Joyce Theater, the "Black Label Movement" presented their latest creation, "The Shadow Within," a piece as dark and compelling as the city that embraced it. This ballet is a study in the power of contrast – a dark, almost unsettling journey through a world where shadows reign supreme. With its stark, black costumes - some draped with silvery wisps of tulle, echoing a gothic elegance – it's a study in stark contrasts.
The "Black Label Movement" has crafted something intense and powerful, leaving us pondering its meaning long after the final curtain falls. There is a powerful raw energy in their choreography that draws you in, leaving you feeling both stimulated and a little unsettled, in a good way of course, darling! I always like a bit of intrigue in my dance, it keeps things interesting, wouldn't you agree?
Paris: The Magic of the Grand Palais
Oh, Paris, the City of Lights - the most romantic of dance capitals - and a place where ballet takes on a certain extra touch of whimsy.
And the Paris Opera doesn't disappoint! It's been bringing ballet back to life on a grand scale with its latest staging of "Giselle." It makes my heart leap, just seeing the ballet cast against the spectacular backdrop of the Grand Palais!
The ballet is both classical and unexpectedly dark, a beautiful collision of romanticism and drama. From the silky costumes - with their pastel hues - to the dramatic reveal of Giselle's descent into madness, the story moves along with a slight melancholy. It's a story that's been told and retold a million times, but in the Paris Opera production it finds a whole new life and a power that still manages to touch us deeply. The production has a certain Parisian je ne sais quoi - an ethereal elegance - which is just magnificent. It's not all melancholy, dear reader. There are moments of pure, joyful exuberance, like when Giselle, danced by a delicate, elegant Sophie Dufour twirls with the sun shining down on her ( they used real sunlight, amazing!) and all is well with the world! The dancing - as always with the Paris Opera - is exquisite.
Tokyo's Urban Fusion: Street Meets Classical
Now, we head East, where modern Japan's urban heart thrum with energy, a energy that finds an intriguing expression in dance. At the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, the Ballet company "Dance Pulse" presents their work “Neon Zen.” It's a unique blending of traditional Japanese movement with elements of street dance - hip hop and contemporary jazz all swirled into the mix! The result is an unforgettable spectacle of power and fluidity, a fusion of styles, a beautiful chaos of color and energy! The stage, a backdrop of shimmering neon lights, is a perfect backdrop to this intensely urbanized performance. And the costumes - think urban streetwear with a touch of the traditional - really bring out the visual contrast, and the costumes, my dear, are simply fantastic. This ballet company takes street culture, gives it a modern twist and adds a touch of elegance, and with a few classical ballet moves, it becomes something very special. The dancers' energy is raw and passionate. It’s as if they’re weaving a story with their bodies. I was so moved by the passion and the creativity – and of course, the technique! The dancers are not just dancers, they are storytellers! They give their whole heart to the performance! It is with this energy and passion that this new breed of ballet is pushing the boundaries of the classical and drawing audiences in, bringing ballet to the streets of Tokyo.
And a Little Something Special - Ballet in the Unexpected
The ballet world, darling, is no longer confined to traditional opera houses. The art of dance is bursting from its gilded cage and into the world! It can be found on the streets of New York as flash mobs, performed on the banks of the Seine, or even at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We found a delightful group of ballerinas in London, doing an exquisite piece at the National Gallery! Imagine – ballet in front of one of those great masterpieces – it was lovely! This is dance in its most unconventional and exciting form! And it is a joy to be a part of this ever evolving, always moving world.
A Toast to Our Dancers: A Season of Grace and Power
Dearest readers, as the season changes, the dance world never ceases to amaze us! It’s a reminder that grace and power can coexist – in every plié and every jeté! In the autumn of 2009, the dancers have been unstoppable! Theirs is an art of dedication and sacrifice - but oh darling, the rewards are worth it, as they continue to captivate audiences with their beauty and energy! We will be back next month with another round of reviews, of all the ballet excitement from across the globe! But in the meantime - go out, see a show and be inspired!
Yours In Dance, Alexandra Duvall