AI Ballet Fashion Review 630

A Month of Dance Delights: November 2009 Darling, let's just say November has been a simply *divine* month for a dance aficionado like myself. From the opulence of the Bolshoi to the edgy creativity of Nederlands Dans Theater, I've flitted from city to city, soaking up the most exquisite performances that left me simply breathless. Moscow's Majesty First, we simply *had* to start with Moscow. Imagine my delight at seeing the Bolshoi Theatre restored to its former glory! The grand chandeliers glittered, the red velvet plush practically whispered secrets, and the sheer artistry of the dancers...well, it's no wonder they have such a revered history. * **Giselle**, a classic, yes, but under the direction of the divine Alexei Ratmansky, it became something entirely new, refreshingly raw yet beautifully evocative. The effortless partnering, the breathtaking leaps, the soul-stirring portrayal of passion and betrayal – a complete triumph, darling! I simply had to be reminded how vital this ballet truly is, how its storytelling can captivate and move you beyond words. And, my dears, Olga Smirnova – the embodiment of youthful grace and technical brilliance. Simply divine! * **Swan Lake**? Of course. And in this revival, the swans glided across the stage, an ethereal flock of pure beauty. The lead, Svetlana Zakharova, was ethereal – a true goddess. The technical precision, the graceful extensions – everything just...perfection! * And a small delight, my dears: the "**Concerto DSCH**", a ballet from choreographer Alexei Ratmansky's early years. This playful, almost abstract piece, with its bold contemporary lines, was like a burst of sunshine in a room filled with grand masterpieces. It reminded me of the sheer joy and exuberance that dance can evoke. Amsterdam's Avant-Garde Next, a whirlwind trip to Amsterdam for the ever-daring Nederlands Dans Theater, or NDT as the cool kids call them. Now, darling, these aren't your traditional ballets, oh no. Think of these performances as artistic expressions, daringly pushing the boundaries, defying expectations. It's the kind of stuff that sends a shiver down your spine! * **"The Rite of Spring"** is an eternal favourite of mine. Its brutal energy, raw emotion, and captivating choreography, set against the iconic Stravinsky score – simply masterful! The dancers, a perfect storm of talent, embody both savagery and grace. I particularly loved the visceral movement that the choreographer, Paul Lightfoot, drew from these incredible performers. One feels like a participant in this primeval rite! * Then, a new piece by Jiří Kylián – the maestro of lyrical elegance and poetic movement. This one was a real conversation starter, with dancers embodying characters who appeared as lost souls adrift in a sea of contemporary anxiety. Kylián, with his unique sense of storytelling, manages to communicate an unsettling yet moving reality – leaving the audience with lingering questions long after the curtain has fallen. Simply captivating. * And don't forget, my dears, NDT 2. These younger, yet equally impressive dancers brought a freshness and a fiery spirit that simply couldn't be ignored! It’s amazing to witness young talent on the rise. London's Luxury Back to the UK, now for a peek at what's happening in London – where, of course, they do things in style! The Royal Opera House, the iconic landmark of London's arts scene, was naturally on my list. * **"Manon"** was the perfect mix of lavish sets, intricate costumes, and, of course, the heart-wrenching love story of Manon. This production is always a highlight, darling, showcasing the raw passion, the desperation of Manon, and the yearning of Des Grieux. Maria Kochetkova – such stunning vulnerability in her performance, simply heartbreaking. And, dear me, Carlos Acosta as Des Grieux was divine. His powerful, emotive performance simply captured my heart! * For those seeking the ultimate elegance, **"La Bayadère"** was an absolute spectacle. The choreography is pure spectacle, with beautiful variations for the ballerinas, an elaborate Kingdom of the Shades sequence with mesmerizing corps work – the costumes were beyond fabulous! The technical perfection on display was truly awe-inspiring. * A must-see for the seasoned balletomane, **"The Dream"** at the English National Ballet truly transported us. The whimsical ballet based on Midsummer Night's Dream was filled with witty humor, enchanting performances – everything you want from a romantic comedy, but on stage, my dear! * A sneak peak into the Royal Ballet's programme unveiled a "new" **"Romeo and Juliet"**. So intrigued. I have a feeling it will set tongues wagging... I shall definitely make it a point to see it very soon. Beyond the City Lights My dance excursions haven't just been confined to major metropolises. I have an eye for the emerging talents everywhere! * **Scottish Ballet** in Edinburgh, a truly dynamic group who captivated with their fresh, innovative pieces. **"The Winter's Tale"**, for instance, a beautiful reimagining of Shakespeare's play with powerful dancing and stunning costumes – quite remarkable! Scottish Ballet, you keep your eye on them, darlings, I tell you. They are surely headed for even greater things! * **Dance Umbrella**, London’s haven of independent dance companies, was a treat for the discerning eye. It's where you discover the unexpected, the challenging, the exhilarating, all under one roof! There, I discovered a truly compelling work, a dance-theatre piece by a little known, yet quite amazing, company, "**Motionhouse**". This "**The Beginning**", was raw, intense, with mesmerizing physicality - they really did push the boundaries, a daring combination of physical performance, and moving light displays - and their costumes – darling! Quite simply genius. * **Sadler’s Wells** in London has always been a fantastic venue for cutting-edge dance and has never disappointed. This month, it's where I enjoyed a truly exquisite show called “**Corridor**” by the brilliant Akram Khan. This innovative, hypnotic work blended Khan's distinct, dynamic movement language, an emotional, powerful score with intricate visuals that kept me enthralled – you absolutely had to experience this one. A dance for our time, darling! New Discoveries and Timeless Classics November truly has been a phenomenal month for dance, a kaleidoscope of styles, performances that leave you breathless and, quite honestly, re-ignited my love for this art form. I always try to stay fresh and find something new, but nothing, darling, nothing, quite compares to those ballets that stand the test of time. The sheer perfection, the iconic choreography, the way these classics manage to connect to you in a profound, timeless way… well, that's something quite special. And November was definitely about pushing those boundaries while staying true to the very core of why we love ballet in the first place. It is a language that transcends cultural differences and truly speaks to the soul. A universal art form. So, darling, what are you waiting for? Grab your tickets, slink into a fabulous dress, and head for the theatre. A magical experience awaits.