Darling, the world of ballet is truly abuzz with excitement this month, so much so that itâs practically impossible to take it all in. Itâs as if every company, from the most hallowed of institutions to the most charming of fringe productions, has pulled out all the stops. Itâs an absolute joy to behold.
Letâs start, shall we, with a must-see performance: âGiselleâ at the Bolshoi in Moscow. I daresay it is utterly fabulous! Natalia Osipova, simply stunning, was on fire with the dramatic pathos and tender lyricism that weâve all come to expect from her. David Hallberg, equally magnificent, was a strong yet sensitive Albrecht. They brought a level of intensity and commitment that left the audience completely breathless. Honestly, darlings, it was nothing short of a divine experience!
I am dying to share with you a production from the heart of Paris, âLa Bayadèreâ, presented by the incomparable Paris Opera Ballet. What an exquisite ballet, absolutely overflowing with gorgeous costumes and captivating spectacle! AurĂŠlie Dupont, as the divine Nikiya, truly gave life to the tragic heroine with her delicate artistry and radiant beauty. The ensemble work, I have to tell you, was stunning â truly, a masterpiece in synchronization and elegant grace. I am particularly drawn to the âKingdom of the Shades,â the highlight of the ballet. There, under the dim moonlight, the Corps de Ballet glides seamlessly like ethereal beings, captivating us with a beauty that is otherworldly. Absolutely breathtaking! And do we need to discuss the vibrant, dazzling colors of the Kingdom of the Sun? Just breathtaking!
Then there was âThe Sleeping Beautyâ at the Royal Ballet in London, which truly sent chills down my spine. It's the perfect opportunity to soak in the opulent spectacle of this classical gem, complete with an unforgettable finale that truly took my breath away! This cast had me completely enthralled - the beautiful Marianela Nunez was a princess we all adored and Carlos Acosta's vibrant and confident interpretation of Prince Florimund. This production really did bring magic to life. Honestly, you are truly missing out if you have not had the opportunity to experience this production.
But you see, Londonâs been a real haven for exquisite dance. I simply had to tell you about my experience at Sadlerâs Wells with âCinderellaâ by Matthew Bourne. This reinterpretation, so beautifully executed and cleverly conceived, redefines the entire Cinderella mythos. A stark, modern setting and incredibly powerful storytelling set against the most stunning of costumes, especially those on the mice. Honestly, the Stepsisters, a delightfully demented duo, were pure comedy. My darling, the performance is as heart-warming as it is refreshingly subversive.
Now, if youâre after a breath of fresh air, darling, head on over to New York City for the American Ballet Theatre's production of "Romeo and Juliet", this performance is a classic reimagining that will captivate your heart and your soul. You can simply feel the chemistry between the two main dancers: Misty Copelandâs Juliet was absolutely captivating â a delicate yet deeply expressive embodiment of both naive passion and fierce determination. While David Hallberg, again a delight to behold, channeled an equally powerful yet heartbroken Romeo. This production truly touched my heart and the entire performance was truly sublime. I would recommend it to every single soul.
Over in Spain, thereâs the stunning and breathtaking "Don Quixote" presented by the ever-so-amazing Spanish National Ballet. The dancers here move with a vibrant passion and energy, really taking the choreography and characters to the next level. The productionâs playful energy and bold execution truly captures the vivacity and wit of Cervantes' novel. You canât not leave feeling joyously energized. The audience, honestly, was enthralled - cheering with such gusto at each dynamic turn of the plot.
Letâs move now, darlings, to a piece that is simply unforgettable â a truly moving rendition of âSwan Lakeâ by the Berlin State Ballet. Their presentation, with exquisite artistry and heartbreaking emotional depth, transported me. The ballerina's ability to switch so effortlessly between Odette, the innocent Swan Queen, and the manipulative Odile truly floored me, giving the performance a mesmerizing depth and gravitas. I have to confess, I shed a tear or two!
Finally, I must tell you about my incredible experience with "The Nutcracker" presented by the Royal Danish Ballet, it truly transported me to a fairytale. This beautifully crafted piece boasts mesmerizing costumes and sets, along with a cast whose talent and spirit truly shines through. With elegant movements, breathtaking leaps, and captivating storytelling, every moment was truly enchanted. Do you know, there wasnât a dry eye in the entire house during the Snowflakes pas de deux. This version simply has to be experienced - it is utterly enchanting!
These, my dearest, are just a glimpse into the vibrant world of ballet! Of course, there are so many other stunning productions going on right now, but my darling, I have only so many words!
Before we part, though, I canât leave out some absolutely charming smaller-scale delights that stole my heart:
- âThe Rite of Springâ by the Scottish Ballet â A modern and dynamic interpretation, with vibrant, impactful choreography that will truly blow you away. It's certainly a performance that will stick with you.
- âCarmenâ presented by the English National Ballet, with a mesmerizing adaptation of Bizetâs famous work into ballet. This was a thrilling fusion of drama and grace.
- "Les Sylphidesâ, a captivating performance with breathtaking grace, exquisite precision, and an undeniable magic in every step, truly made a lasting impression at the San Francisco Ballet. The beautiful costumes and delicate choreography created an ambiance of pure magic that just about left me breathless.
In conclusion, my lovelies, what an absolute joy itâs been to see how ballet continues to thrive. We truly live in an era where the beauty and expression of ballet transcend geographical boundaries, uniting the entire world under its mesmerizing embrace.