A Midsummer Night’s Dream In Review
Darling, what a month it’s been! June has been simply divine – and the balletic offerings haven’t disappointed. From the glittering grandeur of the Bolshoi to the intimate charm of a tiny studio performance, my little black book is bursting with delectable morsels to dissect and savor with you, my dearest readers. Let’s dive in, shall we?
The Bolshoi’s Star-Studded Dream
First stop, Moscow. The Bolshoi, always a behemoth of ballet, did not disappoint with its opulent staging of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The legendary choreography by Yuri Grigorovich, now thankfully preserved and reprised for a new generation, is an absolute feast for the eyes. The ethereal quality of the fairy dances was simply exquisite – with a cast led by the stunning Ekaterina Krysanova, so effortless, so technically brilliant that it all seemed effortless – and that my dears, is a true mark of brilliance.
I was utterly captivated by the comedic interplay of the “human” characters: Nikolai Tsiskaridze's Bottom – hilariously rendered - and Olga Smirnova’s exquisite Hermia, radiating a genuine vulnerability, made for a sublime contrast. Of course, one could not fail to be enchanted by the romantic, dreamy sequences, with Dmitri Berman as Lysander and Alexander Volchkov as Demetrius delivering a passionate performance that stole hearts. This, darlings, is a ballet you must see before it disappears – a triumph for Grigorovich’s artistry and for the Bolshoi company.
From Russia with Love… and Elegance
But there were other Russian treasures on display this month. The Mariinsky Ballet was on fire at the Edinburgh Festival. Their programme showcased the company's versatility, ranging from the dramatic, emotive “Rite of Spring” – beautifully savage, with every single dancer showcasing the brilliance of their individual techniques – to the whimsical, romantic, yet always captivating, “Sylvia.”
However, darling, what really sent the Edinburgh audience into raptures was the exquisite Natalia Osipova. Her ethereal performance in “La Sylphide” was a perfect display of ethereal beauty and technical mastery. Yes, the Mariinsky remains an artistic beacon in the world of dance.
Parisian Flair: New Steps, Old Favourites
Parisian flair has always had a certain something, hasn’t it? The Opéra National de Paris always has the latest in balletic happenings – a captivating mix of avant-garde and the traditional. This month we were treated to a premiere by the iconic choregrapher, Angelin Preljocaj – “Le Parc” - that sent the ballet world into a flurry of excitement.
It’s not exactly for the faint of heart darlings, with its brooding darkness and challenging concepts – think “Apocalypse Now” meets ballet – but there was such a powerful intensity about Preljocaj’s creation. His vision, as always, is audacious – with dancers literally grappling with their internal demons while wearing magnificent costumes, each detail intricately conceived. A real head-turning performance.
And then, for the romantic and the nostalgic amongst us – oh, my, what a treat! – “La Bayadère”. The Opéra’s production felt timeless, imbued with the classic grandeur, yet so effortlessly delivered, by the phenomenal dancers of the company, showcasing their supreme technical mastery – every jeté seemed to fly for eternity. I just had to see it twice!
Diamonds and Jewels in New York
My darling New York always promises the best in every realm, doesn't it? The American Ballet Theatre (ABT) is renowned for their impeccable artistry and the sheer diversity of their productions – from the classics to the new cutting edge works.
Their season finale this June was simply breathtaking – “Diamonds” from George Balanchine’s “Jewels” – was absolutely divine. A sheer testament to Balanchine’s genius. The diamond-like sparkle, the elegance of the formations, and, darling, the incredible stamina of the ABT dancers is an incredible feat, given the incredible demands of this iconic choreography. I simply had to gasp - it’s a performance that leaves you in a blissful daze.
The Intimacy of Dance
You think one needs a grandiose setting for real dance, my darlings? – Well, you’re wrong. The London studio production of "In the Still of the Night", a work choreographed by the up and coming young star, Thomas Adams, showcased how profound and powerful the sheer intimacy of dance can be. This, darlings, was raw, emotional and simply breathtaking. Thomas Adams, an artist I've kept my eye on – and here he was delivering, a performance brimming with raw passion - and the way he draws you into his inner world, it was simply magical. This performance was like looking into a soul.
My darlings, what a wonderful journey it has been. So, while we savor this summer’s magic, and anticipate the delights to come in autumn, keep dancing with your hearts!