Darling, can you believe it's already October? The leaves are turning a glorious, burnt-umber red and the air is crisp, making my favourite season all the more delectable. I can practically feel the plush velvet of the opera house seats beneath me as the lights dim, anticipating another fabulous performance!
Speaking of which, September brought with it an absolutely divine smorgasbord of ballet brilliance, all begging to be savoured. This month's review is practically overflowing with my observations, my darlings. Get comfortable, pour yourself a glass of something chilled and let us dive into this cultural feast!
London's National Ballet: The Royal Opera House continues its impeccable form with a revival of the incomparable "Giselle." The sheer theatricality and passion in this ballet are what keep bringing audiences back for more. The casting for this production was inspired. I'm going to give an extra dollop of praise for Victoria Du Bois. She absolutely radiated the fragility and devotion of Giselle. I could have watched her heart-breaking performance for hours, dear. You can absolutely see the soul and passion within this ballerina. Her technical perfection just elevates it even more, don’t you think? Then there's the inimitable Vadim Muntagirov. As the deceptive Albrecht, his sinister charm oozed out of every pirouette. Their duet, oh my dear, the chemistry sizzled on stage. Pure drama!
A Royal Gala: And, wouldn’t you know it, there was a Royal Gala at the Covent Garden just last month! I’m not just talking about the presence of the Royal Family, dear – this gala truly did bring out the royal treatment. The talent on display was utterly phenomenal, a veritable feast of dance. Let's start with the charming, witty Alexander Campbell – I have an undeniable penchant for the classics like 'Le Corsaire' and he gave the title role an unparalleled grace, with that perfect blend of daring and panache. And the prima ballerinas, oh dear, simply stunning. The always impressive Marianela Nuñez gave an incandescent 'Don Quixote', brimming with Spanish flair. As for Alina Cojocaru's performance – a beautifully sculpted, emotionally resonant 'La Bayadère', a true treat for the senses.
Parisian Revelations : On the continent, we can't forget the enchanting spectacle that is the Paris Opera Ballet. Oh my darlings, I was so very pleased to catch the premiere of Laurent Hilaire’s ‘Cinderella’. A delightful reimagining of the classic. And his casting was perfect! The petite and graceful Agnès Letestu as the adorable Cinderlla. I confess I was a little sceptical of Paul Marquez's ‘Prince Charming’. However, dear, this charming fellow had the audience spellbound. They had an undeniably natural connection. And his danseur noble style was exquisite. This was an absolute joy to witness – the sets were magical. The sheer talent of this production is a credit to the legacy of French ballet. Let’s not forget, dear, the costumes! An exquisite kaleidoscope of vibrant colour. Simply divine.
A Breath of Fresh Air in Hamburg : If you’re looking for something completely outside the box, dear, you have to get yourself to the Hamburg Ballet! They have been giving contemporary dance a new edge for some years now. I was thrilled by the world premiere of ‘Furioso’ by the up and coming choreographer Johan Inger. Oh my dear, this was truly captivating. His choreography was daring and sensual, the dancers were raw and powerful, but there was a beauty, a poetry in his work, that left me wanting more. I do think it was bold of Hamburg to showcase such an unorthodox work – it is a statement of intent and I am intrigued. It is important that our loved art form keeps evolving and staying relevant, wouldn't you agree?
Bolshoi Back in the Spotlight: I must mention my recent trip to Moscow, dear. The Bolshoi Theatre is a sight to be beheld! Despite all the drama in recent years, the Bolshoi has truly emerged from the fire. It's almost like a phoenix, rising stronger and brighter than ever! The level of talent on stage, the sheer passion, the breathtaking skill it is almost as if the renovations had magically enhanced the entire theatre. And don't get me started on the Bolshoi’s production of 'Swan Lake'. It was as though I’d stepped into a classic ballet painting. I felt as though I was in another world, wrapped up in a tapestry of elegance, and grace.
And Speaking of New Talent... We need to keep our eyes on the next generation, dear, and this September really did reveal some future stars. I have my eye on a young ballerina called Elena Korobeinikova. I had the pleasure of seeing her in the Mariinsky Ballet in St Petersburg. This girl, dear, is destined for great things. Her movements are light, but there’s also such power and precision, I find it incredibly captivating! And there’s something almost electric about her stage presence. And then there’s this incredible Japanese danseur called Kaito Kobayashi, currently at the San Francisco Ballet, this young man moves with such strength and grace that you forget he’s actually performing incredibly demanding pieces. I've already heard that this boy is destined for big things. We must not overlook these new rising stars as they are the future of our beloved ballet.
I must be going, darling, I have an exquisite cocktail soiree to attend this evening, but don’t worry I’ll keep my eyes peeled for any other gems that shine brightly on the dance stage. In the meantime, my darlings, make sure you indulge in a dance or two. The dance is a language we all understand no matter where we come from or what language we speak. And I for one can't wait to see what November will bring! Until next month, my darlings, Au revoir!