Oh, Darling, The Season is Here!
A new season brings fresh air, the smell of lilac, and for us, of course, it means a thrilling resurgence of exquisite art forms – but nothing delights me more than ballet, the absolute pinnacle of graceful movement and storytelling.
The Parisian season has been utterly exquisite, as always. The **Opéra de Paris**, always a haven for dazzling displays of athleticism, presented a ravishing revival of Le Corsaire that made my heart race! The choreography, whilst traditional, was breathtakingly executed. The costumes? Divine! The legendary Polina Semionova brought a tempestuous fire to her portrayal of Medora. Oh, and her *port de bras*? Absolutely exquisite. My dear friends, you must make the journey!
Across the Channel at the **Royal Opera House**, the air buzzed with excitement for the unveiling of the newest, most breathtaking work of art: Wayne McGregor’s latest masterpiece. My darling, it's truly groundbreaking! He’s pushing the boundaries of movement, challenging the very notion of classical form, and dare I say, creating something entirely new. It’s exhilarating, it’s provocative, and, yes, it's certainly something of a departure, but for those who dare to venture outside the familiar, it’s a truly magnificent spectacle. The set was minimalistic yet captivating; and the score? Well, let's just say that my ears are still ringing with its brilliance.
Then, we must move our attention to Russia, a bastion of classical tradition, where **the Bolshoi Ballet** recently concluded a phenomenal performance of Giselle. A symphony of elegance, passion and heartbreaking tragedy, it played out under the gilded ceiling of the historical Bolshoi theatre. **Svetlana Zakharova**, as Giselle, was ethereal, her grace, effortless, her portrayal heart-wrenching. And speaking of Russia, **Mikhail Baryshnikov**, oh that man, is making a triumphant return! The great maestro is in town to teach at the illustrious **Vaganova Academy**, nurturing the next generation of Russian ballerinas – it truly makes one hope for the future of this grand art form.
On a much smaller scale but just as exquisite, the **American Ballet Theatre** is presenting an unusually intimate and powerful production of La Bayadere in New York, an exquisite showcase of exquisite choreography, vibrant storytelling, and of course, glorious costumes that would make a fashion designer drool. This isn't just ballet - it's a celebration of color, passion, and the triumph of the human spirit. Misty Copeland, an absolute star, embodies Nikiya, the tempestuous Bayadère, with a powerful combination of strength and elegance that truly leaves the audience spellbound.
Moving onto our beloved London, where the ballet scene is abuzz, let's delve into the intriguing offerings from our esteemed ballet schools. The Royal Ballet School has been, of course, on a dazzling performance tour, enchanting audiences worldwide. From the elegant Swan Lake to the whimsical Alice in Wonderland, these budding stars continue to mesmerize and inspire. And of course, my dearest readers, you simply cannot miss the upcoming production of Cinderella by English National Ballet, promising to be a captivating and whimsical spectacle. The music will be stunning, the costumes a dream! The whole thing is, darling, sheer theatre.
Oh! And let us not forget **the Rambert Dance Company** – they have a fantastic show at the **Barbican Centre**, which, while pushing the boundaries, is always worth a visit, dear readers. But for those who are seeking the familiar joy of traditionally-crafted dance pieces, then **The Royal Ballet’s** new production of The Sleeping Beauty promises to be a beautiful and traditional classic, one you won't want to miss! Oh, those tutus, those delicate pas de deux! It is truly the very definition of a storybook romance, executed with perfection and grace!
Of course, all this artistry begs the question: what are we wearing, darling? Ballet demands elegant, refined style! For this season, I've fallen head over heels for Lanvin – those draped gowns, they have the air of ballet itself! A statement piece in emerald green or an off-white confection? Divine! Of course, one must always accessorise! I am loving Chanel's delicate gold necklaces that, quite frankly, look as beautiful as the graceful limbs of our favorite dancers! Don't forget, ladies, the final touch – Christian Louboutin's vibrant red heels will complement the passion of ballet and leave the right amount of a luxurious *je ne sais quoi*.
Now, let’s discuss the upcoming dance world premieres – an exhilarating array of creative new productions that promise to be daring, diverse, and utterly captivating! From the experimental work by Wayne McGregor to Christopher Wheeldon’s ever-inventive narratives and the delicate explorations of Benjamin Millepied – prepare yourselves for a season of mind-bending artistry, exhilarating movement, and stories spun from silk and shadow. This is a season to marvel, dear readers! To truly experience the artistry that only ballet can offer. The time is now. So, slip on that emerald green gown, that delicate gold necklace, put on those vibrant red heels, and take a seat, dear friends, the ballet awaits!