Oh darling, what a month for ballet! From the grand avenues of Paris to the vibrant shores of Sydney, the dance world has been swirling with a delightful kaleidoscope of talent and artistry. A flurry of premières, revivals, and international collaborations have left my heart aflutter, and my dance-loving soul positively delirious.
First stop, the Paris Opéra, where the ethereal grace of Sylvie Guillem returned to the stage in a triumphant revival of Balanchine’s "Agon". The legendary ballerina, looking impossibly youthful, danced with an otherworldly lightness and intensity. The sheer audacity and clarity of her technique left me spellbound. Every plié, every arabesque, every extension spoke of years of dedicated practice and unwavering commitment.
Speaking of dedicated practice, the Bolshoi in Moscow had us gasping with awe in a truly spellbinding staging of Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet”. From the opening strains of the orchestral score, I was utterly transfixed by the passion and dramatic force exuded by the company's dancers. The romantic lead, Svetlana Zakharova, displayed a breathtaking mix of classical elegance and raw emotion, capturing the very essence of Juliet's innocence and tragic fate.
A more playful take on romanticism arrived at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, with the world premiere of Wayne McGregor’s new "Concerto". Set to Stravinsky’s exhilarating music, the work boasted some exquisitely designed costumes, giving a distinct 'Art Deco' vibe, that completely captured the era's aesthetic. The intricate, complex choreography – so McGregor – felt both intensely contemporary and strikingly original.
Across the pond, at New York’s Lincoln Center, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater captivated audiences with the stunning "Revelations". This seminal work, with its potent mix of spiritual and worldly elements, is simply a masterpiece. The emotion is palpable, the technique is powerfully impressive, and the raw, human experience shines through, bringing the audience to their feet.
For a lighter touch, I recommend the delightfully charming production of "Cinderella" at the Sydney Opera House. It was perfectly executed, the dancers, exquisite in their grace and fluidity. The choreography blended traditional ballet elements with a touch of contemporary flair. The magical transformations were beautifully crafted and the sets, absolutely exquisite.
Looking beyond the grand stage productions, some of my most memorable moments have been those featuring smaller ensembles. The intimate, “La Création” , a small dance collective, that took their unique blend of neo-classical and contemporary dance to several cities around the globe. The passion and artistry of these dancers truly moved me.
While it’s important to keep the traditions alive, there's a vibrant energy in today’s ballet scene that's pushing the boundaries. The choreographers I’m particularly excited about this year are, in no particular order: Christopher Wheeldon – a visionary of the highest caliber, who effortlessly blends classic and modern; Cathy Marston, with her dramatic storytelling and sensitive portrayal of complex female characters; and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, whose bold and evocative work is always intellectually provocative and visually captivating.
I'm always on the lookout for the new generation of ballet dancers. And darling, what a talent pool! Here are some I simply must mention:
- Misty Copeland: With her powerful performance in "Firebird", Misty is making waves as the first African-American female principal dancer of American Ballet Theatre. A true inspiration to us all.
- Sergei Polunin – a real maverick in ballet – whose raw power and emotion can make your heart flutter and your eyes well up.
- Marianela Nuñez - I was enthralled by her tender portrayal of Giselle in the Royal Ballet's production.
- James Inglesby - The new kid on the block – watch this space – I have a feeling he is going to be a big name one day, a true prodigy.
Of course, no review of the current ballet scene would be complete without a mention of the increasingly popular 'Ballet on Film' genre. We have seen some truly amazing films in recent months, from the profound “Spellbound” – a fascinating look into the ballet world with amazing filming, to the more playful and charming “Black Swan.” I simply must add – the lighting in “Black Swan” is exquisite, and those costumes are to die for.
It’s been a remarkable month in the world of ballet, a celebration of artistry and expression. Whether you are a seasoned ballet aficionado or simply curious, I urge you to immerse yourself in this exquisite art form.
And now darling, I'm off to pick up my new pair of Manolo Blahniks – they're just the thing for a gala premiere at the Metropolitan Opera. Until next time, my darlings, may your toe shoes always be shiny, your jumps soar high, and your dance stories always be heart touching.