AI Ballet Fashion Review 658

Ballet International: March 2012 Darlings, What a whirlwind of a month it has been! My little black book is bursting at the seams with exciting performances and breathtaking displays of artistry. From the frosty climes of Scandinavia to the sultry shores of the Mediterranean, ballet has been in full bloom. Let’s dive in, shall we? London Calling London, as always, has been a feast for the senses. The Royal Ballet continues to captivate, their rendition of MacMillan’s Manon being particularly stunning. Natalia Osipova’s Manon was an intoxicating blend of innocence and defiance, while Steven McRae, as Des Grieux, danced with an electrifying energy that brought tears to my eyes. Yes, I know, I'm such a drama queen. But truly, McRae's portrayal of tortured love was a sight to behold, making the entire production a must-see for anyone in town. At the Royal Opera House, I also caught a revival of Ashton’s The Dream, a delightful escape into Shakespeare’s world. Marianela Nuñez, with her enchanting charm, breathed life into the ethereal Titania. Her partnered work with the magnificent Edward Watson as Oberon was a revelation of perfect balance and playful sensuality. And of course, no rendition of The Dream would be complete without the comedic brilliance of the mischievous Puck, a role that was brought to life with charming wit by the ever-so-talented Bennet Gartside. But London isn’t all about the big names. The English National Ballet impressed with its contemporary reimagining of Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet. The choreography, while challenging, showcased the company’s strength and technical prowess, making for a surprisingly powerful and engaging evening. Parisian Elegance Across the channel in Paris, the Opéra de Paris unveiled its new production of La Bayadère, a spectacle of extravagant sets and lavish costumes. The story, for those unfamiliar, is a tragic tale of forbidden love and betrayal, brought to life by the breathtaking artistry of étoile Aurelie Dupont as Nikiya. Dupont's graceful movements, coupled with the ethereal beauty of her costume, painted an unforgettable portrait of love and despair. The entire ensemble, with their impeccable technique and sheer energy, simply transported me. Paris really does know how to create an occasion, darling! New York, New York In New York, the American Ballet Theatre continued its successful season, captivating audiences with the power and dynamism of The Firebird. The dynamic principal dancer Misty Copeland as the fiery bird, displayed breathtaking athletics in a tour de force performance, drawing cheers and standing ovations at every curtain call. And don’t even get me started on the incredible performance at the New York City Ballet. The opening of their season with Swan Lake was a treat, the entire production bathed in an aura of timeless elegance. The dual role of Odette/Odile was flawlessly inhabited by the divine Tiler Peck. The contrast in the portrayal, delicate swan by day, seductive black swan by night, was truly riveting. Her exquisite technique, coupled with her uncanny ability to capture the essence of both swan-like grace and temptress allure, left the audience breathless. A Touch of Whimsy But ballet isn't just about the classics, darlings. From the hallowed halls of the Bolshoi to the intimate stages of smaller companies around the world, the contemporary scene is alive and well, pushing the boundaries of the art form. One particular highlight of the month was a performance at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York. The sheer joy, creativity, and power in Alvin Ailey’s signature work, Revelations, is always thrilling. It’s pure emotional expression at its best, and this month the performance was truly captivating. Across the Continent Traveling further afield, in the Netherlands, the Dutch National Ballet has also been keeping audiences enthralled. The opening of their season included Hans van Manen's choreography for "Adagio Hammerklavier." This beautiful piece, based on Beethoven's music, is a must-see for those seeking a touch of elegance and subtlety in their dance experience. Their work really is breathtaking and a reminder that ballet can be equally poignant and exhilarating. But of course, what is a tour of ballet without mentioning the land of the Bolshoi, Russia? The grand old company, after its own trials and tribulations, has returned to full strength. I was thrilled to see a particularly fine rendition of Giselle in Moscow. Olga Smirnova's portrayal of Giselle was heartrending, her technique and expressiveness simply remarkable. While the grand company may face challenges internally, the quality of the dancing and the sheer drama of the production, still left me spellbound. The New Generation But it’s not just the veterans that are setting the stage alight. I am continually impressed by the exciting new generation of dancers who are redefining what it means to be a ballerina or danseur. In San Francisco, I caught a performance by the San Francisco Ballet, where the young talent of Sasha De Sola gave an impressive performance in Balanchine’s Theme and Variations. Another notable talent I spotted this month was at the National Ballet of Canada, in Toronto. The charming and wonderfully expressive Canadian-born dancer Heather Ogden shone in their rendition of Swan Lake. It is so exciting to see these young artists bringing fresh perspectives to the classical canon. Concluding Thoughts As March comes to a close, I leave you, my dear readers, with the undeniable truth: ballet is alive and well. Whether you're drawn to the grand spectacle of a classical masterpiece or the raw power of contemporary movement, there is something for every dance lover. So put on your most chic outfit, grab a friend, and venture out to see some ballet. It's a form of art that is sure to stay with you, long after the curtain falls. Until next time, darling! Yours always in the spotlight, The Ballet Whisperer