The World of Ballet: April 2012
My dears, what a whirlwind of balletic brilliance it’s been this month! From the hallowed halls of the Bolshoi to the vibrant stages of New York, the dance world has been alight with a kaleidoscope of talent, artistry, and exquisite execution. My little black book has been scribbling away, so allow me to share my most treasured impressions, from the exquisitely poignant to the shockingly audacious.
A Return to Grandeur: The Bolshoi’s ‘Swan Lake’
There’s something about the Bolshoi, darling, that makes one’s heart skip a beat. And it’s not just the stunningly ornate interiors (although those definitely don’t hurt!). The grandeur of the theatre itself somehow imbues the performances with a touch of the regal. The recent revival of 'Swan Lake', featuring a truly exquisite Odette/Odile by the luminous Olga Smirnova, is simply not to be missed. Smirnova is a force of nature, captivating the audience with her sublime elegance and emotive artistry. Her famous fouetté sequences are simply breathtaking - they seemed to float, an ethereal blur of white tulle against the shadowy stage. Of course, it wouldn’t be ‘Swan Lake’ without a prince worthy of our heroine’s affections, and Dmitry Sotnikov proved a delightful romantic counterpart. I’m positively swooning just thinking about it!
Royal Ballet: A Royal Affair in the ‘The Winter’s Tale’
A bold departure from the traditional ballet repertoire, the Royal Ballet’s ‘The Winter’s Tale’ is not for the faint of heart. This ambitious collaboration between Christopher Wheeldon and the playwright, Tom Stoppard, explores Shakespeare’s tangled themes of jealousy, loss, and ultimately, forgiveness. The setting - a beautifully stark design by Bob Crowley - captures the bleakness of the opening acts perfectly. The ballet’s structure is unusual, with more dramatic, word-driven moments, but ultimately it succeeds through the brilliance of the performers. It’s no surprise to say that Natalia Osipova is a powerhouse on the stage. Her expressive quality is unlike any other - I was practically glued to my seat, mesmerized by her portrayal of the doomed Queen Hermione. This is one for the ballet connoisseurs, a journey into Shakespearean depths through the art of movement.
Modern Magic at New York City Ballet: ‘The Runaway’
New York City Ballet is consistently dazzling, always pushing boundaries and showcasing the artistry of its remarkable dancers. This month, they gave us ‘The Runaway’ – a modern ballet set to an intriguing, atmospheric score by Nico Muhly. The piece tells the story of a young woman who, trapped in the rigid confines of social expectation, finds a liberating escape through dance. The choreography, created by the innovative Justin Peck, is a tour-de-force of contemporary style. Peck expertly weaves dramatic and graceful elements together, showcasing the dancers’ extraordinary flexibility and strength. The performance featured a stunning ensemble cast, and a particularly noteworthy performance by Ashley Bouder – she danced with an almost uncanny ethereal quality. I confess, the choreography surprised and enthralled me. Truly modern and unexpected!
Parisian Flair at the Opéra Garnier: ‘Don Quixote’
Ah, Paris! What better place to soak in a charming production of ‘Don Quixote’? I’m always captivated by the artistry of the Parisian ballet dancers, their effortless elegance, their expressive detail - pure delight! The Paris Opera Ballet is an institution in its own right, and ‘Don Quixote’ remains one of their signature performances. It’s a feast for the senses, brimming with spectacle, passion, and of course, the renowned ‘Don Quixote’ variation that every dancer yearns to master. This month, the captivating Marie-Agnès Gillot commanded the stage, her performance as Kitri was sheer joy – a captivating and mesmerizing performance. Her captivating grace and fiery spirit were simply magnetic! Her partner, Nicolas Le Riche, is a delightful counterpart – his charisma and strong dancing were a pleasure to watch! Of course, I couldn’t leave out the adorable character of the Don himself - this ballet is one for the whole family to enjoy.
Ballet Beyond the Borders: An International Showcase
The world of ballet, dear readers, is far more vast than we often imagine. This month, I’ve been fortunate to witness the brilliance of some truly international companies and artists, showcasing a rich tapestry of styles and artistry:
- The Dutch National Ballet in ‘Giselle’: I had the pleasure of attending a beautiful production of ‘Giselle’ by the Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam. This classic ballet, renowned for its emotionally-charged second act, showcases both technical skill and incredible sensitivity. I was particularly taken by Polina Semionova as Giselle. The range of her talent is truly breathtaking. She embodies vulnerability with heartbreaking truth, and then ignites the stage with incredible energy as the vengeful Wilis. Semionova and her fellow dancers transformed this iconic ballet with a fresh energy, making it completely enthralling.
- The National Ballet of Canada in ‘The Nightingale’: Toronto is a haven for the arts and I was excited to see the National Ballet of Canada's latest production of ‘The Nightingale’ by John Neumeier. It’s a ballet based on a fairy tale, beautifully choreographed, and quite moving, I must say. This ballet is a perfect combination of elegant movement, a delicate and moving score, and storytelling at its finest. The lead roles were truly enchanting and well-acted - it’s a perfect example of what makes ballet so beautiful - the telling of stories through gesture, artistry, and of course, sublime dance technique.
- The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: Ah, Alvin Ailey! What a gift this company is to the world of dance. Their bold energy, their emotional storytelling, the sheer dynamism of their performance - always leaves me wanting more. Their touring show featured the timeless classic, ‘Revelations’, a must-see, and an electrifying performance of ‘Ailey/Bessye: A Duet’. It was captivating and simply electrifying, reminding me why Ailey's company continues to break down barriers and captivate hearts across the globe. It's a masterclass in athleticism, emotional storytelling and dance mastery.
A Ballet Fan’s Essential: An Opera House in Paris?
Let’s face it, sometimes we have to treat ourselves, darling. So for all you die-hard ballet fans (and for my own sake!) I thought I’d share a truly special gem – a little known ballet oasis in the heart of Paris: ‘L’Opéra Comique’. Now, this is no ordinary venue! Situated on the charming Place Boieldieu in the Second Arrondissement, L’Opéra Comique combines elegant Art Deco decor, historic charm, and truly exquisite productions. You'll feel like you’ve been transported back to the grand days of operatic performance. Their ballet season runs from October through to June, offering a mix of classics and contemporary productions. It's intimate, unique, and an absolute joy to discover – something just a bit different and decidedly charming.
The Ballet Future: A New Era for Choreography?
In the realm of ballet, it’s been an exciting month! We’ve witnessed stunning renditions of classics, alongside trailblazing choreography that pushes the boundaries of dance. It’s inspiring to see that ballet is evolving - it’s not only preserving the traditions but embracing innovation. The fusion of styles, the integration of modern dance and technology, the collaborations between choreographers and composers - these trends signal a truly thrilling era for ballet. I have a hunch that ballet is poised for a new level of global appreciation. Now, wouldn’t that be divine!
Until next time, darling, happy dancing!