A Midsummer Night's Dream: Reviews from Around the Globe
Ah, July! The air is thick with the scent of jasmine, the sun shines down on our sun-kissed limbs, and the world feels just a little bit more… magical. It’s the perfect time for a touch of balletic escapism, and this month, darling readers, the global stage has been bursting with a kaleidoscope of captivating performances. Let’s dive in, shall we, and see what delights are awaiting us in the realms of ballet?
The Royal Ballet at Covent Garden, Oh darling, to have graced the hallowed halls of the Royal Opera House is a dream come true! The company premiered its new production of **A Midsummer Night’s Dream**, and dear me, it’s simply divine. This wasn’t your typical interpretation of Shakespeare’s whimsical play; instead, choreographer Christopher Wheeldon has woven a tapestry of theatrical brilliance. He captured the heart of Shakespeare's love-tangled story, with delightful use of movement, and beautifully conceived set designs that blended both ethereal forest magic with the whimsy of Oberon and Titania’s nocturnal shenanigans. The choreography was masterful, weaving balletic elegance with acrobatic flair. I simply must mention the performance of **Marianela Núñez** as Titania - utterly divine - her elegant movement and rapturous expressions breathed life into this magical creature. And, **Edward Watson’s Oberon** was, to use a decidedly non-balletic term, smoking! His portrayal of a mischievous, flirtatious, and playful sprite, was breathtaking.
Of course, the magical quality of the performance would have been completely lost without the incredible music! **Felix Mendelssohn** captured the ethereal essence of Shakespeare’s text beautifully. The orchestra was superb, weaving through the stage like a silken thread through an exquisite tapestry. The Royal Opera Chorus brought the drama alive with their passionate performances. In short, this new production is a triumph – a joyful, beautiful, and breathtaking experience.
From Covent Garden, darling, I then ventured forth, across the English Channel, to the city of lights, Paris. There, I was utterly mesmerized by the Ballet de l’Opéra National de Paris’ take on **Swan Lake** at the Palais Garnier. And what a Palais! This majestic theatre, with its soaring arches, rich red velvet interiors and gold-leaf embellishments, provided the perfect backdrop to the classical story of love and betrayal. The production itself was stunning, a masterpiece of balletic artistry. The costumes were dazzling, especially Olga Smirnova’s sparkling Odette swan tutu, the perfect juxtaposition of white and black. I swear, dear, she simply glided across the stage with such poise and elegance – her performance as both the innocent Odette and the seductive, alluring Black Swan was masterful.
Across the Atlantic now, my dears, where the pulsating energy of the United States awaited, and I was eager to see the American Ballet Theatre’s production of **Giselle** at the Metropolitan Opera House. This grand house, designed by Richard Wagner and Louis Comfort Tiffany, is the perfect stage for classical ballet. The production itself was enchanting, with costumes of such intricate beauty, each piece a masterpiece of textile artistry. Misty Copeland as Giselle, a true ballerina of the highest calibre, captivated the audience with her portrayal of love and betrayal. Her technique was nothing short of phenomenal, she was as graceful as a willow in the breeze, her every gesture exuding an unspoken eloquence. I was transfixed by her performance.
As I watched the dancing feet and exquisite artistry of each performance, my dear, I was simply mesmerized by the ballet's sheer grace and beauty, the passion it conveys, and the emotion it evokes, even from audiences from across the world. And as I looked across the bustling crowds of those who thronged to these temples of art, I realised the shared passion for the balletic arts that draws people across all ages, races and classes.
Next month, my darlings, we venture further afield… The Bolshoi, La Scala, and even a little trip to Japan awaits! Do join me in August for more delectable delights from the world of dance!