December's Dazzling Dance
Dearest readers, December has been an absolute whirlwind of twirling, leaping, and toe-tapping! From the frosted peaks of Moscow to the glistening shores of Sydney, ballet has graced stages worldwide, delivering performances that were nothing short of extraordinary.
Let us begin our festive ballet voyage in the heart of Russia, where the Bolshoi Ballet continues to enchant. Last week, they unveiled a stunning production of *The Sleeping Beauty*, a tale that holds a special place in my own heart. This reimagining was as enchanting as the original, featuring breathtaking costumes by the legendary Galina Solovyova, and showcasing the extraordinary talent of young rising star, Anastasia Stashkevich as the Sleeping Beauty herself. Her exquisite technique, radiant beauty and delicate portrayal of Princess Aurora were captivating, a masterful performance that left audiences breathless. I am especially excited to see the future unfold for this ballerina, sheâs destined for greatness.
My journey through Decemberâs balletic offerings next took me to the esteemed Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, for a deeply moving interpretation of *Swan Lake*. The melancholic tale of the Swan Queen is always heartbreaking but it was brought to a new emotional level through the exquisite performances of Alina Cojocaru, as the noble, yet vulnerable, Odette/Odile. Her emotional depth and technical brilliance created a captivating, deeply human portrayal of a creature trapped between worlds. The partnering of Marianela Nuñez and Vadim Muntagirov was just perfect, creating an unforgettable performance. I truly adore Alina. She has that star quality about her; sheâs captivating and makes the ballet completely hers.
While in London, I indulged in a more contemporary affair, *Aether* at the Sadler's Wells Theatre. This exploration of space, created by the ever-innovative Akram Khan, was simply breathtaking. The choreography, a mesmerizing blend of contemporary, kathak, and even some elements of ballet, truly brought this story of loss and remembrance to life. I do so enjoy his work, such captivating storytelling, through movement.
My voyage across the globe then landed me in the bright lights of Broadway. It wouldnât be Christmas without *The Nutcracker*. This annual tradition, presented by the New York City Ballet, is always a joyous delight, but this year felt particularly special. The energy of the dancers was captivating and the dazzling set, with its swirling snow, transformed the stage into a winter wonderland. The little girls were angelic with their exquisite pointe work, and, of course, the iconic battle with the mice, made all the more impressive by the performance of Tiler Peck. I will never tire of the sheer spectacle of it all.
My December adventures wouldnât be complete without a mention of the extraordinary Australian Ballet, where the elegance and precision of the dancers simply take my breath away. This year they have brought their magical *Cinderella* to Melbourne's Princess Theatre. I've seen a myriad of Cinderellas but, for sheer refinement and magic, this performance has a place at the top. Every performance is a pure delight! The dancing was perfection! The steps and musicality were like nothing else. If you have a chance, be sure to see them at The Royal Opera House in January.
December is not all about big productions though. The intimate space of the Joyce Theater in New York City is where I found myself totally enthralled by a modern performance that stays with you for days. *BalletCollective* is a group I had heard whispered about but was hesitant to venture out. They are like a modern day Ballet Russe! They certainly know their history of the form. They offered up two works - one a modern reimagining of *The Rite of Spring* that brought the audience to a hushed standstill - and one new work by choreographer Jessica Lang that explored loss and the fragile strength of human resilience. It was a mesmerizing display of physicality and emotion.
I found myself returning to my hometown this month to attend a breathtaking *Giselle* performance at The Birmingham Royal Ballet. With the timeless story, the passion and heartache are on full display through the incredible dance. For the longest time I've found myself a bit disappointed with Giselle but I must say that the cast were magnificent - in particular, the stunning performance of the soloist, the charismatic Yasmine Naghdi. It felt like it could be my first time watching the dance. This young lady is one to watch for in the future - I sense a major ballerina emerging.
Before closing my journal of dance adventures, itâs vital to note my journey to South America. I'm absolutely mad about Tango and so a recent visit to Buenos Aires was not to be missed! This year's âTango Porteñoâ festival in December brought dancers and tango enthusiasts together, igniting the streets with a vibrant tapestry of music and movement. What energy and emotion!! I always make it a point to attend a show and was in awe of âPiazzolla Tangoâ, which featured both tango masters, along with world class dancers in an homage to the great Astor Piazzolla. The emotion and athleticism, together with the intensity and fire in the music â so moving! Of course, dancing until dawn in tango bars is part of the trip. It makes my soul soar!
As we wrap up December and welcome in the new year, the ballet world continues to shimmer. I leave you with this: ballet is a true art form, full of grace, passion and strength. No matter where you find yourself in the world, a ballet performance is always a captivating escape - from the everyday to the extraordinary.
Dance on dear friends!