The Pointe Shoe
March 2013
Darlings! It's that time of the month again, the one where we dive into the world of twirls and toe shoes and, dare I say, tutus! From the dazzling lights of New York City to the grandeur of the Parisian stage, the international ballet scene has been alive with vibrant performances. It's been a whirlwind of exquisitely executed pirouettes and breathtaking artistry. Come along as we navigate this intoxicating ballet journey together.
New York, New York, It's a Wonderful Town, or is it Just a Ballet?
Oh, New York, you never cease to amaze! We recently spent a delightful evening at the New York City Ballet's season opening, a whirlwind of exciting new creations. It was the perfect opportunity to catch the stars of tomorrow. Among the dazzling array, the young, utterly charming James Whiteside held his own alongside the seasoned ballerina Maria Kowroski in Christopher Wheeldon's whimsical, playful "This Bitter Earth." The pair was a veritable powerhouse of athleticism and lyrical grace. I mean, imagine! They practically flew across the stage with their impeccable technique. Their chemistry? Simply magnetic! Meanwhile, the masterful Wendy Whelan gave us a stunningly nuanced and heartbreaking portrayal of love lost in Jerome Robbins' iconic "The Four Seasons." She literally took our breath away. Honestly, my dear, she poured her very soul into the performance.
And what better way to top it all off than with the return of Peter Martins' "Barber of Seville." This comedic masterpiece with its witty choreography is a treat for the eyes, and for the soul, especially as we watch the company’s principals, such as the inimitable Ashley Bouder, sparkle in the spotlight. This is ballet for the people, my dears, it’s full of laughter and exuberance. This performance was sheer joy!
The Paris Ballet – Oh, Là Là, It's Haute Couture!
Next, it was off to Paris! Now, where else would you find more stylish ballets, let’s face it? It’s all about sophistication, refinement and impeccable elegance! This month, the Paris Opera Ballet, well, let’s just say, they simply dazzled! The highlight? A dazzling production of the timeless classic “Swan Lake.” What can one say? The choreography, the costumes (oh my, the costumes!), the sheer scale of it all – it was a truly unforgettable spectacle.
Speaking of spectacle, we mustn't forget the sublime “Giselle.” This melancholic gem was flawlessly executed, showcasing the astonishingly effortless virtuosity of the Paris Opera Ballet. There's an intangible something special that happens when this company takes to the stage, you know what I mean? An electrifying alchemy of grace, artistry, and breathtaking technique that leaves you gasping for more.
Royal Ballet, My Dearest, Just Like Royalty!
Now let's talk royalty – but not the kind with crowns, but rather the dazzling stars of the Royal Ballet! My dear, London never disappoints, and this time, it truly outdid itself. We recently had the absolute privilege of seeing "The Sleeping Beauty." This production is everything you could ever want in a ballet and more: breathtaking costumes, captivating music, and breathtaking performances! This classic is the pinnacle of romantic ballet, it simply doesn’t get more captivating than this.
Beyond the Stage, Behind the Scenes: A Glimpse of the World of Ballet
Oh, but darling, it's not all just dazzling performances, behind-the-scenes things are heating up too! Let me tell you, the international dance world has been buzzing. It’s been the season of shocking departures, unexpected collaborations and quite a lot of gossiping (what’s a good fashion magazine without a bit of juicy gossip!). For starters, everyone is still buzzing over the much-talked-about resignation of the head of the Paris Opera Ballet. Will this shift shake things up at the illustrious house? Let’s see how the new director plans to guide this gem of French ballet into the future. Meanwhile, I'm simply obsessed with the rumors of a collaboration between the American Ballet Theatre and the Royal Ballet. My dears, if it truly happens, this is something not to be missed!
And as we all know, the dance world is truly global! With new stars emerging from Beijing to Berlin, from Buenos Aires to Tokyo, the dance scene is richer and more vibrant than ever. A few must-see companies? We have our eyes set on the dazzling ballet dancers of the Bolshoi in Moscow and of course, we're eagerly waiting to see what the always captivating Stuttgart Ballet has up their sleeve!
My dears, there is so much to celebrate in this beautiful art form! But perhaps the greatest gift of all, isn't just about the breathtaking moves or dazzling costumes – but about the power of the performance, and how it connects us all in this world, allowing us to soar above the ordinary.
Until next month, darlings! Dance on!
- Antoinette Beaumont, Contributing Editor, The Pointe Shoe