A Midsummer Night's Dream of Dance
Dearest readers, what a month it has been! The ballet world has been positively buzzing with exciting premieres, captivating revivals, and performances that have left me breathless. Let me take you on a whirlwind tour of the highlights that have tickled my fancy, from the balmy shores of the Mediterranean to the glamorous heart of Paris, and, of course, right here in our very own London.
A Feast of Fusion in Madrid
I simply had to begin my dance pilgrimage in Madrid, where the incomparable Nacho Duato was presenting his latest masterpiece, "A Certain Distance". This piece, inspired by the haunting, atmospheric works of Samuel Beckett, was nothing short of a revelation. Duato's choreography was masterful, combining breathtakingly fluid contemporary movement with a profound exploration of human vulnerability and isolation. The costumes, simple yet stark, added a further layer of poignant beauty. I especially enjoyed the use of a lone, fragile tree centre-stage, as if a symbol of human resilience against the encroaching shadows of existence. The final, haunting image of the dancers standing in the pool of stage lighting, bathed in a kind of mournful ecstasy, left an indelible mark on my heart. Truly unforgettable.
Parisian Chic: A Tchaikovsky Revival
From the dramatic depths of Duato's vision, I jetted to the elegant opulence of the Palais Garnier to witness a new production of Swan Lake by the Paris Opera Ballet. The quintessential Romantic masterpiece, it was given a fresh interpretation, one that embraced both the classic traditions and allowed for subtle, fascinating tweaks. The costumes, reimagined with a delicate sense of period elegance, were stunning, particularly Odette’s ethereal white tutu, a shimmering, ethereal vision in every sense. The choreography was crisp and virtuosic, executed with such precise artistry, it brought tears to my eyes. And Marie-Agnès Gillot, her graceful movements and heart-wrenching portrayal of the doomed swan queen, simply stole the show. This production had a delightful aura of youthful energy while remaining a classic.
Berlin: Bold Experimentation
Now, one might think that my dance-filled summer would have left me sated, but no! I was eager to soak up the bold, experimental spirit of Berlin. And my oh my, I was certainly not disappointed. The Staatsballett, always pushing boundaries, unveiled a new work by the renowned choreographer William Forsythe. Titled "The Final Farewell", the piece was as daring as it was perplexing. Forsythe’s characteristic style of abrupt shifts in rhythm and jarring contrasts left the audience completely enthralled. I wouldn't call it "easy to digest," but oh, the delicious struggle it provided! It demanded your full attention, and rewarded it with an exploration of dance as a form of communication, intense and evocative, not to be taken lightly.
A Homegrown Gem: London's Royal Ballet
I can't talk about ballet this month without giving a shout-out to the exceptional talents of our very own Royal Ballet. Their recent performances of The Sleeping Beauty were simply a joy to behold. The grandeur of the Aurora’s grand awakening scene is unforgettable! This timeless classic has never felt more vibrantly alive, with choreography that sparkled like the fairies’ wands and a cast that embodied the elegance and romance of a bygone era. My favourite detail? The little, darling fairies! The tiny ballerinas were so beautifully trained and so incredibly precious. It's productions like this that reaffirm my undying adoration for our local ballet company. And, as a delightful bonus, I spotted several very stylishly-dressed friends at the performance in the dress circle!
Beyond the Stage: A Glimpse at Dance Around the World
But my dear readers, the dance world goes beyond the hallowed halls of the opera houses. While attending the "Dance Across the Globe" festival in Edinburgh, I was completely captivated by a piece called "The Shifting Sands" by a young, up-and-coming company from Morocco. Their mesmerizing performance, inspired by the Berber traditions and the country's shifting landscapes, was filled with captivating rhythm and hypnotic energy. This was a truly fresh, ground-breaking style and reminded me that dance, at its core, is about connection.
On a Final Note…
These highlights merely scratch the surface of what’s been happening in the world of dance. And, honestly, how lucky we are! It’s been such a privilege to experience such a wealth of creative expression, from the captivating beauty of classical ballet to the cutting-edge experimentation that’s pushing boundaries every day. What a treat for the eyes and the soul! And as for me, I’m eagerly awaiting the upcoming season and what fresh dance dreams it will bring to life. I'm sure you'll be dancing with me, step-for-step.
Yours, in a flurry of tulle and elegance,
Olivia