Ballet à la Mode: A Global Roundup for May 2014
Dearest readers, the world of ballet has been ablaze with excitement this month, offering a smorgasbord of enchanting performances that left me breathless. From the regal elegance of Covent Garden to the vibrant, experimental artistry of the Parisian stages, here is a delectable account of what truly captured my sartorial and dance-loving heart.
London Calling
Let’s begin our journey in London, the beating heart of classical ballet. The Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House has been treating audiences to a truly dazzling array of ballets this season. First, there was the much-anticipated revival of **“Manon,”** a captivating tale of love and betrayal, with a sumptuous set design that perfectly mirrored the drama unfolding on stage. Marianela Nuñez was simply divine as Manon, her grace and heartbreak utterly captivating. Her partner, Vadim Muntagirov, brought an undeniable charm and romanticism to the role of Des Grieux. I’ve been utterly besotted with these two for a while, and it was a sheer delight to watch them set the stage ablaze with their fiery passion.
But what really took my breath away this month was **“The Dream,”** a delightful return to Frederick Ashton’s glorious dream-scape. A work of unparalleled elegance and whimsical charm, this production featured a cast of young dancers in glorious form, and it’s refreshing to see some fresh talent take the stage. Principal dancers Laura Morera and William Bracewell provided a mature and refined quality, ensuring the emotional heartbeat of the performance stayed strong. Honestly, the precision and intricate footwork in this ballet were mesmerizing. It's no surprise that Ashton is considered a ballet legend. A must-see for every ballet devotee!
Over in the West End, the **English National Ballet** unveiled a breathtaking rendition of Kenneth MacMillan’s **“Romeo and Juliet.”** While the staging was traditional, the emotional intensity of the production, combined with the company’s impeccable performance, made it impossible to resist the tragedy unfolding on stage. The exquisite dancing was nothing short of astounding; both Erina Takahashi and James Streeter brought their characters to life with an unforgettable passion, while the ensemble performances were simply flawless.
A Parisian Soirée
Crossing the Channel, Paris beckons with its own artistic flourishes. At the Opéra National de Paris, the ballet world was graced by the mesmerizing performance of **“Giselle,”** featuring the dazzling talents of both **Alice and Sylvie Guillem**! I couldn’t believe my eyes - two iconic ballerinas on the same stage in the same role, showcasing different aspects of the beloved Giselle. A truly breathtaking moment, my darlings! Sylvie’s strength and Alice’s delicacy formed a truly mesmerizing performance; I think my jaw was on the floor for half the performance.
The vibrant **Ballet de l’Opéra National de Paris** also impressed with their innovative **“Bolero”**, the choreography showcasing a sensual blend of contemporary and neoclassical movements, punctuated by an explosive use of the entire ensemble. Their bodies flowed in waves to Ravel’s score - it truly was an intoxicating display of physical prowess. A stunning example of how modern ballet can capture a piece of timeless music.
Beyond the Conventional: Explorations and Encounters
Let us venture further afield now, into the realm of ballets that challenge conventions and redefine the art form.
New York City Ballet, known for their experimental leanings, showcased an exciting new piece, **“Glass Pieces”**. This daring exploration by choreographer Justin Peck, using the unique music of Philip Glass, pushed boundaries and gave the dancers room to breathe in new ways. Peck, it appears, has the magic touch. His work feels fresh yet instantly accessible to a modern audience. His ability to weave such evocative storytelling with fluid and dynamic movements is nothing short of extraordinary!
Across the pond, the **San Francisco Ballet** also dared to push the envelope with their daring rendition of Alexei Ratmansky’s **“Shostakovich Trilogy.”** The ballet weaves together the genius of Shostakovich with the beauty of dance in three unique interpretations of the composer’s powerful works. One is drawn to this ballets sheer scale; Ratmansky was clearly keen to use every dancer in the company to weave a breathtaking story.
Meanwhile, the **Nederlands Dans Theater** in The Hague proved that there is no need for traditional stories in this day and age. The production of **“The Rite of Spring”** showed a daring approach to Stravinsky’s groundbreaking composition; with choreography by Paul Lightfoot, the movement showcased a remarkable raw energy and bold expressionism. It's not often you can see so much talent and sheer athleticism on stage, and Lightfoot, it seemed, was more than capable of harnessing their immense talent to thrilling effect.
Across the Globe: A Glimpse of New Worlds
Our journey wouldn't be complete without venturing to the East, where a ballet scene that is growing in strength and originality, offers an exciting new perspective.
The National Ballet of China impressed with their production of **“The Peony Pavilion,”** a beautifully lyrical ballet based on the renowned Chinese opera, that captures the rich culture and exquisite storytelling of its origins. This is a stunning display of traditional dance styles and the vibrant, dazzling costumes certainly added to the theatre's captivating atmosphere. The production, full of graceful leaps and turns, is a triumph of traditional beauty and poetic storytelling. The NBO’s commitment to their art form makes them an essential addition to any international ballet lover’s itinerary.
Over in Japan, the Shirakawa Dance Festival continues to enchant audiences with its unique blend of classical and contemporary ballet, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Shirakawa village, one of the most stunning villages in the entire world! The event's combination of ethereal scenery, with talented dancers taking on daring choreography, is a must-see for anyone visiting the land of the rising sun.
And lastly, my darlings, we must acknowledge the power of a ballet in motion. This month saw **“Sleeping Beauty,”** the renowned classic ballet, on tour in **Moscow**, with dancers from the Bolshoi in full glory, bringing Tchaikovsky's music to life, while highlighting the graceful steps that are a mainstay of ballet.
This, my dearest friends, is a mere taste of the dazzling dance that has been on offer around the world this month. But there is no time for dwelling on the past. There’s still so much dance to be had - the coming weeks and months promise a plethora of exciting productions, and we here at **Ballet à la Mode** are eagerly awaiting our next sartorial adventure.
As we delve into the intoxicating world of ballet, remember that it is a form of storytelling. A celebration of artistry, passion and technique. A form that has the power to take us on unforgettable journeys of beauty and wonder.
And for those who love ballet with an all-consuming passion, always remember to stay stylish, stay chic and stay utterly enthralled by the power of the dance.