January 2015 - A Review of the Month in Ballet
Dearest readers, the New Year has begun with a flurry of tutus and leaps, as ballets the world over burst into life, dazzling us with exquisite choreography and breath-taking performances. From the grand opulence of the Bolshoi to the intimate charm of the Royal Ballet, let's take a pirouette through the best of the month, shall we?
The first port of call was Moscow, where I found myself utterly bewitched by the Bolshoi’s production of Swan Lake. Now, I know what you're thinking, darling, "Swan Lake? Haven't we all seen it a million times?" But trust me, this was no ordinary production. Under the baton of the exquisite Tugan Sokhiev, the orchestra brought a level of power and poetry to Tchaikovsky's masterpiece that I simply couldn't get enough of. Svetlana Zakharova, a goddess in her own right, floated through her dual roles of Odette and Odile, her technical prowess and emotive range utterly mesmerising. Even my cynicism, dear reader, couldn't resist the pure artistry on display.
Now, across the Atlantic, the New York City Ballet's "Nutcracker" has always been a cherished holiday tradition, but this year felt particularly special. The cast was, as ever, phenomenal - with a particularly ravishing performance by Tiler Peck as the Sugar Plum Fairy. But the true triumph was in the sheer joyous spirit of the evening, a feeling of warmth and delight that spread throughout the entire theatre, leaving not a single heart untouched.
Let's talk about fashion, darlings. I was positively captivated by the new costumes for "Giselle" at the Royal Opera House. The designs, by Caroline de Maigret, breathed new life into the classic story, the ghostly shades of grey and white complementing the swirling elegance of the choreography. The costumes weren't simply exquisite - they added an unexpected emotional depth to the production, drawing you further into the tragedy of the story.
Speaking of emotions, my heart skipped a beat for "La Sylphide" at the San Francisco Ballet. The artistry on display was nothing short of astonishing, and I can't imagine a more perfectly cast lead than Sarah Van Patten, whose every move seemed infused with the otherworldly magic of the Sylphide herself.
But let's not just confine ourselves to the hallowed halls of established ballet companies, shall we? Here are some delightful surprises from independent and contemporary companies:- In the heart of Paris, the Centre Chorégraphique National de Montpellier was home to "Antigone Now," an incredibly moving and poignant ballet by the talented Benjamin Millepied. This contemporary work, exploring the enduring themes of justice, family, and choice, is one you simply mustn't miss.
- And let's give a hearty round of applause to the young, bold choreographers pushing boundaries within the world of dance. "Echoes of a Distant Star" by the incredibly talented (and impossibly handsome) James MacQueen, which debuted at the Sadler's Wells Theatre in London, blended contemporary techniques with an innovative use of light and projections, leaving me awestruck. He’s definitely a name to watch, darling!
- The Scottish Ballet is really hitting its stride with a phenomenal production of "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" at the Edinburgh Playhouse. The playfulness of the ballet, combined with exquisite costumes and a sparkling set design, had the entire audience grinning ear to ear. A simply charming evening!
But darling, let's be real - it isn't just about the ballets, is it? Sometimes it's about the pure spectacle, the excitement of something new, and the thrill of a night out at the theatre. The ballet scene is teeming with these special moments.
Here are some highlights of the month that perfectly exemplify the excitement and innovation we’re seeing:- Did anyone else see the incredibly unique and daring "Dances for Six?" Created by Wayne McGregor for the Birmingham Royal Ballet, it’s a work that blends classical ballet technique with modern movement and strikes right at your core. Intriguing, raw, and profoundly powerful.
- In another surprising twist, "The Little Prince," by the renowned Compagnie Käfig, gave us the power of street dance meeting ballet. Their style, so original, so raw and so electrifying, is exactly what the world needs right now.
- Then, in a beautiful ode to the legendary Rudolf Nureyev, the National Ballet of Canada presented a dazzling production of his iconic work, “The Sleeping Beauty." From the set to the costumes to the performance, this was a night of sheer magical brilliance.
- And for pure escapist delight, how could we possibly omit the exuberant and playful production of "The Nutcracker" at the Chicago Joffrey Ballet? This vibrant adaptation, bursting with a multitude of colours and gleaming costumes, is perfect for a festive evening out.
All in all, darlings, the ballet world is booming with creativity and artistry. The coming year promises to be as breathtaking as ever. Keep an eye on this space for our continued coverage and reviews. Now, I must fly off to catch a few more performances before the night is through! See you next month!