**October is always such a thrilling month for the balletomane, isn't it?** With the air turning crisp and the social season beginning in earnest, the stage comes alive with some of the most captivating productions from around the globe. This year, it seems the theme is "reinvention," as both classic and contemporary ballets have been presented with exciting new spins. Let's delve into some of the highlights, darling...
The Royal Ballet, Covent Garden: A Touch of Magic
Starting right here in London, the Royal Ballet's new season kicked off with a production of **The Sleeping Beauty**, a classic I could watch a thousand times and still be entranced. The sheer scale and spectacle were breathtaking, of course, and the corps de ballet were simply stunning in their precision and elegance. But it was the leading roles that truly captivated me. **Marianela Nuñez, as Aurora**, brought such exquisite vulnerability and youthful joy to the role. Her arabesques were like spun sugar, and she floated across the stage with a grace that was utterly breathtaking. Her Prince was no slouch either. **Vadim Muntagirov** possessed the requisite princely bearing and regal strength, and together they created a spark that made their Act III pas de deux the ultimate romantic dream. The wicked Carabosse was played by **Sarah Lamb**, her malevolent presence deliciously terrifying and expertly executed.
However, I must confess, my favourite element of the evening was the final, glittering, diamond-encrusted costume for the Fairy of the Diamond, danced with breathtaking perfection by **Akane Takada**, who gave this usually secondary role an undeniable moment of brilliance and grace. In that one moment, the production made a clear statement of "here and now" by using both the artistry of the dancers and the beauty of the costumes to speak a distinctly modern language within a classical context. You simply cannot ignore the magic of that dress!
A Breathtaking Paris Premiere
Of course, no review would be complete without a nod to our Parisian counterparts. This year, the **Opéra de Paris** unveiled **"Mythologies"**, a newly created work by the celebrated choreographer, **Angelin Preljocaj**. A contemporary ballet that's anything but straightforward, it is a poignant meditation on human existence, inspired by ancient Greek myths. With striking visuals and innovative choreography that combines the organic with the mechanistic, **Preljocaj has managed to blend a stark minimalism with elements of high drama. It's daring, provocative and emotionally potent. It definitely isn't for everyone, darling, but the power of the dance is undeniable**.
The two stars of the show are **Eleonora Abbagnato, **who embodies a mythical power with both tenderness and fierceness. **And **Mathieu Ganio,** who brings an undeniable charm and a raw masculinity to the stage that makes you want to melt.
**I do, however, have one critique, though this may just be personal. The work doesn't quite offer the sense of narrative I usually crave. Perhaps that's intentional, to leave room for our own interpretations. But honestly, I'd prefer a bit more story. Otherwise, I applaud Preljocaj for his artistic bravery. **
**From the Ballet to the Biennale**
My recent travels have also taken me to the **Venice Biennale**, not for the visual arts (though, darling, those are always quite thrilling), but for the ballet performance **"The Rite of Spring"** presented by the **Dutch National Ballet**. The original Diaghilev production, of course, is a seminal piece of ballet history, and this new adaptation presented some startling new interpretations. It's clear, in this staging, that **the focus has shifted from a romanticised depiction of primitive ritual to a much darker and brutal, even dystopian, portrait of humanity.**
**And here lies the controversy.** This isn't the first modern, stripped-down, almost minimalist adaptation of **"Rite"**. We have seen interpretations from Twyla Tharp and even Sasha Waltz. But something about this rendition, with its bold use of raw movement and its lack of a distinct storyline, made some of the more traditional ballet fans bristle. As one commentator quite rudely put it, it was "not ballet" at all.
**However, I rather enjoyed it.** Though it is far from the gorgeous romanticism we associate with Russian ballet, it offered something deeply compelling, and yes, disturbingly real, something that touched upon raw emotions like grief and despair that you don't usually get to see on a stage.
**A Touch of Latin Flare**
On a brighter note, we move now to the **Americas** where the **American Ballet Theatre** is presenting **a very welcome new production of "Don Quixote,"** which opened at the Metropolitan Opera House earlier this month. I have to say, this production, though adhering to the traditional story, has a stronger feeling of dynamism.
This, no doubt, is thanks to the exceptional Spanish flair brought to the staging by **Victor Ullate**, the renowned Spanish choreographer and dancer. You will notice this right away in the costumes, which have a wonderful playfulness to them, and a much greater emphasis on the flamenco element that is often absent in the more traditional "Don Quixote" stagings. The beautiful costumes were designed by **Ghislaine Thiomber**, who has brought a contemporary vision to an inherently dramatic ballet.
**Leading roles were handled with style, as well**. **David Hallberg,** one of my favorite American dancers, is the perfect Quixote. He is capable of conveying the comedic, sometimes ridiculous, but always charming nature of the lead, who has been known as a bit "off his rocker." His partner in the show, the gorgeous **Misty Copeland** as the love interest Kitri, is perfectly feisty, vivacious, and a absolute joy to watch. But, the true surprise and revelation is the dynamic and very much impressive **Cory Stearns** who has the talent for showcasing both lightness and strength while conveying an air of a cheeky and seductive dancer who has captivated and stole the show. In this rendition, Basilio is not a young romantic figure but a man who wants to make Kitri happy. This adds depth to a very straightforward classic and I think is something which deserves great praise.
**And in case you are looking for an unexpected theatrical experience**, I'd suggest checking out the **New York City Ballet's new work** by **Justin Peck, "The Times Are Racing." ** Peck's work has always been characterised by its intelligence and its ability to integrate musicality and movement in such a compelling way. His "Times" doesn't disappoint! ** This production was one that truly challenged your perspective and made you re-examine your idea of what a contemporary ballet could be. It wasn't for the faint of heart! But it had a certain raw energy that resonated, a truly avant-garde piece of contemporary ballet.**
**On The Road To Beijing: The Dance is Global!**
And my journey hasn't just been confined to Europe and the Americas. **China is undergoing its own dance renaissance** and, much to my delight, I managed to attend a performance by the **National Ballet of China**. This particular evening was a special performance of **"The Peony Pavilion",** a ballet by the celebrated **Liu Jia, who draws heavily from traditional Chinese dance forms.** This production showcased a remarkable combination of tradition and innovation. The movements were both graceful and powerful, evoking the ethereal quality of Chinese dance, and the costumes were lavish. However, what I really found inspiring was the engagement with the narrative. This particular piece told a classic love story, a tale of forbidden love, a tale as old as time and it was performed with great pathos. I'd encourage you all to follow the work of the National Ballet of China. It's a group to watch!
**In conclusion**, the current ballet season is filled with remarkable works across the globe. This is a golden age of ballet with more creative minds challenging the boundaries and taking the art form to exciting new directions! I believe, the love of ballet transcends cultures and language. We are united by the art form that we all so dearly adore.
So, if you are planning your cultural adventures for the next season, be sure to check out some of these remarkable performances. There is truly something out there for everyone and a ballet experience for every taste. Let me know your favourite experiences of the ballet season in the comments, darling!