From the Paris Opera to the Bolshoi, this month's balletic offerings have been, dare I say, positively ravishing. From the dramatic re-imaginings to the breathtakingly traditional, February has been a feast for the eyes and a balm for the soul. Let us take a twirl through the highlights, shall we?
The Paris Opera Ballet: An Audacious "Giselle"
The Palais Garnier buzzed with anticipation for the latest revival of "Giselle". Now, I must confess, a "Giselle" without a single je ne sais quoi is a rarity these days. However, the Paris Opera Ballet's Artistic Director, Benjamin Millepied, has dared to reinterpret the classic. This version saw a minimalist set and, gasp!, a shortened second act. Some will consider it sacrilege; others, a bold, necessary move. While I might have missed the ghostly, melancholic stretch of the traditional Act II, the focus was undoubtedly on the dramatic force of the tragic love story, the drama heightened by the bare stage. And what drama! Our Giselle, the delectable Natalia Osipova, truly delivered. Her broken-hearted performance was simply heartbreaking. The effortless technical precision only heightened the pathos, rendering the audience completely silent. And who could resist the chivalrous Albrecht, brought to life by the divine Mathieu Ganio? A powerful partnership, this, full of fiery emotion. A modern "Giselle" for the modern world? Perhaps. One thing is certain, this will remain an unforgettable production.
Moscow: The Bolshoi's Enchanting "Swan Lake"
After a whirlwind Parisian adventure, I hopped onto the next plane and landed in Moscow. A trip to Russia wouldn't be complete without experiencing the legendary Bolshoi Theatre. It remains a haven for purists; and "Swan Lake" at the Bolshoi is simply a must-see. This is a classic in its truest form; an epic performance from the sublime Bolshoi company. We had Olga Smirnova as Odette, a vision of grace and fragility; her featherlight leaps were a breathtaking spectacle, a testament to the legendary Bolshoi training. The ever-so-elegant Vladislav Lantratov gave a valiant performance as Prince Siegfried. His powerful physique contrasted wonderfully with Smirnova's delicacy; this ballet is a study in contrasts and balance. Of course, we cannot forget the corps de ballet; the cygnets were mesmerizing, their formations flawless, the choreography elegant. I daresay it was a performance that would move even the most seasoned balletomane to tears.
The Royal Ballet's "Romeo and Juliet"
Ah, the Royal Ballet! A personal favourite, Covent Garden's opulent stage is always a delight. This production of "Romeo and Juliet" by Kenneth MacMillan, set to Prokofiev's achingly beautiful score, is truly a tour de force. It's no secret that this ballet has been a constant presence in the repertoire of most major ballet companies worldwide, but in London, it's somehow even more enchanting. This production had the beautiful Marianela Nuñez as a luminous Juliet, her fragile yet fiery performance perfectly encapsulating the complexities of Shakespeare's heroine. There were heart-wrenching moments, for example, Julietâs ecstatic waltz on first meeting Romeo; a delightful scene. As for the ever-so-charming Romeo, it was the effortlessly charming Marcelino SambĂ© who brought passion and heartbreak to this iconic role. The whole production felt raw and incredibly real, thanks to MacMillan's inspired choreography and the masterful work of every member of the company. It's hard to imagine a better portrayal of star-crossed lovers in the entire balletic universe.
A Glimpse Beyond the Major Stages
While the grand companies often hog the limelight, there's a vibrant, dynamic world of smaller productions happening all around the globe. I was particularly delighted to see the young talent that graced the stages of Birmingham Royal Ballet's recent tour of "Cinderella". Their Cinderella, a spritely yet graceful young dancer called Elizabeth Harper, was a revelation, showcasing genuine promise, her passion evident in every step. In San Francisco, I witnessed a phenomenal performance of "Sleeping Beauty", which brought forth the artistry of the San Francisco Ballet in all its glory. This ballet truly highlighted their dedication to technique and their breathtaking, balletic finesse.
More Than Just Ballets: An Explosion of Artistic Expression
But February wasn't all about grand ballets. I caught a truly captivating performance of contemporary dance at London's Sadler's Wells theatre, a unique creation by choreographer Akram Khan. The piece was a powerful exploration of the human experience, with powerful choreography and moving storytelling. This was definitely a more daring, intimate experience that took the breath away and challenged conventional notions of dance. And, while I won't claim to be a modern dance enthusiast, the visceral force of Khan's creation truly impressed me.
And Now for Something Totally Different
My final destination this month took me to New York City. Yes, New York! Now, one doesnât typically associate New York with a purely classical ballet experience. But I stumbled upon a delightful performance of âThe Nutcrackerâ by the New York City Ballet at the David H. Koch Theater. And it was truly captivating. Their "Nutcracker" was bursting with dazzling energy, the choreography bursting with vibrant life. As always, the sets were elaborate and full of whimsy and I must admit, I loved their take on the Mouse King â positively delightful. But most importantly, the dancers brought a level of youthful enthusiasm to the production. The children, especially, filled the stage with an innocent charm, making this a truly unforgettable family experience.
Ballet, It Seems, is Alive and Well
While trends may shift and dancers may retire, ballet remains a dynamic art form that transcends generations and geographical boundaries. As this whirlwind tour of the global ballet scene has demonstrated, there is a captivating production waiting to be discovered around every corner. So, my dear readers, grab your opera glasses and make sure to find a seat near the stage. The balletic world is yours to explore!
The latest in Balletwear and Couture
Now, itâs simply impossible to talk about the magic of ballet without mentioning the beautiful world of couture and fashion that surrounds it. February was overflowing with magnificent runway shows that showcased the perfect marriage of artistry, practicality, and elegance.
Balmain: The Ballerina's Wardrobe
Balmain's latest collection is, frankly, a fashionista's dream. Olivier Rousteing has a definite penchant for the dramatic and this season was no exception. Think voluminous tulle, elaborate beadwork, and even ballet flats (the new trend for Spring, darling, be sure to make a note of that). But what truly elevated the collection was Rousteingâs exploration of ballet's intrinsic sense of power and graceful athleticism. The ballet-inspired dresses with daringly high slits accentuated the natural grace and allure of the female figure; a stunning tribute to the graceful ballerinas who effortlessly capture hearts on the worldâs stages.
The âDelicate Beautyâ Of Elie Saab
While Balmain chose a bold and theatrical route, Elie Saab took the classic, ethereal approach, evoking a whisper of delicate elegance. His runway presentation, held amidst the enchanting backdrop of the Grand Palais in Paris, brought us a breathtaking collection of gowns, adorned with delicate embellishments and layers of flowing fabrics that were as ethereal as a dancerâs movement. The shimmering embroidery, delicate floral motifs, and rich silk satins are a true delight. Itâs simply the epitome of sophistication, the ultimate outfit to grace a ballet box.
The Avant-Garde Of Viktor & Rolf
Viktor & Rolf always push boundaries and this collection is no different. This duo presented an absolute explosion of colors, textures, and unconventional design ideas. This wasnât about subtle hints; this was a full-blown ode to the world of surreal ballet, pushing the limits of fashion and redefining the very notion of what constitutes elegance in a modern world. Think larger-than-life ballerina skirts paired with statement shoes and jackets â the result? Simply outrageous, undeniably bold, and undeniably memorable.
Itâs not simply about the dance. Ballet is a whole world of its own. A world of glamour and artistic brilliance; and its charm clearly spills over onto the runways of fashion. From the elegance of Elie Saab to the rebellious glamour of Viktor & Rolf, fashion takes inspiration from ballet, making it more than just an art form but a potent source of inspiration and trends. So let us celebrate not only the sublime talent of ballet but its influence that has transcended centuries. It is a world that is as stylish as it is graceful.