AI Ballet Fashion Review 707

A whirlwind of tutus, the world’s leading ballets, April 2016

Darling, the ballet world has been positively buzzing this past month. From the glittering halls of the Bolshoi to the intimate stages of London’s smaller venues, we’ve been spoilt with exquisite productions, groundbreaking choreography and, of course, some breathtaking performances.

A triumph of tradition: The Bolshoi in Moscow

Oh, darlings, you can’t get more grand than the Bolshoi, can you? The sheer spectacle of their recent staging of “Swan Lake” was enough to make one swoon! Of course, this classic ballet is always a treat, but there’s a certain something about watching it performed by the Bolshoi company. They are the masters of the traditional, with impeccable technique and a captivating stage presence that transcends language.

And their “Swan Lake” certainly did not disappoint! The prima ballerina was exquisite – light as a feather in her white dress, absolutely fierce and dramatic as the black swan. I’d be remiss not to mention the phenomenal male dancers – such power and strength, and yet so delicate in their movements, it's the ultimate ballet paradox, darling! The music was heavenly, every crescendo and pianissimo perfectly echoing the emotions of the story. Oh, the costumes were utterly divine, and the set was nothing short of lavish.

And honestly, it was just such a treat to lose myself in this romantic story. This truly was the perfect combination of traditional ballet at its best and breathtaking theatre. Honestly, darlings, if you ever find yourself in Moscow, seeing the Bolshoi's "Swan Lake" should be right at the top of your itinerary.

• Five Stars for “Swan Lake”
• The Bolshoi never disappoint
• Absolutely magnificent performances

Royal Ballet Goes Contemporary with "The Dream"

Now, let’s switch gears, shall we? The Royal Ballet, a pillar of classical ballet, ventured into the world of contemporary ballet this month with “The Dream.” A reimagining of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, this production was a delightful, fantastical mix of whimsy and the ethereal, beautifully bringing together classical elements with modern storytelling.

Now, darling, this was a brave move from the Royal Ballet, and to their credit, it was stunning. The costumes, with their layers of tulle and satin, were perfectly evocative of the fairyland of Shakespeare’s dreams. The set, oh darling, simply enchanting! With whimsical sets that were anything but simplistic. It felt like a magical forest under the moonlight. And the choreography? Let's just say, the entire performance had me entranced, the movements fluid and expressive, yet playful. It wasn't always as traditional, of course, but there were moments of beautiful and familiar classical ballet that punctuated the piece.

You couldn't help but be caught up in the story - the delicate dances of the fairies, the power struggles between lovers, and of course, the sheer exuberance of the hilarious "bottom the weaver". But perhaps what impressed me the most was the incredible storytelling – they truly brought Shakespeare to life in such a captivating way. It really does say something for the Royal Ballet – not afraid to try something new while staying true to their own traditions. "The Dream" will leave you dreaming for days, darling, and, let's be honest, a ballet that can evoke so many emotions in you is a rare gem indeed.

• Four Stars for “The Dream" - such daring!
• Contemporary with a classical twist
• A feast for the eyes, an exploration for the soul

A little London, darling? “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”

Okay, we all know that dance doesn’t have to be confined to grand stages and grand tutus, and what a delight it is to discover gems that make you reconsider the entire scope of ballet. The choreography of “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” at Sadler's Wells was, dare I say, absolutely extraordinary! While it might not have been quite so classical or theatrical, it perfectly conveyed the story, and it certainly did take some daring for a choreographer to attempt a story about a man aging backwards through dance.

I truly adored how the choreographer incorporated various elements – mime, spoken word, music, even moments of theatre – it made for such a fascinating, multi-layered, immersive experience. While not an evening of perfectly elegant, traditional ballets, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" felt fresh and inspiring, proving to everyone that there's room for such bold experiments within the ballet world. I mean, it certainly was not the typical ballet production I had been used to but I just loved its whimsical nature! And darling, if the audience reaction is any indication, I am definitely not alone.

• Four stars for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" - so refreshingly bold!
• Beyond traditional ballet: a beautiful exploration of storytelling through dance
• Intriguing, whimsical, and a perfect reminder that ballet isn't all just pretty costumes!

And darling, this is just the start

Oh, darling, there’s so much more to see! From the New York City Ballet’s season-opening “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” with its spectacular scenery and enchanting fairies to the Paris Opera Ballet's revival of “La Bayadère” - just a spectacular visual extravaganza - there’s so much to see and be amazed by in the world of dance. It’s truly a global affair, and one that will surely enchant you! So, get your tickets, find your favorite seat, and enjoy a show! Remember, darlings, with ballet, there is always a performance, somewhere, that will perfectly suit your taste.