Oh, Darling! Ballet in Bloom for Spring 2016!
Well, darlings, the spring thaw has officially arrived, and so has a glorious wave of ballet brilliance sweeping the world. This month has seen a plethora of premières, revivals, and captivating performances, all bursting with fresh energy and vibrant colour - think exquisite blossoms against a backdrop of sun-drenched skies. I'm simply aglow, and eager to share my delectable finds with you.
Letâs start, naturally, with the Paris Opera Ballet. The Bolshoi Ballet: Stars & Choreographers , was, well, a tour de force, simply that. The Bolshoiâs gala night was like a jewel-studded box of bonbons. To have Natalia Osipova dancing as the sugarplum fairy in The Nutcracker was a delight, and Alexander Volchkov and Artem Ovcharenko showcased their bravura technique. There was, of course, the incredible Anna Nikulina in The Sleeping Beauty - her Aurora was a dream! And then came Ivan Vasiliev and his glorious partnering; they really ignited the stage! Frankly, the night left me utterly speechless, and wanting more!
Meanwhile, across the Channel in London, the Royal Ballet's new production of "The Winter's Tale" was a dazzling affair. Christopher Wheeldon has crafted a poignant, poetic masterpiece. The music by Joby Talbot was absolutely divine and resonated beautifully with the dancers, and Wheeldon's choreography perfectly captured Shakespeare's themes of jealousy, love, and redemption. The Royal Balletâs dancers have certainly stepped up to the challenge; they brought a visceral and breathtaking emotion to the stage. You wonât be disappointed!
But London was also a feast for the senses with other offerings too. A very modern take on "La Sylphide" , from The Birmingham Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House, was so fresh! Choreographed by David Bintley, with a vibrant setting and costume design from Martin Leeming, the whole piece felt remarkably elegant. Itâs the kind of production you'll find yourself wanting to repeat over and over! And of course, darling, we simply can't go without a shout out for The Royal Balletâs dazzling "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" by Christopher Wheeldon. That final scene where Alice steps back into her world, a true feat of theatrical illusion, was just stunning! It's a feast for the eyes, a treat for the imagination!
But my ballet adventures didn't end there! I ventured into the vibrant heart of New York, where American Ballet Theatre took my breath away with the grandeur of âSwan Lakeâ . A beautiful spectacle - those ethereal white costumes were breathtaking. Misty Copeland simply transcended her role; it was like watching a star, born! I especially loved the dynamic energy she infused in her dancing, that playful and almost joyous freedom that just captivated. The stage was her canvas! And of course, the companyâs ensemble was dazzling! It was a complete and absolute triumph!
But darling, we must not forget the rising stars, the fresh faces that dazzle and enchant! And where else to discover these gems, but in a city bursting with passion and energy, the magical, the ever-captivating: Berlin! Berlin's Staatsoper was graced by the extraordinary talents of the Staatsballet Berlin and its rising star, the enchanting, elegant, and absolutely riveting, Maria Eichwald, the German Ballet star who shone like a supernova. This ballet-lover is keeping Maria firmly on my radar! And the piece she gave us? "Giselle" â a story so timeless, a production filled with exquisite grace and such passion! I adored it, and left wanting to go straight back!
And just when I thought I had soaked up every ounce of artistic inspiration for one month, I discovered that Milan, the fashion capital, has a secret ballet treasure! Teatro alla Scala, nestled in the heart of the city, became my new oasis, a place for quiet contemplation. Here, Teatro alla Scala Ballet showcased a stunning new production of "Le Corsaire" . Oh, the romance! It had it all; swashbuckling adventure, stunning set designs, a timeless love story, and that intoxicating drama! All those things that set my heart ablaze. I was left completely mesmerized and feeling every single bit of it!
So, darling, my month of ballet exploration has left me positively radiant! Every performance offered something fresh and engaging, from the timeless grandeur of âSwan Lakeâ to the whimsical charm of âAlice's Adventures in Wonderland,â to the breathtaking athleticism and pure elegance of "Le Corsaire". Itâs been a simply unforgettable journey!
And with that, Iâm off to my next rendezvous with ballet! But you, my dearest reader, keep an eye on those upcoming calendar dates; Iâll have much more to share!
A glimpse into next month
- A peek behind the curtain of the American Ballet Theatre. I will be chatting to Misty Copeland, my darling!
- The world première of a new production of âRomeo and Julietâ by The Royal Ballet ! A brand new set and dazzling costumes promise an even more mesmerizing ballet!
- We canât ignore the international star rising, Ivan Vasiliev, who returns to the Bolshoi ! Oh darling, my love affair with this ballet star will just have to continue!
You wonât want to miss these, my darlings! Until next month! And as always, thank you for reading. And stay beautiful!