A Ballet Bonanza: A September Soirée of Artistic Excellence
Ah, September! The air crackles with a delicious sense of possibility. The leaves are beginning their transformation, the evenings are crisper, and we've shaken off the summer languor and are ready for some truly exquisite artistry. This month, the ballet world has delivered a glorious smorgasbord of productions, leaving my dance-loving heart utterly satiated. So, let us take a pirouette through the highlights of this enchanting season.
The Royal Ballet's Triumphant Return: "Manon" at the Royal Opera House
It simply wouldn't be a September without a trip to Covent Garden, wouldn't it, darlings? And what a return to form the Royal Ballet gave us with their sublime staging of Massenet's "Manon". This tale of forbidden love, with its intoxicating music and timeless drama, resonated so profoundly. The entire production was an absolute tour de force, but one performance truly stole my heart: Marianela Nuñez as Manon. Her portrayal was utterly captivating. One moment she was brimming with youthful abandon, the next she was steeped in heartbreaking tragedy. And, of course, let us not forget the glorious choreography by Kenneth MacMillan. His use of space, his exploration of the characters' inner lives, it all simply felt fresh, bold, and deeply moving.
A Parisian Extravaganza: The Paris Opera Ballet's "La Bayadère"
For a ballet experience that truly exudes grandeur, I urge you to make the pilgrimage to the Palais Garnier. I am smitten, smitten I tell you, with the Paris Opera Ballet's production of "La Bayadère". It was a breathtaking spectacle – the sets, the costumes, the choreography (oh, those exquisite corps de ballet lines!). The company, under the masterful guidance of their new director, gave us a dazzling display of skill, virtuosity, and dramatic fire. Their "Kingdom of the Shades" scene – the one with the ethereal, almost ghostly, white dancers – is pure magic. Truly unforgettable.
From Bolshoi to Broadway: "Sleeping Beauty" with a Modern Twist
Ah, my dear readers, who could resist a "Sleeping Beauty"? Especially when it's a collaboration between the Bolshoi Ballet and the creators of the Broadway phenomenon "Hamilton"? This production was quite the unexpected treat, infusing the beloved fairy tale with a modern, contemporary spin. While some might argue against tinkering with such a classic, I found the bold new interpretations refreshing. The iconic waltz sequence, in particular, was given a playful and captivating update, and the Bolshoi's talent truly shone through.
Dancing Through Time: "Giselle" at the New York City Ballet
No ballet repertoire is complete without the iconic "Giselle". And the New York City Ballet's recent performance truly lived up to its legendary reputation. The company, known for its breathtaking athleticism and expressive storytelling, brought the story of betrayed love and unearthly redemption to life. The choreography is, of course, classic, yet its emotion feels so universal, so achingly timeless. I particularly enjoyed the dramatic range of the lead roles. Their performances, fuelled by incredible talent, created a performance of both exquisite artistry and emotional depth. And the company's signature lightness and airy jumps... they practically soared above the stage.
And Now For Something Completely Different: "The Dream" at the English National Ballet
If you're searching for a unique, thought-provoking experience, the English National Ballet's "The Dream" might be your perfect match. This contemporary work, inspired by Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream", delves into themes of identity, dreams, and the human condition. It was not a conventional ballet by any means. The choreography was sometimes edgy, sometimes surreal, yet it held you spellbound throughout. The use of music was quite striking, weaving classical pieces with the more contemporary, resulting in a powerful and very modern aesthetic. And speaking of striking, the costumes and the set were beautifully evocative, further enhancing the story's enchanting aura.
Dancing in the Sunshine: The Edinburgh Fringe Festival's Dance Offerings
This September, we went a little further afield than usual to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It is a kaleidoscope of performing arts, from theatre to dance, music to comedy. I confess to feeling a little bit like Alice tumbling down a rabbit hole. It was truly captivating! Within this kaleidoscopic whirl, I was thrilled to find myself captivated by several stunning dance performances. Some were high-energy, modern interpretations, others were more experimental, while some, like a group performance of "La Sylphide", gave me that classic, timeworn delight. But my absolute favourite find, tucked away in a small venue, was a dance piece based on a poem by Emily Dickinson. Her words, brought to life through movement, created a most poetic and moving experience.
Beyond the Big Names: Smaller Companies and Artistic Gems
Don't underestimate the artistry that smaller ballet companies offer, dear friends. This month, I took a detour from the glittering palaces of the larger ballet companies and spent a charming afternoon with a troupe called the "Birmingham Ballet" at their intimate theatre space. Their rendition of "Swan Lake" had a beautifully simple yet highly emotive quality to it. And in a small theatre tucked away in Chelsea, I stumbled upon a performance of "The Firebird" by a small troupe that included the talented, young dancer, Olivia Rose. She brought a freshness and passion to the piece that really captured my attention. Her talent is undeniable, and I truly believe we'll be hearing much more from this young artist in the future.
Beyond the Stage: Ballet Fashion Finds
Let's talk fashion, shall we? Because what is a balletomane's life without a stylish wardrobe that compliments their ballet obsessions? I've been seeing the most fabulous fashion pieces on my latest outings to the dance studios. And for those of you who haven't been in the know, the "balletcore" fashion trend is still going strong, embracing everything from tutus and leotards to tulle skirts, ballet flats, and that "athleisure" look with an added dose of romance and refinement. I picked up the most stunning pale pink tulle skirt from & Other Stories, and the beautiful ballerinas at the barre will absolutely approve.
Coming Soon: What to Look Forward to in October
The autumn ballet season is just getting warmed up, and October promises more excitement. I've heard whispers about the American Ballet Theatre's upcoming "Romeo and Juliet" - with that dramatic flair and exquisite emotion - I think we are in for an intensely beautiful and romantic production. The Royal Ballet, of course, will be staging more gems at Covent Garden, including their popular "The Sleeping Beauty" production, and the Mariinsky Ballet are set to bring their exquisite Russian art form to London with their performance of "Swan Lake" I am practically dancing in my seat just thinking about it!
A Dance-Filled Adieu:
So, my dear dance enthusiasts, I bid you a fond farewell as September bids its own farewell to us. Let's raise a toast, a champagne flute in the air, to all the glorious art, the stunning dance, the beauty we've witnessed. Oh, what a delightful month it's been! Remember, the art of dance, like the finest perfume, lingers beautifully on our souls long after the final curtain falls. Let it fuel our passion, our own inner movement. Until next month, my darling readers!