February's Arabesques: A World Tour of Ballet's Exquisite Offerings
Dearest readers, the crisp winter air may still hold us in its icy grip, but in the world of ballet, the heat of passion and the vibrancy of artistry are already blazing brightly. This February, the stage has been graced by dazzling performances, captivating our hearts and leaving us yearning for more.
I must confess, my journey began in the heart of London, a city that practically throbs with ballet fever. The Royal Opera House has once again delivered a triumph with their current season.
Royal Balletâs The Sleeping Beauty
The Sleeping Beauty is a ballet that always evokes a sense of nostalgic wonder. This production, however, was anything but a dusty throwback. Marianela NĂșñez's Aurora radiated an ethereal beauty and an impeccable technique, bringing a newfound vibrancy to this iconic role. She and her Prince DĂ©sirĂ©, a dashing Vadim Muntagirov, were an absolute joy to watch. Every move, every pas de deux was imbued with such effortless grace and palpable chemistry. It was like witnessing the magic of fairy tales unfold right before my eyes.
But of course, the ballet's strength lies in its ensemble work. The costumes were, as one expects, exquisite, a tapestry of glittering fabric and intricate embroidery. And then, of course, the fairies! Each fairy was unique and vibrant. My particular favourite was the dazzling "Fairy of Love," whose quicksilver movements were a feast for the eyes.
However, the piece was truly elevated by the corps de ballet. They were simply stunning, moving like a singular, fluid being. In this performance, the precision of their footwork and the unwavering strength of their ensemble movement created a breathtaking visual spectacle. Even those in the back row were completely enthralled.
Paris's Giselle
I then crossed the channel to the City of Lights, where the Paris Opera Ballet is known for its impeccable artistry. This month, they were performing the iconic Giselle, a work that's both deeply romantic and tragically beautiful.
And they truly delivered on this, weaving an intoxicating web of drama and despair. The romantic leads were perfection. Aurélie Dupont as the lovesick Giselle had both exquisite control and heartbreaking vulnerability, perfectly conveying her fragile spirit and burgeoning madness. It was, as the critics said, "a truly magnificent and soul-stirring performance." Her romantic lead, the charming and dashing Guillaume CÎté, perfectly captured the tragic nature of the story.
The final act, featuring the ethereal Wilis, was both terrifying and hypnotic. Their unearthly beauty and terrifying movements create an unforgettable vision. I must say, I felt the temperature drop in the theater. And of course, the Parisian audience - well known for its sophistication - greeted each act with deafening applause.
Milanâs Carmen
A few days later, I found myself immersed in the vibrant culture of Milan. And there, in the grand Teatro alla Scala, I discovered an utterly unexpected treasure: a new take on Bizet's opera, Carmen. Yes, dear readers, this fiery tale, usually told with the vibrancy of a flamenco performance, was being explored in ballet.
While the production might have been audacious, the artistic merit of this particular performance truly surprised me. This interpretation made use of bold and powerful contemporary movements, bringing a new depth and immediacy to Carmen's story. Her passionate, sensual nature was expertly captured by a stunningly talented dancer who had the courage to make Carmen more raw and honest than I'd ever seen.
But letâs not forget the strength of the ballet. This piece demanded both great technical prowess and deeply expressive artistry. It was the men who held the dance and stole my heart in this ballet. A raw physicality and power defined their movement. The bullfighting scenes were almost unbearable to watch. I held my breath. They were as compelling as they were terrifying. This performance, even though unexpected, was a masterpiece.
The American Dream: NYC's Swan Lake
I then made my way to New York, the cultural capital of the United States. The American Ballet Theatre was showcasing Swan Lake. The classic, yes, but it's an eternal classic for a reason.
The opening act at the Metropolitan Opera House was almost breathtaking. The elaborate scenery combined with a dazzling set design to create a sumptuous fairy tale. And the famous waltz - well, a perfect expression of elegant, effortless power. The American Ballet Theatre gave a compelling rendition, and every movement of their beautiful Swan Lake, particularly in the "White Swan" pas de deux, made me feel like I was watching two souls meet in flight.
More than Ballet: Moscowâs âArt & Design: A Collaborationâ
But ballet is not simply about the grand and well-known. It is about exploration, experimentation, and a constant search for new frontiers. In Moscow, the Bolshoi Ballet gave me a taste of the extraordinary in the unique âArt & Design: A Collaborationâ.
In the collaboration, art and design were truly infused with dance. The performances included ballet in the galleries, visual art displayed on stage and set pieces from Moscowâs leading fashion designers. It truly felt like a true, experimental "meeting of the minds". This program allowed each artistic form to inform the other, and it was in that interweaving that I found true beauty.
Back in London: The Nutcrackerâs Final Encore
I returned to London to see the end of the seasonâs run of The Royal Ballet's The Nutcracker, at the Royal Opera House. Yes, this is a tradition in December. However, this performance held a different magic as it celebrated the end of a truly extraordinary year.
This ballet is a masterpiece, as always. Every year I feel so much joy and hope seeing young ballerinas playing the Sugar Plum Fairy, who represent so much potential and promise.
This particular performance was truly heartwarming. A young soloist - a radiant, youthful energy - graced the stage and, though I had no idea who she was, she held the entire theatre captivated. I could have sat in the theater and watched her for hours. She embodied everything that is pure and hopeful and wonderful about ballet.
Looking Forward
February is indeed the month for lovers of ballet. A plethora of breathtaking productions, inventive experimentation, and simply heart-stopping dance have kept my schedule jam-packed. From the iconic grand tradition to exciting explorations of artistic boundaries, the stage this month has seen the best of the best.
My âlove letterâ is not yet finished, As Februaryâs final bow fades, we have another extraordinary month coming. I will be reporting back from new adventures soon.
Until then, dear readers, let your spirit soar on wings of imagination and dance, dance, dance!