Ballet International: March 2017
Darlings, itâs that time again! The crispness of winter is finally receding, and weâre all ready to shed those wooly layers and emerge, not just into spring, but into a brand new season of exciting and glamorous ballet offerings.
My latest global dance jaunt saw me jetting between continents, immersing myself in the exquisite choreography and talent of dancers at their absolute peak. From the heart of Russiaâs historic ballet scene, to the innovative dance offerings of the US, this monthâs Ballet International is bursting with fresh insights and divine reviews.
Letâs get on with it, shall we?
From Russia With LoveâŚAnd Pointe Shoes
A visit to the Bolshoi was, as always, a breathtaking experience. This time, the stunning Swan Lake was back with a bang. Darling, it simply *cannot* be missed. Oksana Skorik as Odette/Odile was breathtaking, flitting effortlessly between the tragic grace of the Swan Queen and the seductive allure of the Black Swan, while Vladislav Lantratov as Prince Siegfried, proved heâs every bit the romantic hero â his passionate portrayal is simply unforgettable.
The legendary Bolshoi Orchestra was utterly mesmerising under the leadership of Pavel Sorokin, their rendition of Tchaikovskyâs iconic score was the perfect accompaniment to the stunning spectacle on stage. Of course, the lavish, spectacular, and beautifully crafted costumes deserve their own standing ovation! The iconic tutu? Nothing short of divine. It's the kind of ballet that leaves you breathless, deeply moved, and utterly enchanted.
And what a pleasure to have the iconic Rudolf Nureyev's 1982 production of Romeo and Juliet brought back for a special revival at the Mariinsky Theatre. The timeless and raw drama of Shakespeareâs story, combined with Prokofievâs incredible score, makes for an utterly compelling experience. It's not simply ballet, darlings; itâs an immersive journey into a world of love, loss, and ultimate sacrifice, executed with stunning technical brilliance.
Maria Kochetkova as Juliet captivated with her innocent sweetness and emotional depth, while Vladimir Shklyarov, as Romeo, was equally mesmerising with his virility and tender passion. I particularly loved the use of minimal, stark sets, which focused our attention directly on the performers' raw emotion and the heart-pounding choreography. The production truly stays with you long after the final curtain has fallen.
A Touch of American Whimsy
I flew on to New York to catch New York City Ballet's production of Jerome Robbins's "Fancy Free." Now, it is not often that one finds oneself completely enchanted by a mere three acts, but that's exactly what "Fancy Free" did to me. The choreography's a marvel â full of vibrant energy and wit, a genuine reflection of American urban life at its most fun and raucous.
This wasn't simply ballet, it was storytelling through movement â the story of three sailors looking for a little bit of fun on shore leave, their dances with a trio of women and their hilarious pursuit of the same girl! There were plenty of âha! I knew Iâd see it in a balletâ moments. A truly heartwarming and hilarious reminder that sometimes the simplest and most lighthearted pieces can also be the most profound.
Over in Chicago, the Joffrey Ballet treated me to an intoxicating blend of sophistication and pure joy in their exquisite production of âThe Nutcrackerâ. With a lavishly designed set that resembled a gingerbread castle out of your wildest dreams, this âNutcrackerâ was an experience to savour. The dazzling costumes, sparkling sets, and breathtaking technical ability on show by every single dancer, truly made this a show-stopping spectacle. But even within its fantastical realm, this production wasnât just a sugar plum, it managed to tap into the real, touching, and heart-warming emotions that underpin the story â a delightful treat!
The Ballet World Celebrates The Iconic Rudolf Nureyev
Speaking of a ballet legend, March has been a month of celebrating the legendary life of Rudolf Nureyev. In a special tribute performance at the Royal Opera House, The Royal Ballet, danced two of his masterpieces. It is said that these ballets will be presented each year to commemorate Nureyevâs life. What an incredible gift.
I'd be remiss if I didnât mention âMarguerite and Armand.â Such passion! Such elegance! Such a masterpiece! It was breathtaking to witness a whole night devoted to celebrating his legacy through some of the finest choreographies created by this genius in ballet. The evening started with an almost melancholic âLa Bayadereâ and finished with the vibrant âDon Quixote.â Both performances had the signature passion and flair that Nureyev poured into everything he did. A must-see for any ballet fan.
Something To Spark Your Imagination
There was, of course, much more than traditional ballet on offer this month. In Stockholm, I caught a performance by Cullberg Ballet. This modern, and experimental piece, was anything but ordinary â it reimagined the very meaning of storytelling with the language of ballet. This highly creative company uses choreography that truly defies expectations, bending and transforming the art form to create a unique, evocative experience that transcends the boundaries of the traditional ballet.
The choreography's sheer raw power coupled with an element of vulnerability is simply unforgettable. It's definitely for those who appreciate a bit of edgy, artistic innovation in their lives, and I canât wait to see more from these truly pioneering artists.
Now that the worldâs ballet stars have been shining bright in march, the dance season continues. So letâs stay glued to those calendars, darlings, because the coming months promise much, much more! Stay fabulous!
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