Around The World in a Tutu
A review of some of the most breathtaking performances in ballet from around the globe.
Darling, can you believe it? Another month has flown by in the blink of an eye. And what a whirlwind it’s been, brimming with stunning performances across the world! I simply had to share some of my absolute favourites from this ballet bonanza – a feast for the eyes, dear reader!
Royal Ballet, Covent Garden
Ah, London! Where the very air hums with elegance. This month the Royal Ballet unveiled their magnificent production of Giselle, a tragic yet beautiful masterpiece that stole my breath away. Marianela Nuñez's Giselle was an absolute triumph! She captivated the audience with her delicate grace and heart-wrenching portrayal of love, betrayal and madness. Her ethereal beauty was mirrored by Vadim Muntagirov's Albrecht - the Prince with a dark secret, executed with the strength and passion that makes him one of the most exciting dancers of our time. And those breathtaking duets! Each step a poem, a story unfolding before our eyes. Giselle continues its run through May – a must-see, my dears!
Mariinsky Ballet, St. Petersburg
We all know St. Petersburg has always been a haven for the ballet, don't we? This month, they surprised us with Don Quixote! A riotous production, bursting with playful energy. The costumes! Divine. The colours! Simply dazzling. Victoria Tereshkina’s Kitri was vivacious, and her partner, Vladimir Shklyarov's, Basil had a captivating charm. Of course, it wouldn’t be Don Quixote without the flamboyant choreography, bursting with the joie de vivre of life! The Spanish-inspired pas de deux in the second act were a joy to behold – I felt like I'd been transported to a festive Spanish fiesta! Truly unforgettable.
Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow
Moscow is a city that resonates with grandeur and the Bolshoi Theatre is its perfect embodiment. This month saw a revival of Swan Lake - a perennial favourite - and what a production it was! The Bolshoi Theatre has a legacy in ballet for a reason. Their interpretation was sublime, steeped in classicism with just a hint of modern interpretation. The dancers were simply divine, their movements a graceful symphony in white. The scene where the swans descend on stage...oh my! Goosebumps! I had the good fortune of watching Olga Smirnova's Odette, a captivating performance. Her vulnerability and strength shone throughout the entire production, reminding me why Swan Lake remains one of the most iconic ballet productions of all time.
The American Ballet Theatre, New York City
A trip to the Big Apple without seeing a performance at the American Ballet Theatre? Simply unheard of, darling! Their latest production, The Firebird was a visual treat! A magical tapestry of myth and beauty, danced with passion and precision. A sumptuous blend of music and movement, brought to life by their stunning corps de ballet and an unforgettable portrayal of the firebird by the incredible Misty Copeland! Her technique was magnificent. You could see the sheer strength and artistry in each move. Her role was an important reminder of her ability to embody classical roles, a significant step for an American Ballerina who was able to carve out a beautiful career, challenging all norms!
The Paris Opera Ballet
Oh, darling! The Paris Opera Ballet is always a feast for the senses. The atmosphere inside the Palais Garnier, a symphony of gold, plush velvet, and shimmering lights! Their performance of La Bayadère left me breathless! It’s the epitome of the romantic ballet. And what about those costumes! Oh la la! The iconic White Act, with its sheer beauty and celestial costumes is something truly breathtaking. Their execution of the "Kingdom of the Shades" sequence is simply masterful. A captivating tapestry of white tulle, echoing with a profound, delicate beauty - an ethereal, magical moment of perfection!
The Australian Ballet, Melbourne
Across the globe, a true gem awaited in the form of the Australian Ballet's rendition of Sleeping Beauty, a celebration of artistry and beauty. I found their approach refreshingly unique, infused with a lively sense of Australian spirit. Their take on this classic fairytale, brought to life with exceptional grace and a dash of Australian charm was utterly delightful! The use of lighting in this production was also breathtaking. Each scene, lit by an evocative palette, felt like a journey through the realm of dreams. I particularly loved their contemporary interpretation of Aurora's grand awakening. It's a powerful example of the way this talented troupe reimagines classic productions with innovative flair. Simply superb!
Tokyo Ballet, Japan
Tokyo! I find it's such a bustling city, it has that sense of kinetic energy. I was blown away by the Tokyo Ballet's production of Les Sylphides, a masterpiece of subtle and evocative dance. It felt as though every move resonated with the calm beauty of Japanese aesthetics. The ballet dancers' movement seemed like calligraphy, the grace and fluidity of their performance resonated with me deeply! The costumes were inspired, blending the delicate elegance of traditional Japanese dress with the understated beauty of classical ballet. Simply magical!
And now, for some exciting news
I heard a rumour about the world-renowned American choreographer, George Balanchine, planning to revive his iconic work, Jewels, in London next year! It’s going to be a monumental production at the Royal Ballet and I cannot wait for what is guaranteed to be a captivating fusion of dance, music, and visual artistry!
I can't end this without acknowledging some amazing up-and-coming talent in the ballet world. Did you know that the Royal Ballet's new artistic director is already creating waves? It seems like the dynamic duo, Kevin O'Hare and his predecessor, Kevin McKenzie, have orchestrated some brilliant new roles and choreography this season! Keep an eye on their work! They’re both absolute darlings, and have a penchant for breathtaking interpretations!
Ballet, my dears, remains a vibrant and flourishing art form. Whether it's in the heart of Europe or across the seas, a ballet performance holds the power to transport us to other realms, to ignite our emotions, and leave us breathless! Remember to find your inner grace and celebrate the beauty of ballet – a truly exquisite form of artistry, don’t you think?