August 2017: A Dance Through the Global Landscape
Darling, as the summer heats up, so does the dance world. This month, my little darlings, has been nothing short of spectacular. From the shimmering shores of the Mediterranean to the cool concrete of New York City, we've been graced with performances that leave us breathless, giddy, and aching for more.
Ballet as a Force of Nature: From Greece to Tuscany
My first stop was the Athenian Dance Festival, and darling, it was utterly divine! Nestled amongst the ancient ruins, we were treated to a captivating performance of George Balanchine's Serenade, a true testament to the beauty of classic ballet. The dancers, the glorious Greek dancers, were as graceful as the olive trees swaying in the breeze. But there was something so profound, so poignant, about experiencing the piece in such a historical setting, a true blending of past and present. A symphony of movement, echoing the very soul of the Athenian landscape. The performance ended with a breathtaking rendition of Vaslav Nijinsky’s L’Après-midi d’un Faune, which is simply sublime.
Next, my darlings, came Florence! A dazzling production of Giselle at the Teatro della Pergola – the costumes! Oh my, the costumes! A glorious celebration of colour and elegance, and those exquisite tutus…pure poetry in motion. The dancers of the Florence Opera House were sensational – a whirlwind of talent, leaving the audience utterly mesmerized.
Urban Rhythm and the Essence of Cool: New York, New York
I simply cannot go to New York without experiencing a ballet performance! This time, I headed straight to Lincoln Center, where the New York City Ballet was performing Jerome Robbins’s iconic The Concert. This is the most sophisticated, chic, modern ballet, darling. The use of the stage, the movements, the playful storytelling; the dancers really own this work. You see, sometimes you have to escape from all those tutu and tiara numbers. These contemporary dancers just know how to capture your attention with urban attitude, strength, and a sprinkle of sassy humour.
Dance Across Borders: From Tokyo to Tel Aviv
From the vibrant streets of Tokyo, my journey led me to the captivating energy of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra and their masterful rendition of Prokofiev's "Cinderella." It was like stepping into a fairytale. But darling, this wasn’t just any ballet – it was full of life, passion, and exquisite artistry. You wouldn’t have a clue from the balletic artistry that it was set to such a bold and magnificent soundtrack. A beautiful juxtaposition.
My final destination was Tel Aviv, darling! The Batsheva Dance Company took my breath away, a force of nature on stage! Their performance of Ohad Naharin's "Decadance" was simply astonishing, raw and electrifying! This was modern dance with a capital "M"! Powerful movements, sharp lines, and an incredible energy. I left the theatre buzzing, the rhythm of the piece still pounding in my head!
A Dance for Every Palette
This summer, darling, dance has proven itself to be a universal language, weaving tales of love, loss, and life’s joyous symphony. Whether it’s the sweeping grandeur of classic ballets, the sleek elegance of modern dance, or the vibrant expression of street art, this summer's global dance scene has truly been captivating.