AI Ballet Fashion Review 726

November 2017 Dearest readers, It’s the time of year when we’re all snuggling into cosy scarves and sipping pumpkin spiced lattes. And what could be more divine than catching a spectacular ballet production amidst the crisp autumnal air? Oh, how this past month has simply shimmered with breathtaking talent. From the grand stages of Europe to the vibrant energy of the Far East, the dance world has been positively ablaze! Let’s start our journey in the heart of Paris, where the esteemed *Opéra de Paris* unveiled a stunning new production of *Le Corsaire*. Now, we’ve all seen countless variations on this tale of pirates, love, and betrayal. But what makes this rendition so captivating is its exquisite attention to detail. The costumes, my darlings, were pure spectacle - lavish silk, glimmering jewels, and feathers that positively whispered of opulent voyages. The choreography, masterfully crafted by Laurent Hilaire, perfectly balanced intricate technique with captivating drama. The story unfolded with an enthralling elegance that left me breathless. Then there was the performance! The glorious Eleonora Abbagnato as Medora and the handsome Hugo Marchand as Conrad soared through the intricate choreography, bringing such passion and vulnerability to their roles. Their pas de deux was nothing short of mesmerising. It was a triumph, my dears, and one that will linger in my memory for a long, long time. Now, if you're looking for something a bit more contemporary, look no further than *Nederlands Dans Theater*. These daring artists always push the boundaries, and their current season is no exception. At their home in The Hague, we saw a mesmerising mix of world premieres and contemporary classics, each one more daring and inventive than the last. One of the highlights was certainly Paul Lightfoot’s and Sol León’s “Sad Case”. I gasped. The haunting, abstract work was captivatingly haunting. There were moments of exquisite fragility, paired with flashes of violent athleticism, the dancers bodies becoming powerful, emotional vehicles, and the stage, an enigmatic canvas. "Sad Case" left you with the feeling that the art of contemporary ballet was truly being reimagined and reimagined magnificently. Then, in the city that never sleeps, we caught the New York City Ballet's Fall gala. Ah, the glitterati! There wasn't a single diamond necklace or sparkling brooch out of place. The opening night was a vibrant, eclectic display of classic Balanchine and new work from Justin Peck and the enigmatic Alexei Ratmansky. What was remarkable about the new works was their fresh energy. Peck’s “The Most Incredible Thing”, set to music by Sufjan Stevens, was a joyful celebration of life's strange beauty and was a captivating example of the evolution of classical ballet. Ratmansky’s “Concerto DSCH”, a sublime exploration of emotions and of relationships, simply left the audience breathless. Across the Pond: Now let’s fly across the Atlantic. There are few things more invigorating than a trip to London! The Royal Ballet is always a highlight, and this year was no different. Their production of “Giselle”, featuring the ever-magnetic Marianela Nuñez, and the powerful Steven McRae, simply redefined the classic. Their performances were masterful; every move imbued with emotional depth. Their portrayal of heartbreak, forgiveness and the complexities of human connection was simply heartbreaking, thrilling, and utterly spellbinding. It was then, in the plush embrace of Covent Garden, that I saw the brilliance of a truly world-class ensemble in the performance of the “Romeo & Juliet”, by Kenneth MacMillan. This dramatic masterpiece brought to life a ballet that had every member of the audience transfixed with its stunning choreography and sheer power. This rendition, led by the exceptional Francesca Hayward and Vadim Muntagirov was nothing short of electrifying. It provided a stark reminder of the continuing brilliance of this classic and that this timeless tale remains as relevant and emotionally resonant as ever. Across London, in the vibrant Hammersmith, we found the enchanting Ballet Black, whose recent performance of “The Wind in the Willows” charmed the audience and provided an ingenious blend of charming narrative, creative set design and delightful movement. I was struck by the creativity of the dancers. Their interpretations of the lovable characters in this adaptation brought new life to the classic children's literature of Kenneth Grahame. Ballet Black always seems to create performances that manage to capture hearts and imaginations. Across the Globe: But the journey didn't end in London. Oh, no! The dance world is vast and diverse, and we ventured farther east this year to experience some truly remarkable performances in China. The Shanghai Ballet, my dears, is nothing short of breathtaking. In particular, their captivating production of "The Lord of the Rings," inspired by Tolkien’s magnificent saga, left us entranced. This was no mere adaptation but a new world imagined and executed beautifully. I was awed by the scale of this spectacular. The costumes, the sets, the story, the choreography - they truly captured the grand and magical universe of Tolkien. With an orchestra of seventy players providing a moving soundtrack the company, full of strength and skill, transported us into this fantastical world. From the breathtaking ballet of Gandalf's appearance to the fierce dancing of the Nazgul, the piece felt so immersive and captivating. Speaking of fantastical realities, the Australian Ballet also dazzled in their own unique style. I was fortunate to experience their stunning "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland". The stage was truly transformative with the set designers successfully conjuring a world where imagination knows no bounds. Each act flowed seamlessly into the next, giving the production a unique sense of fluidity. We felt the beauty of this world and, with the power of the dancers’ performances and the imaginative choreography, we were truly swept into this wonderland. Finally, dear readers, our grand tour takes us back to where it all began – New York. Yes, it’s true – the dance world never sleeps! This month in the heart of Manhattan we saw Alvin Ailey’s "Revelations". There are few things as stirring as the power of Ailey’s iconic masterpiece. To watch the company, dressed in simple, powerful costumes, perform this sacred work, so full of raw emotion and cultural celebration, is a spiritual experience that always leaves me reenergized and moved. As we come to the end of November, I hope these impressions of the dance world have sparkled your imagination as much as they have mine! From the opulence of the *Opéra de Paris* to the modern dance in Holland, the powerful artistry of England, and the vibrant new work created by the world’s leading companies in Australia and the United States, this has been a month full of truly exciting performance experiences. Oh, darlings! Make sure you catch as many as you can. Until next month, happy dancing!