Darlings,
As we bid a fond farewell to the tumultuous year of 2017, the world of ballet is ablaze with creativity and breathtaking performances. From the grandest of stages to intimate studios, dance has captured our hearts and souls, reminding us why it remains the ultimate art form.
Let's begin with the pièce de résistance: the dazzling, utterly exquisite **"Swan Lake" at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.** Now, darling, let's be honest - there's nothing quite like witnessing this classic on its home turf, amidst the gilded opulence of this architectural masterpiece. The sheer technical brilliance on display is nothing short of astonishing, but it is the soulful expression and emotional depth that truly leaves a lasting impact. I felt like I was witnessing something transcendent - the ballerinas' fluidity in the "White Swan" passages and the electrifying power of the "Black Swan" act - it simply leaves you breathless.
But ballet is not just about grand spectacles and timeless classics, isn't it? A truly unique and refreshing experience came with **"Re-Imagine" at The Joyce Theater in New York**. This modern and innovative presentation was a curated selection of experimental pieces by some of the most exciting names in contemporary ballet. I was particularly struck by **"The Dreamer's Tale,"** which felt like a ballet-meets-film experience, the dancers moving seamlessly through projected landscapes. It's this sort of fearless experimentation and cutting-edge vision that truly excites me about the future of ballet.
Over in London, the **Royal Ballet's "Sleeping Beauty"** at the Royal Opera House is, of course, a perennial favorite. I must say, this production, always a delight, felt particularly enchanting this season. The opulent sets and costumes, and the sparkling performances made the production absolutely delightful. There was something truly special about watching this fairytale unfold, reminding us that magic still exists, even in the bustling heart of the city.
On a smaller, but no less captivating scale, I was simply enthralled by **"The Little Mermaid"** at the Houston Ballet. While a ballet adaptation of a classic children's story may seem, well, a tad predictable, I was wrong! This production brought new life and artistry to the much-loved Disney classic, showcasing an exquisite balance between lighthearted charm and heart-wrenching poignancy.
One mustn't forget the burgeoning ballet scene across the pond in France. The **Paris Opera Ballet** remains a force to be reckoned with, particularly their breathtaking rendition of **"Giselle"**. But there's also an intriguing energy simmering in the smaller, more experimental companies. **"Le Bal Moderne"** at the **Théâtre de la Ville** presented a bold and exciting program exploring themes of love, loss, and human connection through dynamic choreography. This kind of passionate exploration of dance language, a daring look at modern relationships, was truly fascinating.
Moving beyond Europe, we must acknowledge the extraordinary talents rising from Asia. **The Hong Kong Ballet's** presentation of **"The Nutcracker"** was absolutely charming. Their interpretation of the classic brought a unique Asian flavour to the narrative, yet beautifully preserving the magic and elegance we've come to love.
Finally, a quick nod to **the American Ballet Theatre's ** ongoing **"On Pointe" series**, streaming on HBO Max. While not technically "live," this innovative format is bringing ballet into our living rooms in a truly engaging way. This behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives and training of the dancers, the intimate moments captured through their training and their lives beyond the stage, gives a deeper and intimate understanding of this rigorous and dedicated art.
Now, my darlings, as we move into the new year, let's not forget that the beauty and expression of ballet are only heightened when experienced as part of a shared community. So, let us raise a glass to the brilliance of the dancers who bring these stories to life, and continue to support, celebrate and enjoy the magical world of ballet!
Yours in dance,
Esmeralda
Some International Ballet Highlights in January 2018
**January 6th:**
**San Francisco Ballet, “The Winter’s Tale,” War Memorial Opera House:**
Christopher Wheeldon, a darling of the ballet world, created a unique, compelling ballet inspired by Shakespeare's *Winter's Tale*. This highly anticipated piece will feature a dazzling combination of technical prowess and storytelling finesse that will surely transport audiences to a realm of wonder and emotional depth.
January 11th:
**The Royal Ballet, "Romeo and Juliet", Royal Opera House, London:**
Shakespeare’s classic love story in ballet is an ageless favorite and always electrifies audiences with its raw emotion, beautiful pas de deux and evocative storytelling. This month's production is expecting a packed house as the renowned dancers, Edward Watson and Natalia Osipova, bring their passionate performances to the stage.
January 18th:
**Paris Opera Ballet, "La Bayadère," Palais Garnier: **
This vibrant production of this Russian classic offers a feast of dazzling color, intricate costumes, and captivating storytelling. With stunning choreography and dramatic performances, this evening is sure to be a highlight of the Paris season. The stunning corps de ballet's "Kingdom of Shades" sequence will transport you into a mysterious and haunting underworld.
January 25th:
**New York City Ballet, "Serenade/Jewels," David H. Koch Theater:**
"Jewels" is simply exquisite! This groundbreaking masterpiece is divided into three distinct acts - Emeralds (for a traditional French elegance), Rubies (for a captivating, fiery American feel), and Diamonds (for pure classic beauty). This showcase of the incredible athleticism and expressive talent of the NYC Ballet dancers promises a dazzling, and unforgettable night.
**International Dance Festival Round-up**
And darling, it's not just about the established stars and traditional ballet companies. It is important to remember that the global dance scene is teeming with amazing talent, both in established troupes and smaller companies and emerging choreographers, with a myriad of styles, innovations, and expressions, pushing the boundaries of the art.
Here are just a few highlights of international dance festivals taking place this month:
- Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels (January 4-11): In the heart of New York City at the Joyce Theater, the "Reflections" Festival is a kaleidoscope of exciting international dance styles and performance, offering an innovative perspective and pushing boundaries.
- The Montpellier Dance Festival (January 11-30): Located in beautiful Montpellier in Southern France, this festival, running all month, offers an extraordinary combination of both traditional and cutting-edge dance companies - the very essence of "contemporary dance." A celebration of movement and diversity in its finest form.
- The Holland Dance Festival (January 17-February 3): In the bustling city of Groningen, this festival offers a compelling array of exciting performances. One highlight, of many, is “Le Sacre du Printemps” reimagined by the dynamic and experimental Dutch company Introdans.
- The Hong Kong Arts Festival (February 12-March 2): Now, this one promises to be extraordinary. Spanning an impressive array of theatrical, musical, and dance performances, the HK Festival features a curated selection of world-class artistry. For the ballet aficionado, there's something to captivate everyone, with productions like “La Sylphide” by the Ballet of the Vienna State Opera, or a truly modern, inventive performance by Shen Wei Dance Arts - truly something to see.
So darling, with a packed calendar of thrilling ballet productions across the world, there's no better time to rediscover the allure of this beautiful art.
Remember, dear reader: It's all about the experience!
Your Fashionable Ballet Insider,
Esmeralda