A Month of Ballet Bliss: February 2018 Darling readers, February has been a month of glorious balletic offerings, sending us all into a whirling dervish of delight. From the glittering chandeliers of Paris to the cool contemporary stages of New York, here's my peek into the dazzling world of dance: Paris: A Touch of Grandeur Oh, Paris, you always know how to set the stage! The Palais Garnier buzzed with anticipation as the **Paris Opera Ballet** unveiled its new production of *Giselle*. It's been a while since I've been truly moved by this classic, but under the direction of **Benjamin Millepied** (yes, darling, he of Natalie Portman fame!), it felt fresh and heartbreaking. **Marie-Agnès Gillot** as Giselle was an ethereal vision, her heartbreak so poignant. She moved with the fragility of a snow-kissed flower, her grief unfolding like a sorrowful bloom. And **Paul Marque** as Albrecht, the deceitful suitor, was, shall we say, devilishly handsome, making you almost want to forgive him for his sins. The second act, with the ethereal wilis in their hauntingly beautiful dance, was simply sublime. It was all a touch too saccharine for my usual tastes, but a perfect showcase of the Paris Opera Ballet's technical prowess and its unerring sense of drama. But darling, the most memorable performance this month came not from the Opera Ballet, but from **Benjamin Millepied's** own **L.A. Dance Project**. They brought their eclectic, raw energy to the Theatre du Châtelet, giving a world premiere of *Daphnis & Chloe*. Forget the bucolic fields of Greek mythology, this version was edgy, raw and, dare I say, slightly sexy. Millepiedâs choreography felt visceral and electrifying, blending modern movement with traditional balletic elements in a bold, surprising way. **Sheryl Murakami** and **Tate McRae**, two dancers whose grace and athleticism rival those of any ballerina, captivated with their vibrant performances. This was truly the kind of innovative ballet that keeps you on the edge of your seat. London: Tradition With a Twist While the Parisians are busy reimagining classics, London stayed true to its traditional balletic roots with the **Royal Ballet**'s rendition of *Sleeping Beauty*. But before you dismiss it as just another predictable production, hold on! The star of the show was, undeniably, **Natalia Osipova**, her Aurora radiating innocence and wonder in the first act. And then, the moment everyone was waiting for, she blossomed into a dazzling, fierce queen, her powerful extensions and impeccable technique leaving the audience gasping. She commanded the stage with a regal presence that made you believe, even for just a fleeting moment, in fairy-tale magic. But darling, **Marianela NuĂąez** and **Matthew Ball** as the Lilac Fairy and Prince Florimund werenât slouches either, bringing an effortless charm and sparkling chemistry to the stage. I left feeling utterly enchanted and wanting to sleep for a hundred years, just like Aurora, except perhaps in a much more glamorous castle! New York: The Dance of The Times Across the pond, in New York, the contemporary dance world is on fire. And darling, let's talk **New York City Ballet**! Their annual winter season was a whirlwind of dance and artistry. I was absolutely captivated by their daring exploration of modern dance with Justin Peck's *The Times Are Racing* . His energetic choreography, with its intricate patterns and sharp, athletic movement, brought a refreshing and invigorating twist to the traditional balletic lexicon. **Daniel Ulbricht** as the lead, danced with a fierce intensity that left you breathless. He really is a shining star of the New York City Ballet. But my absolute favorite was **Christopher Wheeldon's** new creation, *The Letter**. Iâm utterly besotted with its poignant story about loss and longing. It felt incredibly personal and deeply affecting. It was as if Wheeldon took us on a journey through a broken heart. The beautiful music by **Thomas Adès** played such a pivotal role in weaving the emotional tapestry of this work. The tender and emotional choreography, exquisitely performed by **Maria Kowroski** and **Tyler Angle** was truly a breathtaking sight. The New York City Ballet has, for many years, championed this kind of inventive and meaningful contemporary work. Itâs inspiring to witness such artistry in the heart of New York. Miami: Dance under the Stars To get away from the urban intensity, I hopped over to Miami, the sun-drenched home of the **Miami City Ballet** in a month that wasnât exactly as sun-soaked. I couldnât miss **Mikhail Fokine**âs iconic **"Les Sylphides"* â its romanticism a welcome change from the brooding New York scene. And darling, did I mention that the stunning, ethereal backdrop of the **Miami Beach Theatre** provides such a glorious backdrop? The choreography felt effortlessly elegant. **Renata Loizeaux** shone as a wisp of a sylph, and her lithe beauty danced in perfect harmony with the luminous stage. While a traditional ballet, **"Les Sylphides"* reminded me of the simple power and grace of classic ballet and brought to mind the delicate beauty of the Art Nouveau period, a bit like a ballet inspired by Klimt paintings. **Buenos Aires: Passion and Fire** For a dance experience that ignites your soul, thereâs nothing quite like the passion and fiery energy of Argentina. The **Ballet Estable del Teatro ColĂłn** is a beacon of brilliance in South America. Their performance of **âDon Quixoteâ** is a masterpiece of classic storytelling. **Irina Dronova**, an exquisite ballerina, portrayed Kitri with an exuberant charm. And **Gonzalo Garcia** brought the swagger and chivalry of the fearless Don Quixote to life, commanding the stage with charisma. The sheer joy that radiated from the stage was infectious. Darling, they weren't just dancing, they were living the story! The dramatic grandeur of the *Teatro ColĂłn* simply magnified this extraordinary ballet. It is no surprise that they are a leading ballet company in South America. Looking Forward My February whirlwind of ballet ended with a heartfelt gratitude for the dance world's unparalleled beauty and artistry. These performances remind us that dance is truly a universal language. It transcends cultural boundaries, uniting us in a shared appreciation for the grace, power, and vulnerability of the human form. Oh, the sheer beauty and sheer magic of it all! I am already eager for the exciting new productions that March promises. Till next month, darling, keep twirling and take my advice â catch as many dance performances as you can. They will surely brighten your day. With love and a pirouette,
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