June's Jewel Box: A Month of Dazzling Dance
Dearest readers,
From the hushed elegance of London's Royal Opera House to the electric buzz of the Bolshoi in Moscow, June has been a month positively bursting with balletic brilliance. As your intrepid dance correspondent, I’ve been dashing across continents, armed with my trusty opera glasses and a discerning eye, ready to share with you the very latest from the world of dance. So, slip on your favourite pair of ballet slippers (mine are a divine blush pink satin, by the way!), and join me for a tour through June's most enthralling productions.
My June began in the most elegant of settings, the Royal Opera House. This grand old dame is always a delight, and June saw two exceptional productions that set the bar for the season:
- Manon: The first, Manon, starring the dazzling Marianela Nunez as the eponymous femme fatale, had me positively transfixed. This staging of the classic Massenet ballet felt as fresh and exciting as the first blush of spring, with every nuance of the choreography exquisite. Marianela's performance was simply breathtaking, each movement imbued with such pathos and sensual power that even the most cynical member of the audience was swept away. She is an absolute master of the delicate art of story-telling through dance.
- The Dream: And then there was The Dream, with its captivating, ethereal score by Mendelssohn. I've always loved the ethereal charm of this ballet, with its magical, Shakespearean twist, but this performance was truly transcendent. The delicate dance of the fairies, the hilarious antics of Bottom the Weaver and his fellow rustics – the entire cast gave an absolute masterclass in acting and expression. And let's not forget those stunning costumes – a veritable feast for the eyes. The Royal Opera House continues to offer some of the finest ballets in the world.
From London's sophisticated elegance, I journeyed to Moscow, a city pulsing with artistic energy. The Bolshoi, that magnificent temple to Russian dance, welcomed me with open arms, and I was truly awe-struck by two contrasting yet equally captivating productions:
- Giselle, one of the undisputed masterpieces of the ballet world, showcased the exceptional talent of the Bolshoi's corps de ballet. They moved as one, a singular force of grace and beauty, while the leading roles of Giselle and Albrecht were taken by a pair of young dancers with a palpable spark of brilliance.
- Boléro: On the other hand, Boléro was a breathtaking study in athleticism and sensuality, set to Ravel's thrilling score. The dancers of the Bolshoi – renowned for their virtuosic athleticism – truly captured the rawness and power of Stravinsky's music, the ballet a tour-de-force of energy and passion.
What a whirlwind, wouldn’t you say? The Bolshoi, with its sheer dedication to ballet and its bold, dramatic interpretations, is a must-see for every ballet enthusiast.
Paris: The Palais GarnierMy next stop, naturally, was Paris, the City of Light. Where else could you find such an exciting mix of dance styles? Here, I discovered that even the most classic ballets can be interpreted in refreshingly unexpected ways.
- Swan Lake: At the magnificent Palais Garnier, I caught a performance of Swan Lake with a truly innovative interpretation of the score. While it's hard to imagine such a beloved ballet receiving anything less than rapturous applause, this production managed to both surprise and delight, staying true to the timeless tale of love and tragedy while weaving in bold and innovative movements that had me on the edge of my seat.
Crossing the Atlantic to the pulsating energy of New York City, I ventured into the legendary world of the New York City Ballet. What can one say about this institution that hasn’t already been said? For me, the NYC Ballet always embodies a dynamic, thrilling approach to the art form, perfectly reflecting the dynamism of the city itself.
- Stars and Stripes: During my time in the Big Apple, the company staged Balanchine's Stars and Stripes, and as always, it was pure ballet bliss. From the bright, joyful colours to the impeccable synchronicity of the dancers, this was a true celebration of both athleticism and artistry.
- The Four Temperaments: In stark contrast, the more somber, reflective The Four Temperaments – another Balanchine masterpiece – was a delight for both body and soul. Each movement had a palpable weight and intention, reminding us that the very best dance speaks with quiet power.
Los Angeles, that vibrant mix of glitz, glamour, and bohemian cool, was the perfect backdrop for my next ballet adventure. The Los Angeles Ballet, while slightly newer than its iconic counterparts, has a truly remarkable artistic spirit.
- Romeo and Juliet: Their production of Romeo and Juliet was breathtaking. I was particularly impressed with the choreography, which beautifully mirrored the intensity of Shakespeare's immortal tale of love and loss. This company has a captivating youthful energy, making every performance both thrilling and tender.
June ended on a continent known for its diverse natural beauty, a land of contrasts: Australia. I made my way down under for a glimpse of the world-renowned Australian Ballet.
- Cinderella: The production that truly stole my heart, though, was their breathtaking interpretation of Cinderella. This timeless tale was given new life, with an exquisitely playful set, and choreography that sparkled with wit and elegance.
This June, ballet was everywhere: London, Moscow, Paris, New York, Los Angeles, Sydney... each city, with its distinct atmosphere, infused each performance with a unique flair. I must confess, as my heart beats to the rhythm of the ballet season, it seems more and more like we are truly living in a golden age for the art form.
For me, ballet is more than just an art form – it's an emotion, an expression of pure human passion, a language understood the world over. So let us raise a toast to the choreographers, dancers, and audiences who make this magnificent art form sing!
I’ll leave you with a final thought from the legendary choreographer Mikhail Fokine: "Ballet is not merely the movements of the body. It is the movements of the soul".
Until next month,
XOXO
**Isabella**