A Dance Diary: August 2018
Darling readers, As the mercury rises, so too do our pulses at the dazzling display of ballets graceing stages worldwide. August saw a whirlwind of shimmering tutus and soaring leaps, and I, for one, am utterly smitten! From the exquisite artistry of the Bolshoi to the playful brilliance of the Royal Ballet, prepare to be transported by my own personal curated ballet bonanza.
Moscow: The Bolshoi Ballemania A pilgrimage to the Bolshoi is, for any self-respecting dance devotee, a rite of passage. This month, the hallowed halls of the Bolshoi reverberated with the powerful drama of “Spartacus.” Now, darling, this is not your fluffy, dainty ballet. This is muscular, visceral, a dance-charged tale of revolution, lust and betrayal. The sheer physicality of the male dancers, especially the ever-impressive Artem Ovcharenko as Spartacus, is breathtaking, leaving one breathless (and quite possibly weak at the knees). The ballet is as opulent as a Fabergé egg, with an elaborate stage design and stunning costumes, which, let’s face it, aren't half bad either.
Berlin: Pina Bausch, A Feast For The Senses A trip to the Berlin Staatsoper would not be complete without indulging in the captivating, mind-bending works of Pina Bausch. This month saw a revival of her "Kontakthof," and let me tell you, darling, it's a masterpiece. The cast, comprised of dancers of various ages and physicalities, weave a tapestry of human relationships. There's a melancholic poetry, a touch of the absurd and, let's not forget, an emotional depth that will leave you reeling. While her works are often referred to as "dance theater," darling, I daresay they defy any label. It's a visual feast, a sensual experience that truly embraces the unconventional. Bausch is a true revolutionary of the stage, her choreography daring and refreshingly unconventional, which we all know, is just our cup of tea.
London: A Touch of Royal Enchantment Speaking of revolutionary, darling, the Royal Ballet never fails to amaze. "The Winter's Tale," choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, is a dazzling ballet of fantastical landscapes and emotive storytelling. The delicate romance between Perdita (the divine Marianela Nuñez) and Florizel (the ever-charming Steven McRae) left my heart fluttering like a hummingbird's wings. Wheeldon, darling, is a magician, seamlessly blending classical technique with contemporary movement, resulting in a ballet that's both breathtaking and profoundly moving.
Edinburgh: Fringe Fever: Dancing on The Edge The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, an annual carnival of the arts, was abuzz with experimental and daring dance performances. "Blind Faith," a captivating production by the Scottish Ballet, took us on an emotional rollercoaster with blind dancers, evoking both wonder and raw vulnerability. For something truly edgy, "Flesh" by Company Chameleon presented a powerful commentary on society's objectification of women, their fluid and evocative movements left us mesmerized and stirred.
Tokyo: Japanese Ballet Gems I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the sublime artistry of Japanese ballet. At the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, "Swan Lake" with the graceful and emotive Eri Kametani as Odette/Odile left me in awe. Kametani owned the stage, each movement a whisper of pure ballet perfection. It's clear, darling, Japanese ballet is not to be underestimated.
New York City: Where Ballet Dreams Come True While a true dance fanatic could easily spend an entire season just savouring the New York City Ballet (and let’s be honest, many do), my absolute highlight was "The Nutcracker," a joyous celebration of the festive season, even in August. The dancing is dazzling, the costumes enchanting and the story-telling just pure joy. Let's face it, who doesn't love a bit of sugarplum magic in their life, darling?
Miami: From Cuban Rhythms to Classical Grace And what’s a dance diary without a splash of Latin flair? Miami's renowned Miami City Ballet showcased the exhilarating “Carmen” by the legendary George Balanchine. The vibrant energy, the raw passion of the dancers, especially the captivating principal dancer, Katia Carranza, set the stage ablaze. Ballet aficionados should truly treat themselves to the fiery and passionate brilliance of the Latin American ballet scene.
On My Radar: Ballet Dreams, Both Big & Small As summer gracefully cedes to autumn, the ballet calendar is filling with anticipation. I'm already making plans for a few more unforgettable ballet experiences. From the ethereal grace of the Nederlands Dans Theater to the avant-garde innovations of Akram Khan, I'm certain this season will be one to remember. Until next time, darlings, keep twirling and may your every step be a joy!
Your devoted dance columnist