Oh, darling! September is simply the most divine month for a balletomane. The season starts with a flurry of premieres, revivals, and international delights that have my diary bursting and my dancing shoes positively aching for the stage.
This month saw a spectacular opening in **Paris**. The **Opéra de Paris** celebrated the work of their current darling, **Benjamin Millepied**, with a world premiere of his **'Echoes'**. This captivating work, an absolute masterpiece of choreographic genius, drew inspiration from the hauntingly beautiful work of **Francis Bacon**. It is a dark and expressive ballet. A deeply visceral and dramatic work of the highest calibre that sent the critics into raptures. You know darling, when the applause goes on for five minutes, you know something truly special has happened.
A more traditional offering in the French capital was a stunning revival of **Balanchine's **' **Jewels**', a masterpiece in three acts: **Emeralds**, **Rubies**, and **Diamonds**. This is one of those ballets that never fails to enthral. A glorious display of the technique and talent that the **Opéra de Paris** are world renowned for. The company really did sparkle!
Across the Channel in **London**, the **Royal Ballet** was serving up a real treat for their loyal followers: **Kenneth MacMillan**'s ' **Manon**. Oh, darling! It is such a beautiful, passionate story. And of course, this piece simply cannot be performed without the legendary **Darcey Bussell**, a former **Royal Ballet** prima ballerina, back on stage. She has been enjoying a revival of her career this season with the Royal, appearing in **Giselle**, **Romeo and Juliet** and **Manon** (it is almost as if they can’t let her go. She has clearly kept her skills razor sharp! This was a performance that had me on the edge of my seat, and in tears at the end!
On the other side of London, at the **Sadler’s Wells Theatre**, there was a world premiere of **"Into The Woods"** from **The Royal Ballet School**. This production really had my attention. A collaboration between choreographer **Stephen McRae**, **Sally Grogan**, and **Ruth Carnick**, it really showcased the school's extraordinary talents. What a triumph, they are going places!
But you know, darling, nothing could prepare me for the unparalleled experience I had in **New York** at the **New York City Ballet** in their brand new production of **"A Midsummer Night’s Dream".** What an exciting choice! I love how they’re keeping it fresh and modern. This production, created by choreographer **Christopher Wheeldon**, really does take us back to the dream world of Shakespeare's famous play. A triumph of costuming and staging that left me simply enthralled, with some truly beautiful choreography.
The **American Ballet Theatre**, on the other hand, gave us a show stopping revival of **"Giselle".** And did it ever shine! I have been following **Misty Copeland** with great excitement for a few years now, and she is a true rising star in the ballet firmament! What an outstanding performer she is, a genuine star of ballet, and, let's face it, a real fashionista too. This was a real must see! And how lovely to see her back on the stage after her long illness. Her graceful and powerful portrayal of **Giselle** is a real treat!
This September also saw the arrival of **Dance World Cup**, held in **Plovdiv, Bulgaria**. Now darling, if you're a ballet enthusiast, then this competition is not to be missed. It really is a global event and this year, with contestants from around 60 countries, it was the largest dance competition in the world, bringing a remarkable range of talent together. To watch the international competitors from China, the USA, and of course, Europe battle it out was really an exceptional event! My top three favourite dancers, **Eva Rodriguez, Anna Ryazanova**, and **Galyna Shubenko**, were all truly spectacular!
Oh, but wait darling, there is so much more to share from this month. Back in **Paris**, we were given a special treat at the **Palais Garnier**. This stunning space played host to the "**Ballet de l'Opéra**". The program included a performance of " **L'Arlésienne** " and a world premiere by choreographer **Daria Klimentova**, **"On The Other Side**", featuring the **Grand Opera** company. An event of such elegance and beauty. You could really feel the history and magic of the stage, an immaculate production!
And finally, darling, we couldn’t end the month without mentioning the amazing "**Gala Ballet"** held in the great hall of the **Palace of Arts in Budapest, Hungary**.
The festival brought together a remarkable assemblage of international talent:
- The **National Ballet of Hungary**,
- **Martha Graham Dance Company**, and
- **Dutch National Ballet**.
It was a truly special event featuring **Tiler Peck**, one of the **New York City Ballet**'s rising stars alongside the **Budapest ballet company’s most celebrated dancers** such as **Emese Varga**, **Sandor Palfi**, and **Laszlo Lacz**.
Oh darling! You can see why I have been a ballet addict since I was a little girl, the joy and magic it brings. Every month is a delight with its own unique program. So do put on your best dancing shoes and make sure you take the opportunity to indulge in some truly wonderful performances. I certainly shall! Until next month darlings.