A World of Ballet: January 2019
The year has just begun and already the ballet world is bursting with excitement. From the cobbled streets of London to the grand opera houses of Paris, there's an irresistible whirl of tutus and talent. This month, letâs dive into the shimmering spectacle, shall we? And darling, remember - style, dear, is everything. Itâs about the whole experience, a harmonious blend of movement, music, and fashion.
Royal Ballet: The Winter's Tale
At the Royal Opera House, a Shakespearean classic transformed onto the stage, as if spun from moonlight and stardust. Christopher Wheeldon's "The Winter's Tale" is a masterpiece of choreography, blending the delicate beauty of the court with the earthy wildness of the Sicilian wilderness. The production, quite simply, took my breath away.
There's magic in the air as the stage transforms from the opulence of the King's palace to a Sicilian seashore where the sea breeze seemed to actually rustle through the audience's hair. It is a testament to the genius of this artistic director, Mr. Wheeldon, that a tragedy with themes of betrayal and love lost can be transformed into a beautiful and lyrical production.
The dancers of the Royal Ballet embody every emotional twist and turn, from the tempestuous Paulina (Marianela NuĂąez, a true goddess on stage), the tragic Hermione (Natalia Osipova, simply ethereal), and the endearing Perdita (Akane Takada, a delicate flower with strength at its core) to the charming and ever-so-slightly-rogue Florizel (Fumi Kaneko, a charmingly playful performance).
And let's not forget the costumes. The sumptuous silk gowns of the court are like paintings brought to life, while the simple yet evocative garments of the shepherd folk create a striking contrast, reminding us of the inherent beauty of nature.
This is an experience, my dears, not to be missed.
Paris Opera Ballet: La Bayadère
Across the channel in the opulent setting of the Paris Opera, the classic tale of "La Bayadère" continues to enchant audiences. Here, the power of love and the mystical allure of the East collide in a production that's as dramatic as it is visually breathtaking.
With its iconic âKingdom of Shadesâ scene, La Bayadère demands absolute perfection from its dancers. The luminous beauty of AurĂŠlie Dupont's performance, she who embodied the mystical Nikiya, simply transfixed the audience, leaving us spellbound with her flawless technique and profound expression of emotions. The elegance of a bygone era.
But my absolute highlight was undoubtedly the final scene - "The Kingdom of Shades." With its white, ethereal costumes, it resembled a symphony in motion - an enchanting chorus line that sends a shiver down your spine with the precision and strength of the corps de ballet.
The entire production was a breathtaking ode to ballet history - grand and spectacular - and in my book, that never goes out of style.
New York City Ballet: A Midsummer Nightâs Dream
Letâs travel across the pond and dive into the dreamy realm of "A Midsummer Nightâs Dream" at the New York City Ballet. This is a whimsical and imaginative take on Shakespeare, brought to life by George Balanchineâs signature wit and charm.
I loved the youthful exuberance of the ballet; the dancers embodying the mischievous sprites and the yearning lovers with such captivating energy. And, of course, Iâm always a fan of a ballet that utilizes a talented corps de ballet - in this case, they become part of the forest itself, dancing as leaves and flowers in a spectacle of movement that was, in a word, spectacular.
The playful choreography is matched by vibrant costumes. The fairy outfits sparkled like jewels in the night sky, while the human costumes embraced a more rustic charm, each movement bringing an unexpected, fresh, and utterly delightful feeling of delight.
This is a ballet, my dears, that reminds us that ballet, even with a Shakespearean twist, should be pure fun.
The Bolshoi Theatre: The Nutcracker
Back in Russia, I ventured to the heart of the Bolshoi, that jewel box of Russian ballet tradition. Here, âThe Nutcrackerâ comes to life with an opulent fairytale magic. Imagine a Christmas Eve filled with snow-covered cobblestone streets and a family gathering bathed in the glow of warm, festive candlelight. Now imagine this, all translated onto the stage in all its charming beauty.
The performance at the Bolshoi Theatre was a magnificent spectacle, full of Russian spirit, with every movement and gesture seemingly radiating a unique passion.
The breathtaking beauty of the scenery, coupled with the elaborate and glittering costumes - a whirlwind of colour and movement. This is a performance for the senses, for everyone from young children mesmerized by the toy soldiers and dancing snowflakes, to adults moved by the pure beauty and spectacle of it all.
National Ballet of Canada: The Sleeping Beauty
It was a perfect ending to a global tour - in the breathtaking surroundings of the National Ballet of Canada. The fairytale magic of âThe Sleeping Beautyâ unfolded on stage in Toronto, an evening full of vibrant colour, powerful dancing, and exquisite costumes, leaving me utterly mesmerised.
From the elegant courtly dances to the dazzling fireworks in Auroraâs dream sequence, every movement resonated with grace and skill. A ballet of true beauty. A real gem on the Canadian dance scene.
A Few More Dance Delights:
- The Hamburg Ballet presented a captivating reimagining of âGiselleâ with an innovative take on the romanticism of this classic ballet, setting the scene in a dark, evocative forest.
- The Dutch National Ballet debuted âThe Winter Guestâ a powerful contemporary piece by Alexei Ratmansky - the piece explores loss, forgiveness, and ultimately, hope in a very original and haunting way.
- In Milan, Aterballetto dazzled audiences with âThe Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitudeâ, a show exploring precision and experimentation in a thrilling blend of dance and movement - truly a mind-bending experience!
As the month draws to a close, it's hard to deny that the world of ballet continues to flourish and inspire. Every performance has been a reminder of the incredible power of dance, a language that transcends boundaries, cultures, and even continents. This is why, darling, we continue to love and admire this captivating art form.