From Paris to Prague: A whirlwind tour of global ballet brilliance
Dearest readers, February has swept in like a breath of fresh air, and so have some truly breathtaking ballet performances from all corners of the globe. My little black book is brimming with notes and observations, ready to be shared with you. This month has seen everything from dazzling contemporary works to stunning revivals of the classics, leaving me truly spoilt for choice, yet wanting more.
A Parisian Playground: The Ballets Russes at the Opéra Garnier
Let's start where the magic truly begins – in Paris. The Opéra Garnier is, of course, the very heart of ballet in the city, and this month saw a sublime exhibition entitled “The Ballets Russes,” a tribute to that glorious era of artistic expression. Stepping into the halls felt like stepping into a time capsule, with costumes and props from legendary productions. You could almost hear the whisper of Diaghilev's demanding presence. The highlight was undoubtedly the exquisite showcase of Nijinsky's original designs and costumes, revealing a genius in all its glory. And how perfectly the atmosphere of the Opéra Garnier complimented this historic masterpiece - I almost expected Vaslav to burst onto the stage at any moment.
Cinderella with a twist in Amsterdam: The Dutch National Ballet
Now let's jet across to the Dutch National Ballet. Their rendition of Cinderella was utterly captivating! This production, which premiered in 2018, took a decidedly modern twist, featuring sleek choreography by Ted Brandsen set against an impressive, minimalist stage. While a few aspects may have disappointed the most staunch traditionalists (the lack of a "glass slipper", the absence of a ballgown!), the emotional depth was undeniable. It truly touched upon the timeless tale's underlying themes of transformation, hope, and, of course, love.
Royal Delights at the Royal Opera House: The Sleeping Beauty
Back in London, at the Royal Opera House, I reveled in the opulent beauty of a truly traditional classic. Their The Sleeping Beauty was breathtaking! The exquisite costumes, the masterful storytelling – it all flowed seamlessly, reminding me why ballet will forever captivate our imaginations. The sheer artistry of the Royal Ballet was on full display, especially with Principal Dancer Marianela Nuñez’s mesmerizing portrayal of Aurora. This was a performance to truly cherish, one that stays etched in your memory long after the curtain falls.
A bold reimagining at the Bolshoi: La Bayadère
No ballet exploration would be complete without venturing to the heart of the Russian ballet scene, the Bolshoi. Now, their La Bayadère has always been a beloved masterpiece, but this revival was truly special. Artistic Director Makhar Vaziev's reinterpretation of La Bayadère took some creative liberties, daring to deconstruct and reinterpret classic ballet movements and the overall storyline, while staying true to the spirit of the original. For a moment, I wondered if some purists would feel betrayed. However, it was a stroke of genius! It revealed new depths of emotion and complexity within the ballet, offering a completely new lens to view a cherished piece. There were certainly some remarkable moments! A particularly breathtaking highlight was the "Kingdom of the Shades", performed with such technical virtuosity that the dancers literally appeared to fly, creating a truly magical experience.
From Budapest to Buenos Aires
Across the globe, from Budapest's stunning Hungarian State Opera House to the fiery passion of the Ballet Nacional de Buenos Aires, the beauty of ballet transcends borders and speaks a universal language. I am truly fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel, and experience such breathtaking ballet from around the world, and see it flourishing and evolving everywhere.
Dance with Me: New Talent Emerges
No matter the age, from emerging ballet dancers to established legends, I feel that 2020 will see even more artistic evolution, as ballet continually renews and re-invents itself. The year is just beginning and it promises to be a captivating season of creativity. From the new ballet talent, such as Olivia Matthews of the Royal Ballet, whose elegant poise has made a mark this month in London, to seasoned artists like Natalia Osipova of the Bolshoi, there are simply countless stars to marvel at, across the international dance scene.
Fashion Favourites: Dressing for Ballet
Naturally, being in the ballet world for as long as I have, a crucial part of the whole experience, for me, is the exquisite costumes and fashions. This season's inspiration is a perfect blend of the traditional and the contemporary, making for a visual feast. Here are my top picks.
- The "Maria Tallchief": Paying homage to the iconic ballerina of the 20th century, this style combines classic elegance with a modern edge, think sleek silhouettes, dramatic necklines, and exquisite embellishments. It's the perfect outfit to truly elevate a night at the opera.
- The "Misty Copland": Honoring another revolutionary figure, this look is all about freedom of movement and expressing yourself. Expect to see comfortable yet stylish outfits that blur the line between street style and couture - think comfortable, fluid pants paired with chic sweaters and statement accessories. This one is a perfect choice for a casual day of rehearsal, or enjoying a ballet brunch.
- The "Balanchine Ballérini" : With a nod to the famed choreographer, George Balanchine, this fashion aesthetic is all about the ballet pink hues, the playful, flowing shapes and an undeniable sense of whimsical femininity. Expect ruffles, tiers, and lace - the key is to look playful but powerful.
So there you have it, a taste of what the world of ballet has in store. Embrace the elegance and artistic expression of ballet, and remember, the greatest stage of all is life itself, and we're all a part of it. Now get dressed in your most stylish ensemble and enjoy every captivating minute.
Until next time, my dearest ballet enthusiasts.