Oh Darling, What a Month for Ballet!
November was simply divine! It was as if the gods of dance had whispered sweet nothings into the wind, stirring up a tempestuous maelstrom of pure balletic bliss. From the hallowed halls of the Bolshoi to the chic, minimalist haven of the Dutch National Ballet, November has been a veritable kaleidoscope of breathtaking choreography, heart-stopping artistry and just a dash of *je ne sais quoi*. Let us dive right into this shimmering, fabulous month, shall we?
A Dance Through Time at the Bolshoi
First, darlings, let's travel back to the city that is pure opulence – Moscow. Oh, the Bolshoi! As always, it remains the epitome of classical ballet. It's the sort of place where a velvet curtain rising reveals not just the stage but a grand monument to dance itself. And oh my! This month they brought us a revival of the most divine production – **Giselle**. This classic is more than just a ballet, it's a pilgrimage into the realm of lost love, ethereal sorrow, and a little dash of gothic glamour. And let's face it, darling, nothing makes my heart beat faster than a well-executed *penché*, especially with the divine Bolshoi dancers.
There was something almost tragic, beautifully poignant, in the portrayal of the lovelorn Giselle, her fragile spirit crumbling under the weight of betrayal. The ethereal quality of the wilis, with their delicate footwork and ghostly apparitions, was mesmerising, a ballet of shadow play and poignant drama.
Dutch Delights at the Nationale Opera & Ballet
Then, whisked away on the wings of a private jet (as every true ballet enthusiast should), I found myself at the Nationale Opera & Ballet in Amsterdam, a place that truly speaks to a refined, minimalistic aesthetic. There I witnessed the breathtaking **Romeo and Juliet** by the formidable Wayne McGregor. Darling, it was simply stunning! Imagine Prokofiev's score, not a staid orchestral rendering but reinterpreted with such audacious energy, such fierce modernity.
McGregor is a magician, darling! He takes this classic and twists it, flips it, and sets it free! The dance is a furious blend of classical ballet, street dance, and a hint of almost acrobatic gymnastics. The stage is bathed in the stark, futuristic beauty of light, making this production a masterclass in the balance between the timeless and the avant-garde.
The ensemble, of course, were magnificent, but I must call out the standout performance of Margaux Moortgat, whose Juliet was a captivating blend of innocence, passion, and fierce strength.
A Little Bit of Broadway in New York
But of course, no month would be complete without a little jaunt across the pond, darling! The magic of New York never fails to captivate, and the joy of seeing **An American in Paris** was truly enchanting! This musical ballet, with its infectious score and breathtaking ensemble numbers, takes you back to the golden era of postwar Paris. This is not pure ballet, but rather an energetic and uplifting show that reminds us of the sheer joy of music, dance, and simple, happy storytelling.
While the dancing was not necessarily "pure" ballet, it was still full of exquisite grace. I simply fell head over heels for the exquisite work of Sarah Lane in this piece. With her charming smile and captivatingly nimble footwork, she is the perfect American darling.
Dancing into the Holidays: The Magic of Balanchine
And lastly, my darlings, as we slip into December, we're ready for the joy, sparkle and enchantment of the holidays. And where better to find that magic than at the New York City Ballet, home to the exquisite legacy of George Balanchine. The ballet gods themselves seemed to descend upon Lincoln Center as we witnessed a double bill of two of his most iconic masterpieces: **Serenade** and **The Nutcracker**.
**Serenade** is an exercise in absolute, unfettered beauty, the kind of ballet that takes you beyond technique and straight to the very soul of the dance. It's a breathtaking masterpiece of pure, abstract expression, making one wish one could simply dissolve into its perfect grace.
And oh, my dears, **The Nutcracker**! The most festive, whimsical, and enchanting journey into the Land of Sweets imaginable. Every whimsical creature, every delicious delicacy, every fluttering, flying ballerina, brings the classic fairy tale to life with such vibrant colour, enchanting music, and heartwarming charm. This is pure Christmas magic! And who could resist that little Sugarplum Fairy? Just delightful.
More than Just Performances
But this month, dear darlings, it wasn't just about the performances themselves. It was about the feeling of coming together, of shared delight, of recognizing the exquisite art that is ballet, and celebrating the sheer artistry that goes into making these productions such phenomenal successes. It's about the dancers, their sacrifice, their talent, and the sheer dedication that they put into their craft.
Each performance, each elegant twirl, each passionate gesture, and every single *jeté*, brings me a deep sense of joy. As the season unfolds and we move toward the holidays, let's raise a toast to the beauty of ballet. Here's to the art, the performers, and the joy they bring us all.
**Now go forth, darlings, and enjoy the dance!**