The January Ballets: A Season of Transformation
The new year is upon us, and with it comes a renewed sense of excitement and possibility. This month, the international ballet scene has been buzzing with captivating performances, each a testament to the ever-evolving artistry of this classical dance form. From daring contemporary pieces that push the boundaries of what we consider ballet to reimagined classics that breathe fresh life into timeless stories, there's been something to tantalize every ballet aficionado.
My journey began at the **Royal Opera House in London** with a production of **Giselle**. Oh, how I adore a good "Giselle" and this one did not disappoint. The luminous **Marianela Nuñez** is always an absolute delight. The air seemed to shimmer around her with the effortless grace she always displays. Partnered with the superb **Vadim Muntagirov**, this was the epitome of classic ballet dancing. Their passion in the final scene simply ignited the stage. What an exquisite portrayal of two doomed lovers, it almost took my breath away! Their dancing was perfection, and this is one I won't soon forget.
I had the pleasure of catching a production of **The Nutcracker** at the **Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg** , where tradition meets dazzling contemporary flourishes. I admit, it felt a tad extravagant and perhaps a tad heavy on the sugarplums, but there's a certain kind of delicious decadence in seeing this grand old masterpiece performed with such a passionate conviction. It's quite breathtaking watching these young, talented artists throw themselves into this quintessential Christmas tradition. I'm utterly enchanted by their enthusiasm and how completely they lose themselves in the magical world that Tchaikovsky created. This particular staging boasts an exquisite set design and a dazzling array of costumes that will truly capture your imagination and whisk you away to a world of magic and wonder.
The **American Ballet Theatre** in New York showcased **The Firebird** in a new and dazzling reimagining by the ingenious **Alexei Ratmansky**. This was absolutely electrifying! It had a thrilling blend of traditional balletic grace and striking athleticism. I just had to get my tickets right away, and they were as much of a spectacle as the show itself - I almost gasped when I opened the programme for the first time - such fabulousness.
It's interesting to note that there is a burgeoning trend in re-imagining some of ballet's classics with contemporary takes on choreography and, quite frankly, they are making the art form feel relevant for new audiences, particularly in the West where audiences can be jaded. The new choreography from Mr Ratmansky added new life to this wonderful fairytale that was previously a little bit too dated for a contemporary audience. It felt, to use the ubiquitous contemporary jargon, like a breath of fresh air. The new sets and costumes were just fantastic!
The **Dutch National Ballet** is pushing the boundaries with their bold, modern contemporary interpretations of some classic ballets. Their reimagined Swan Lake set at a refugee camp with costumes made of discarded clothes was, to be frank, utterly spectacular. In its powerful, thought-provoking and almost shocking message about the refugee crisis, the choreography in this interpretation is powerful and impactful. They have done an astonishing job of translating such a timeless story to modern times and into the refugee camps, which really makes the themes about exile and isolation feel visceral.
Ballet goes Digital
Of course, the exciting new developments are taking the world of ballet beyond the stage into the virtual world of live streaming and online viewing platforms. It's certainly brought ballet to the masses - even the most committed devotee would struggle to catch every show. Last month, I enjoyed **the Paris Opera Ballet's live streaming** of the *Nutcracker*. There's no denying that seeing ballet live in person is utterly electrifying and a completely different experience, but I certainly don't think watching performances via these new platforms should be dismissed as just some sort of inferior experience - they provide an entirely new level of access to some of the greatest choreographers and ballets.
While watching online and in a crowded cinema is in no way comparable to seeing live performances, the quality of the livestreaming I've seen so far is utterly brilliant. It allows us a glimpse of dance from all angles and in incredible detail, something we'd not usually see. It is a great way to see different ballets. And we really need to appreciate how vital these live streaming ventures are - particularly as ballet, in common with the wider art sector, is having a difficult time. So this offers us a welcome way to see a beautiful art form being brought into a digital age.
Festival Favourites
One of my personal favourites was **The Nederlands Dans Theater in The Hague.** Their incredible annual "Spring Dances" are legendary in the world of ballet. It's truly an artistic melting pot. In recent years they have showcased a plethora of talent, often featuring bold young choreographers and contemporary dance alongside ballet.
I do love the way that they have managed to fuse together ballet's classic beauty and fluidity with a new generation's interpretation of modern, sometimes provocative, dance and dance theatre. This makes the art form come alive with a contemporary energy. Their festival provides a vibrant platform for younger dancers and artists and also serves as a breeding ground for exciting future talent.
As a special treat for ballet-lovers this month, **the Bolshoi Ballet is presenting 'Bolero'**. The performance was both beautifully crafted and simply captivating and it seems a fitting nod to the year 2021! This will certainly be a performance that many are already adding to their "must see" lists. There is a particular appeal about these productions of the iconic pieces that have such an important legacy - they become an almost cultural, ritual event and I'm rather pleased they haven't succumbed to trying to find new takes on these classical and quintessential ballets - in my view they don't need a reboot at this stage! They are utterly timeless classics and deserve the respect for the work and history that has forged their importance and popularity across the decades.
This season's ballet performances, with its blend of innovative and traditional productions, has shown a great deal of dynamism and talent within the dance world. From a breathtaking showcase of contemporary works by new talents to masterfully delivered classics, the year has gotten off to a phenomenal start, and I expect this is only a taste of the captivating spectacles to come!
The Ballet Boutique: A Style Guide for the Fashionable Ballerina
Now, let's talk about the all-important ballet attire, my darlings. There's something undeniably chic about the way that dancers seamlessly weave in and out of character and back again into their own real identities with a quick change in footwear and costume. It makes the transformation feel, quite simply, magical!
I do find myself drawn to some of the creations that the dancers wear for performances, whether it is a beautifully ornate classical ballet costume, a streamlined, slick modern piece, or something totally offbeat for a piece of experimental dance theatre. These costumes have a tendency to morph as new seasons, themes and dance forms evolve.
As a devotee to all things fashion, I simply have to embrace these styles! For a night out at the ballet, or a dance class (or simply to give an air of graceful elegance to a shopping trip - it's amazing how that right outfit makes everything feel like a chic, carefully choreographed walk, a "performance" if you will ), the latest styles in leotards and skirts - with perhaps a little more glitter - is just as appealing to the "it girl" as the high fashion runway trends!
Style Icons
This month, I've had the pleasure of catching a private performance at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow (oh, what an exquisite theatre!) and it truly felt like a fairytale evening where a troupe of ballet dancers brought a world-famous fashion designer’s visions to life! They looked utterly enchanting as they transformed the designer’s whimsical ideas onto the stage. As we walked away I, I found myself, just as the other guests did, in complete awe, reminded once again that ballet is truly a feast for the senses - for the eyes as well as the ears!
If I can offer you just one piece of advice: When it comes to your wardrobe, try to embrace the timeless elegance and the classic elements that are forever at the core of this most revered and traditional of all the dance forms. Just as the classical ballet performances offer an escape from the stresses and troubles of life, so too can your sartorial choices. They are an opportunity for elegance and style.
This Month's Top 3 Must-See Productions:
- The Mariinsky Ballet: "Sleeping Beauty," Saint Petersburg
- The New York City Ballet: "A Midsummer Night's Dream," New York
- The Royal Ballet: "Manon," London
Here's to a new year brimming with breathtaking ballet performances, stylish encounters and dazzling style icons! I for one am positively smitten. Until next month, happy dancing!