Oh, Darling, Dance! July 2021
Dearest readers, the air hums with anticipation as the curtain rises on a new ballet season! The world is slowly waking up from a year of quietude and it's like watching the opening chords of a beloved ballet. We're feeling the flutter in our chests, the yearning for the grace and elegance of movement, the joyous abandon of pure artistry. And believe me, darling, this summer, the stage is positively bursting with talent.
Firstly, I must tell you about the breathtaking **"Giselle"** at the **Royal Opera House** in London. Let’s face it, Giselle is a classic, a beloved stalwart, a piece that can make you weep as readily as it makes you gasp at its choreography. Yet, even amidst the familiarity of the tale, this production felt entirely fresh, vibrant, and captivating. The story of betrayed love, despair, and ultimately, self-sacrifice, was given an almost visceral resonance, as though each gesture, each pained expression, resonated from the deepest depths of our own souls. It’s not the production, but the sheer force of talent that shines through in this ballet. We're all still talking about the achingly poignant performance of **Natalia Osipova**, whose every movement seemed to pulsate with a heart-wrenching emotion, a performance so emotionally raw that you felt you were witnessing a glimpse of a human soul laid bare.
Let's flit across the continent, shall we, to the enchanting **Vienna State Opera**, where I found myself completely transported by **"Sleeping Beauty"**. A classic, I know, but it was given a whimsical, yet opulent, reimagining, so delicately wrought with colour, design, and costumes that it felt as if we were stepping into a gilded dream. I must admit that the** corps de ballet**, dressed in these utterly enchanting costumes of pastel silks and satin, with feathered headdresses that whispered secrets of an enchanted world, were an absolute dream to watch, like spun sugar and fantasy rolled into one.
But for me, the highlight of the evening was undoubtedly **Maria Kochetkova**, the epitome of fairy-tale princess. She simply shimmered as Princess Aurora, her elegant, ethereal movement carrying a hint of wistful innocence, like a butterfly caught on a sunbeam. It was sheer delight! It’s a production that lingers in the mind long after the final curtain. The music! The artistry! Simply breathtaking.
I know, I know, dear reader, that I can’t speak of these international offerings without mentioning the **New York City Ballet** (always a delight, a touch of sophistication and brilliance) and its stellar presentation of **“Serenade,”**, the cornerstone of George Balanchine’s brilliance. If you find yourself yearning for a dance that resonates with elegant simplicity, this is the one to see. Each dancer, every movement, each element, seemed to work in perfect harmony, like a well-crafted sentence. I don't think I’ve ever seen such perfect synchronicity of movement! This dance was a reminder of the true elegance, the simplicity, and the profound beauty of pure ballet. You know, a certain type of grace that is, quite honestly, as simple as it is spectacular.
And no ballet season, darling, can be considered complete without a trip to the magical **Mariinsky Theatre** in St. Petersburg. Now, **“La Bayadère,”**, you see, this ballet is something quite special. It captures a rich tapestry of emotions; the opulent beauty, the tender love story, and the ultimate tragedy that plays out upon the stage. This production boasts an intricate spectacle. The costumes were beyond breathtaking, a visual symphony of colour, fabrics, and adornments. The choreography was an enchanting blend of classicism and expressive nuance. **Viktoria Tereshkina**, oh my, darling! I’ve never witnessed such passion and artistry combined! It was truly an honour to see her interpretation of Nikiya, so delicate yet fiery. She brought this beloved character to life, every movement a poem of longing and sacrifice.
Of course, I’ve made time to immerse myself in more avant-garde works as well. A little bit of the avant-garde is always a good thing to keep our hearts and minds alert, darling. I went to **"Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels," ** hosted by the **New York City Ballet**, and it was truly inspiring. Let’s be frank: not always easy to watch, a little on the “thought-provoking” side, if you will. I loved the boldness, the experimentation! It pushed my imagination beyond its boundaries. This is the beauty of art – it constantly challenges our preconceived notions of what is and what can be. In this collection, I loved “The Harbour,” created by **Justin Peck,** a choreography that seemed to blur the line between ballet and modern dance. It explored the power of human movement, with an almost cinematic flair and emotional impact.
Speaking of boundary-pushing works, how could I forget **"The Nutcracker"** by **Mikhail Fokine**! This ballet is a visual feast. It’s whimsical, energetic, and full of life. It’s a treat for the eyes and a treat for the soul. This show offers an intoxicating mix of dazzling costumes, dramatic scenes, and imaginative set designs. It’s a testament to the artistic collaboration, a marriage between the visual and the kinetic. You won't find anything more breathtakingly creative and captivating than the *Chinese* dance sequence. Oh darling, the costumes and choreography! Pure decadence.
To finish off the month on a celebratory note, let us travel to Paris, a city that whispers of romance and artistic passion, to revel in the enchantment of **"Swan Lake"**. For those of you who haven't yet discovered this breathtaking production, think swirling tutus, a majestic score, and a stage that comes alive with grace and emotion. **Margot Fonteyn**, who played the role of Odette/Odile for this rendition, truly embraced the ballet’s emotional range, taking you through an incredible journey, all underneath the most mesmerizing lighting. Don't miss this production, my lovelies! Paris' energy vibrates within the production and you are bound to fall head over heels.
With the end of July, my dear readers, it’s time for the next chapter to unfold. The curtain has barely come down on a season that exploded with artistic wonder. Already, there’s whispers in the air, hints of the dazzling ballet brilliance that awaits us. The ballet world is alive, buzzing, vibrating with potential and imagination. And I, for one, can’t wait to dive back in. So, let's dance, darlings! Until we meet again, let the magic of dance be with you!