A Season of Splendour
My dears, what a simply divine month it has been for ballet! From the glittering stages of Paris to the majestic grandeur of the Bolshoi, the world's ballerinas have been twirling, leaping, and captivating audiences with their exquisite artistry. I’ve flitted from city to city, my little black book overflowing with notes, my heart aflutter with every arabesque and fouetté.
A Parisian Dream at the Opéra
First, a pilgrimage to Paris, a city that breathes and breathes with ballet, for the Opéra de Paris’s production of La Bayadère. I must confess, darling, I am quite the devotee of Nureyev’s choreography, finding his adaptation both classic and daring. The scene where the ghostly Shades unfurl their veils, a spectacle of ethereal beauty, was simply breathtaking! And then there’s the dramatic force of the Kingdom of the Shades - it is always an utterly hypnotic dance for me. The ballerina, Sylvie Guillem (divine! simply divine!), brought the role of Nikiya to life with a soul-stirring blend of grace and raw emotion. It's hard not to tear up when her death unfolds - the emotion is utterly palpable on stage. Of course, her partner, Benjamin Pech, was positively magnetic, his leaps exuberant and athletic.
The Royal Ballet, Forever My Darling
From Paris to London, and into the heart of the Royal Opera House for a sumptuous Romeo and Juliet. My love affair with this production remains as passionate as the young lovers themselves! You simply can’t get a better rendering of Shakespeare's tragedy than in Prokofiev’s score and MacMillan’s choreography. My dearest Marianela Nuñez was, of course, a vision as Juliet, her performance radiating an intoxicating youthful energy. Her dance in the final act is utterly heartbreaking, but beautifully, beautifully delivered. And, well, let us not forget the glorious vaults of Vadim Muntagirov’s Romeo – quite the thrilling treat for the eyes!
Dancing Through History at The Bolshoi
Moscow is always a delight and never disappoints when it comes to dance. The Bolshoi Theatre was, once again, an absolute triumph. This season, they graced us with Giselle - such a beautiful production! The ballet, as we know, is both grand and tender, offering a heart-rending tale of love, betrayal, and the ultimate sacrifice. And the Bolshoi's exquisite choreography did not disappoint. Ekaterina Krysanova was sensational as Giselle, portraying her naivety, joy, and heartbreak with exquisite nuance. The male dancer, Artem Ovcharenko, perfectly balanced athleticism with delicate expression, portraying Albert, the romantic and noble hero. I always find myself particularly mesmerized by the Wilis, the ghosts who dance and ensnare men. I love their hauntingly beautiful choreography, which moves the narrative forward so beautifully.
The American Ballet Theatre: A Tale of Two Cities
My travels took me then to America’s beloved New York, and what a delight to spend an evening at the Metropolitan Opera House for a truly splendid program by the American Ballet Theatre. My dearest, I was thrilled to see the enchanting Natalia Osipova - how effortlessly she moves - and the brilliant David Hallberg in a dual role of Romeo in Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet (simply devastating!) and James in Robbins’ The Concert. What versatility and talent these two exhibit! But my personal highlight was seeing the revival of the famous "After the Rain" pas de deux - the epitome of a slow, elegant, and captivating piece of artistry! You know me - I simply adore an intimate performance! The dancers' mastery of subtle gestures and expressive movements had me truly captivated. It truly brought tears to my eyes! Oh darling, you know it’s no surprise to anyone how I love the ballet.
A Glimpse of Spain at English National Ballet
For a glimpse of flamenco's fiery spirit on a stage designed for ballet, a night with English National Ballet's production of Carmen was utterly superb. The dancing - a stunning collision of traditional ballet with a Spanish flamenco soul. I must admit that the choice of choreography is a curious one. But it was beautifully executed! And it’s no surprise when it is by a dancer as talented and captivating as Akram Khan, known for his exhilarating fusion of ballet with contemporary styles. The ballet had moments of true power! The dancer Alina Cojocaru was captivating as Carmen, her performance pulsing with a captivating energy.
The Future is Bright
What has most pleased me this season are the burgeoning stars I have seen across these esteemed companies - fresh, exuberant, talented dancers pushing the boundaries of their artistry. I saw the future of ballet in these performances. It was simply marvelous! As the season concludes, a deep sense of satisfaction fills me as I witness the enduring allure of the art form that captivates me. These ballerinas continue to spin magic, leaving their audiences enthralled, mesmerized, and deeply moved. How wonderful it is to watch!
Don’t Forget Your Fabulous Ballet Wear
The final note on fashion, my darlings! One cannot possibly step into the world of ballet without a hint of divine flair in your wardrobe. A delicate floral dress, a crisp white shirt paired with wide-legged trousers, and, of course, an extravagant scarf, and perhaps a pearl necklace for a touch of class, are simply de rigueur, don’t you think? The world of ballet deserves to be celebrated both on and off the stage, my lovelies!