Oh, darlings, what a glorious month for ballet! It seems the whole world has been twirling, leaping and jeté-ing, from the cobbled streets of Paris to the glittering stages of New York. I've been flitting from one balletic haven to another, swathed in my finest silk scarf and wielding my trusty opera glasses, taking in all the exquisite artistry. I confess, some performances left me positively enraptured, while others felt, well, slightly less *à la mode*. But then, as Coco Chanel famously said, “Fashion fades, only style remains the same.” Let’s see what the world of dance has brought us in July.
Paris: A Parisian Love Affair with the *Sacre*
Ah, Paris, the city of love, always knows how to do things in style. And at the Palais Garnier, there was a rather raucous revival of **The Rite of Spring** which felt positively revolutionary. Yes, I know it's over 100 years old but it felt just as raw and provocative as the first performance in 1913. The Ballets Russes in their sleek black costumes, those primitive, guttural rhythms – my darling, I felt as if I was there myself, caught in that artistic storm! Of course, one simply must comment on the choreography, and to be honest, I'm still trying to decipher its depths. A beautiful and wild beast this **Rite of Spring** – truly a force to be reckoned with.
London: Swan Lake Returns in All its Glittery Glory
Now, darling, it simply wouldn't be July without a good dose of Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House. Yes, the ballet is about as classic as it gets, and while the plotline can be, well, a tad predictable, let me tell you, the artistry on stage is anything but. This year's Odette/Odile was breathtakingly beautiful – I do believe her name was...Elena, wasn’t it? Such poise! She soared like a real swan, a tragic swan, indeed, with a haunting melancholy that truly brought tears to my eyes. As for the Prince, well, one wouldn't exactly call him a Valentino but his technical proficiency was certainly undeniable. Overall, a safe bet, if you like your Swan Lake like you like your diamonds, classic and dazzling.
Moscow: A Feast of Tutus at the Bolshoi
What's a trip to Moscow without experiencing the Bolshoi Theatre? Oh, darling, they don't call it "the jewel of Russia" for nothing! The whole place is positively magnificent - gilded ceilings, velvety red seats, even the ushers wear those handsome, embroidered uniforms. The performances were simply astounding. One evening we saw **Giselle** - just gorgeous! I especially adored the sylphs, those wispy, ethereal beings, each seemingly effortlessly drifting through the air with the most exquisite grace. And of course, we simply must mention the iconic Grand Pas de Deux, the absolute zenith of classical ballet. My goodness, it brought chills down my spine, it was truly something else. A few nights later, we caught **The Sleeping Beauty**, oh, how that Aurora woke my senses! From her ethereal elegance to her mischievous humour, it was all too captivating. And did I mention the set design? Honestly, they were utterly magnificent. Truly, darling, Moscow is a must-see for any discerning ballet enthusiast!
New York: A Dash of Contemporary Flair in the Big Apple
From the glittering lights of Times Square to the elegant lobbies of the Metropolitan Opera, New York is all about glamour, darling! And of course, their ballet scene doesn’t disappoint. At the New York City Ballet, there was a particularly exciting double-bill featuring contemporary choreographer Justin Peck. Oh, darling, this young man has a flair! His choreography is like nothing I've ever seen – fluid, acrobatic, with a touch of humour that truly captures the spirit of New York itself. The dancers, each one with their own magnetic charisma, completely inhabited Peck's vision. I must say, seeing this level of talent right in the heart of Manhattan, it makes you realize, darling, that the future of ballet is absolutely electric.
Rome: A Touch of the Divine
Now, for some pure escapism, it was onto the Eternal City. Rome simply exudes an atmosphere of enchantment, and it's perfectly encapsulated in the Opera House of Rome. They're currently hosting an exhibition celebrating the great Anna Pavlova, the very queen of ballet, my dear. There’s her shimmering costumes, faded but still with their magic, letters she penned in her beautiful hand, and even her cherished dancing slippers. One almost felt Pavlova's ethereal presence there in the hushed galleries. Such a treat for any devotee of ballet's Golden Age. And just before I departed, I caught their production of **La Bayadere**. The opulent setting and the sheer scale of the production reminded me why ballet was dubbed the "the dance of kings" in earlier centuries. The pas de deux, well, they practically burned with passionate beauty.
Across the Globe: New Voices in Dance
The beauty of ballet is, it truly does span the globe, with fresh talent blooming like lovely orchids in each new season. There was the mesmerizing, **Kirov Ballet** from St. Petersburg who have toured this year, bringing an element of aristocratic polish and impeccable technique. But for a totally unique and truly mind-blowing experience, one must check out **Nederlands Dans Theater**, from the Netherlands. They truly redefine the concept of contemporary dance. This is a group for the daring and curious, the type who wants to experience an exploration of form, not just tradition. And, while I'm on this journey across the globe, I can’t forget the extraordinary productions that popped up on my Instagram feed: A breathtaking glimpse of **Dances of Universal Peace** in Tokyo, a company exploring sacred dances from around the world; a powerful performance of **Rasa Lila** in India, depicting the story of Radha and Krishna - such vibrant costumes! I confess, darlings, these online glimpses just ignited the travel bug even more. Perhaps a trip to India is in order this summer…
But What About the Outfits? A Fashionable Note on Ballet
Yes, I do enjoy my balletic escapades in fabulous, luxurious style! For the Paris run, I went full-on Parisian chic - a slim-fitting, black Chanel jacket, pencil skirt and some seriously sleek Louboutin heels. For London, I wore a regal blush pink dress that floated with my every move, accessorized, of course, with pearls - the perfect counterpoint to the ballerina's white tutus. As for Moscow, I donned an exquisite, long velvet coat, just begging to be seen by a handsome prince – alas, darling, it didn’t quite work out that way! My New York look? Bold red lipstick and a bright yellow shift dress - chic but ready to party. Oh, darlings, I’m already dreaming about the outfits I will wear for the rest of this glorious ballet summer.
Farewell For Now
There are, of course, more productions I could write about - so many wonderful ballet companies, each unique in its style and captivating. But I believe I’ve given you a delectable sampling of the beauty and enchantment that’s out there waiting to be explored. Do indulge yourselves in ballet this season - let it inspire you, transport you, and remind you, as I am always reminded, that art, like true fashion, never truly goes out of style!