Ballet Briefs: September 2022
Oh darlings, what a whirlwind of a month it's been! From the cobbled streets of Prague to the shimmering sands of Dubai, I've been flitting between grand theatres and intimate studios, soaking up the beauty and artistry of ballet like a thirsty flower in a spring downpour. The season has begun with a flourish, offering a vibrant tapestry of talent and creativity. Let me take you on a journey through the highlights, my dears, and unveil the dance trends that have truly set my heart aflutter.
Prague's Pearl: A Glimpse of 'Giselle'
The National Theatre in Prague, a gothic beauty with its own haunted history, provided the backdrop for my first ballet encounter. They revived the quintessential romantic ballet, ‘Giselle’, and oh, it was simply breathtaking. The opening scene, bathed in ethereal moonlight, had me clutching my pearls in a gasp of delight. The Prague National Ballet, led by the ethereal and talented Eliška Mrázová, infused the classic narrative with a palpable tenderness. The sheer fragility of Giselle, portrayed with heart-wrenching precision by Miss Mrázová, made me weep, whilst the masterful Albrecht, expertly embodied by the statuesque Jan Procházka, had me yearning for him to save the poor soul. Their pas de deux in the second act was a masterpiece of elegant desperation, a painful spectacle of forbidden love rendered in the most captivating of balletic forms.
Dubai’s Delights: A Festive Fusion
From the historical echoes of Prague, I jetted off to the shimmering landscape of Dubai, where a whirlwind of cultural fusion awaited. At the grand Dubai Opera House, a fusion of styles and cultures swirled within the performance of 'Eternal Beauty' by the Dubai Dance Company. The choreography, created by the acclaimed Ivan Putrov, was an eclectic dance-scape that incorporated the graceful fluidity of classical ballet with elements of contemporary and Middle Eastern dance. I loved the juxtaposition of sharp, geometric movements with fluid, arabesque-like extensions, making the entire piece feel modern yet deeply rooted in tradition. It was a celebration of Dubai's cosmopolitan spirit, a beautiful expression of the city’s dynamic and multi-layered identity. It was here, amidst the opulence and the exhilarating energy, that I first saw the emergence of a bold trend – the ‘Fusion Ballerina’. This new generation of dancers embraces versatility, fluidity, and cultural hybridization. They are truly dancers for our times, moving effortlessly between traditional forms and the intoxicating pulse of the contemporary. It's an exciting development, and I'm absolutely here for it, darling!
Royal Encounters: A Glimpse of Royalty
I couldn't leave Europe without a stop at the prestigious Royal Opera House in London, for what other destination is more fitting for a ballet-lover than the heart of England's dance heritage? This time, it was the exquisite ‘Swan Lake’ that captivated me. This rendition felt a tad traditional, darling, but oh so polished! The Royal Ballet’s Alina Cojocaru danced the role of Odette/Odile with a shimmering brilliance, seamlessly transforming from innocent swan to seductive temptress. Each movement was imbued with a precision that would make a needle tremble. Partnering with the dashing and masterful Vadim Muntagirov, they weaved a narrative of longing and betrayal, weaving their own enchantment onto the stage. Of course, I mustn't forget the iconic Tchaikovsky score that elevated every step and pirouette to soaring heights, drawing you into a realm where only pure emotions and boundless passion could exist.
New York's Nerve: A Bold Departure
From the historic grandeur of London to the cutting-edge pulse of New York, I found myself seeking refuge in the vibrant world of contemporary ballet. The Joyce Theater hosted the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, renowned for their unique blend of athleticism, cultural identity, and visceral expression. This season, their ‘Revelations’ stole my heart. With every ripple of their collective energy, they delivered a raw and profound message about the human condition, celebrating resilience and spiritual awakening through poignant movements and heart-wrenching rhythms. The choreography felt like an open invitation to experience the universality of human emotions - from jubilation to sorrow. What I particularly enjoyed was the interplay between the dancers. They danced as a single entity, communicating not only through steps but also through their collective energy. The energy crackled in the air, a tangible expression of community and strength. And there it was, dear readers, the ‘Collectivity Choreography’ trend! I'm so inspired by this return to ensemble dancing, to the collective strength and vulnerability of dancers interacting with and elevating one another. The powerful messages and profound emotions they conveyed left a lasting imprint on me.
Parisian Chic: A Dance of Elegance and Angst
My last stop of the month was in the city of love and light - Paris! And where better to experience a symphony of art than in the Palais Garnier? Here, the Parisian Opera Ballet graced us with a masterful reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’. The sets were utterly captivating, the costumes luxurious and extravagant, a symphony of opulent textiles and vibrant hues. The dancers were exquisite, but the portrayal of Aurora, as rendered by the ever-talented Dorothée Gilbert, brought a freshness and modernity to the classic role. This was not just the quintessential ballerina. This was Aurora imbued with a touch of rebellion, a twinkle of existential angst, that made the traditional storyline feel as modern as today’s headlines. This brought to life a new ballet trend - the ‘Modern Classic’ - a trend that speaks to a deeper level of connection, reminding us that classic stories can be revisited through a contemporary lens.
What I’m Looking Forward to:
- I hear whispers of the Dutch National Ballet staging a breathtaking version of 'La Sylphide', promising a ‘Mystical Ballet’ experience unlike any other. I simply have to see it.
- The Moscow Ballet's rendition of ‘The Nutcracker’ is always an iconic and enchanting Christmas staple. I'm hoping for a touch of magical storytelling and vibrant choreography!
- I’m also anticipating the buzz around ‘The Sleeping Beauty’, a contemporary ballet based on the beloved classic, that's premiering at the American Ballet Theatre in New York. This contemporary adaptation is said to explore the theme of women's autonomy, and I’m very excited to witness how this classical story gets translated through the lens of the 21st century.
And there you have it, darlings, my whirlwind September of dance and culture. Ballet continues to evolve and expand, reflecting the ever-changing landscapes of the world. Each production offers a unique glimpse into the human condition, weaving together artistry, emotion, and cultural perspectives. Stay tuned, darlings, for more enchanting stories from the dance world!