My darlings! What a thrilling month itâs been for ballet, havenât you found? So much beauty, so much drama, so many talented bodies soaring and swirling around the stage. Letâs dive in, shall we? From the hallowed halls of the Bolshoi to the vibrant studios of Tokyo, weâve witnessed a plethora of breathtaking performances. First, let's travel to Moscow, the beating heart of Russian ballet.
The Bolshoi: An Affair of the Heart
The Bolshoiâs staging of La Bayadère was a whirlwind of sumptuous sets and glittering costumes. Our darling Natalia Osipova was, as always, mesmerizing as the eponymous Nikiya. Every leap, every pirouette, spoke of love, betrayal, and heartbreak. Her partnering with Vladislav Lantratov was positively electric, their pas de deux an exercise in sheer perfection. But it wasn't just the principal dancers who dazzled. The corps de ballet was breathtakingly synchronized, their ethereal movements reminiscent of a flock of birds taking flight. One could not help but feel the power of the story â an intoxicating blend of passion and tragedy.
Tokyo's Enchanting Debut
Crossing continents, we found ourselves enchanted by the debut of a new company in Tokyo, "The Rising Sun Ballet." They presented a contemporary work entitled Zenith, a truly thought-provoking piece about the journey of self-discovery. The choreography, infused with both traditional Japanese movements and modern elements, was strikingly original. I particularly loved the use of light and shadow, adding layers of depth to the performance. What truly shone were the dancers, radiating talent and a youthful vibrancy that was utterly captivating. One particular young woman, Ayame Sato, possessed a grace and precision that left me speechless.
From Broadway to Pointe Shoes
Speaking of original works, how about the much-talked-about production at the New York City Ballet, "The Fall"? The company took a bold risk in bringing on choreographer Ethan Walsh, who, youâll recall, has a reputation in the world of Broadway dance. The result? A visually spectacular, if sometimes jarring, ballet. The staging, with its urban industrial aesthetic, was a breath of fresh air in the world of classical ballet. There were times when the choreography veered too heavily towards the theatrical, leaving the classical elegance behind. But it was exhilarating nonetheless, challenging and captivating the audience in ways that we hadn't seen before.
The Magic of Paris
There was a palpable buzz in the air at the Paris Opera this month as legendary ballerina, Sylvie Guillem, made a surprise guest appearance in a new work, L'Esprit du Temps. A masterful performance of pure artistic poetry. Sylvie, though stepping away from regular performance years ago, shows no signs of diminishing brilliance. Her partnering with Mathieu Ganio was, of course, perfectly executed. This dance brought to life a timeless sense of beauty, reflecting on the passage of time and the human spiritâs enduring resilience.
New Creations, Old Favorites
Now, a little further afield. At the San Francisco Ballet, a world premiere of Whispers of the Soul had audiences gasping for breath. The score, by a rising-star composer named Eiji Hayashi, was nothing short of spectacular, building a thrilling and dramatic atmosphere for the narrative of loss, remembrance, and hope. The choreographer, the ever-talented Alistair Wheate, has truly surpassed himself with his ability to craft a storyline that emotionally touched everyone in the theater.
While I enjoyed the novelties, thereâs nothing like returning to the classics. At London's Royal Opera House, Swan Lake continues to be a guaranteed masterpiece. You cannot help but be drawn into the tragic romance of Odette and Prince Siegfried, their emotions perfectly mirrored by the effortless artistry of Tiler Peck and Herman Cornejo. The ethereal grace of Peck as the White Swan and her powerful, emotive portrayal of the Black Swan were truly riveting. The final scene, with the iconic swans taking flight, brought tears to my eyes.
Looking Ahead
As the leaves turn and the air turns crisp, weâre already anticipating the upcoming season, with whispers of new and exciting productions emerging. Rumour has it that there's a ballet set in the Parisian fashion houses, and I for one can't wait to see the costume designs! What else do we have in store for us? We eagerly await the premiere of L'Etoile, a fresh take on the Cinderella story, which is sure to capture imaginations with its dazzling costumes and a cast of rising stars.
Until next month, darlings, stay fabulous!
Reviews from Our Correspondent
- The Bolshoi's "La Bayadère," 07 Oct. 2022. The production showcased Osipova's virtuosic talents, alongside the breathtaking technical skills of the Bolshoi's corps de ballet. The visual grandeur and romantic intensity were captivating, transporting audiences to a world of myth and legend.
- âThe Rising Sun Ballet,â 21 Oct. 2022, Tokyo. "Zenith" is a promising start for this new company, boasting bold choreography and a young cast brimming with energy and promise.
- New York City Ballet, âThe Fall,â 14 Oct. 2022. The company ventures into the realm of the urban, pushing boundaries and blurring lines between ballet and contemporary dance. While its narrative approach and theatrical elements were polarizing, the energy and dynamism were undeniable.
- Paris Opera, âLâEsprit du Temps,â 28 Oct. 2022. The legendary Guillem re-emerges with grace and artistry, her presence as poignant as it is spellbinding, while the new work exemplifies the elegance and artistry of French ballet.
- San Francisco Ballet, "Whispers of the Soul,â 12 Oct. 2022. The premiere showcased an exquisite blend of innovative choreography and emotionally charged storytelling. This new work exemplifies the ongoing vitality of ballet's narrative potential.
- Royal Opera House, "Swan Lake," 01 Oct. 2022. London audiences, as always, flocked to this iconic masterpiece, enchanted by the seamless virtuosity of Peck and Cornejo, and transported by the eternal beauty of the tale.