February 2023: darling, let’s put it this way - my diary this month is bursting with sequins, tutus, and sheer talent! And not just at the Royal Opera House. Honestly, the international ballet scene is just as lively as my fabulous social calendar (yes, that does include a new *tres* chic velvet evening clutch that matches my ruby lipstick). Let's have a gander at what's had this fabulous, jaded dance critic reaching for her fan and sighing with genuine delight, shall we?
London: Right, darling, we begin, of course, at home. The Royal Ballet has been showcasing a delightful medley of established favourites and tantalising new works.
First up, *Swan Lake*. Well, it's *Swan Lake*. As eternally elegant as my Chanel skirt. There's a reason it's been wowing audiences for over a century! This production didn't disappoint, offering stunning choreography from Ashton, the glorious music of Tchaikovsky, and, of course, those ethereal swan costumes. The leads, our beloved *danseur noble*, Steven McRae, and the ravishing Yasmine Naghdi (with her impeccable technique, darling, *impeccable*) gave their heart and soul to their roles, drawing us into their tale of love, betrayal, and transformation. Let's just say the famous 'death scene' was nothing short of exquisite agony. Oh, and darling, can we just talk about that final corps de ballet entrance? They shimmered like a constellation.
I confess to having been most excited for the premiere of Wayne McGregor's *Carbon Life*. My darlings, I don't even know how to describe the visual experience, except to say, *extravagant*. We’re talking complex, abstract choreography that felt like a dance meditation on humanity and the planet. Oh, and did I mention it was set to music by Radiohead and the astonishing composer Max Richter? Just extraordinary! A captivating performance, darling, not just visually, but also conceptually - I'm still pondering those final moments, darling, truly contemplative.
Paris: Now, darling, the city of lights, the city of love - the Opéra Garnier, in the heart of this exquisite city, gave us a spectacle I’m sure even Diaghilev himself would have envied. ** *Giselle*. ** A ballet masterpiece with, oh, a cast whose sheer grace and talent almost brought me to tears, a genuine, heart-wrenching performance, dear readers, pure genius. I can't get enough of those heart-stopping arabesques! The iconic 'mad scene' delivered with so much nuance, truly, it had me trembling with emotion, just magnificent. Let’s just say that watching Polina Semionova dance this role, with her raw power, raw elegance and technical brilliance... let’s say the entire theater was enraptured! This was a reminder, darlings, that nothing, truly nothing, beats the artistry of ballet done to perfection. And the finale, oh, it was *so* satisfying. Simply sensational, the whole night, darlings, truly, *sensational*!
New York City: Naturally, one simply must travel to the Big Apple, darlings! This city pulsates with energy. Naturally, a stop at the New York City Ballet is a must. A company renowned for its modern edge and bold productions, which never fails to delight (they also know a thing or two about a glamorous gala party, let me tell you, darling!). It was *The Sleeping Beauty* that stole my heart. And let’s just say their interpretation wasn't just *new* but innovative. It gave a nod to tradition but had its own dynamic and oh-so-dramatic feel. This performance is perfect for ballet lovers seeking an energetic twist, a touch of playfulness. It left me utterly spellbound! A real treat for both the senses and the soul.
Speaking of dynamic, darling, I cannot fail to mention the wonderful Mikhailovsky Ballet in Saint Petersburg, with their touring production of *The Nutcracker* landing in New York last month, and leaving audiences utterly charmed. Let's face it, this ballet is practically a holiday institution in the west - it’s all shimmering sets, opulent costumes and adorable children in little tutus. I've never seen such a wide-eyed audience, from the youngest audience member to the most sophisticated dance aficionados, totally absorbed by the story. There's nothing quite like this traditional production to spark the magic of the holiday season (let’s say my *holiday spirit* is already in full bloom - I do love a sprinkle of seasonal magic, darlings).
Around The Globe: From London’s opulence to the vibrancy of New York, ballet is alive and flourishing, spreading across the globe with the grace of a ballerina's extension. From Australia's Sydney Opera House to Tokyo’s Shibuya Bunka Kaikan, there are more spectacular performances popping up all over the world than I have time to chronicle, my darlings! But do, *do* make an effort to see for yourself the wonders these companies are creating, to soak up the atmosphere, to lose yourself in the dance. I’ve even heard a rumour of an innovative, and frankly, slightly daring, version of *The Rite of Spring* touring China. Let’s say I’m looking forward to the news and gossip, darling, *tremendously*!
In other news, darlings, my favourite gossip-worthy happenings at this season's ballets have included a certain ballerina’s rather shocking diamond necklace being… misplaced, a rather spectacular backstage brawl (oh, darling, we've all *been there*, a bit of fiery artistic passion now and again) and the absolutely stunning new ballet shoes, adorned with real rubies (if I do say so myself, they're practically works of art!), custom designed for one of the prima ballerinas in Tokyo, Now, *that’s* what I call haute couture for the dance!
Well darlings, I shall leave you with one final note on a serious subject. Ballet isn't just entertainment, though it can certainly be exquisite, dramatic, and entertaining, don't get me wrong! But it’s a powerful art form, capable of moving us in ways that are beyond words, It provides a platform for cultural exchange, it challenges our perceptions of beauty and skill, and it allows us to connect with ourselves and each other in profound and often unexpected ways. And now, darling, it's time for me to put on my dancing shoes, a touch of red lipstick (darling, the new Ruby Rouge by **_____** is a must!) and head to the ballroom (for what *could* be a night of joyful dancing, laughter, and absolutely exquisite moments, *indeed*) ! Till next month, darling.