Ballet's Bohemian Rhapsody: A Whirlwind Tour of June's Delights
Oh darling, it's been a month of glorious twirls and heart-stopping leaps! As the sun climbed higher, so too did the heights of ballet's exquisite artistry. June has seen everything from the triumphant return of a beloved classic to the daring debuts of rising stars. Let's get straight to it, shall we? This is not just a review; it's a journey through the intoxicating world of ballet, my loves.
A Midsummer Night's Dream... in Berlin
One of June's most charming escapades landed in Berlin's Staatsballett. The Berliners took on the fantastical world of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, a production that, frankly, transported me right to the heart of a fairy glade. This version, however, felt fresh and playful, like a mischievous imp with glitter on its nose. The choreography by Wayne McGregor, so brilliantly unexpected and witty, transformed the classic story into a whirlwind of human folly, rendered in dance. The ballet captured both the magical and the utterly ridiculous side of falling in love.
It wasn't just the choreography; it was the performances! Anna-Maria Holmes, in the role of Hermia, exuded youthful energy and captivating vulnerability. Her pas de deux with the delightful Pavel Dmitrichenko, playing Lysander, were nothing short of exquisite, each step a testament to the depth of their artistic connection. I couldn't tear my eyes away from their dancing, especially during the tender moments, their eyes locked in a silent conversation that said volumes.
Oh, and the fairies? Simply divine. The costumes were spectacular, glittering, almost iridescent, like delicate gossamer wings shimmering in the stage light. The whole ensemble truly embodied the airy grace of these magical beings, leaving you in awe with their captivating grace. Let me assure you, you simply mustn't miss the Berliner Staatsballett's take on this timeless story; it is pure enchantment.
Tutu Trouble in Paris
Now, for a bit of scandalous gossip from Paris! Let's just say, things didn't go quite as planned at the OpĂŠra de Paris with the return of Giselle. This classic tale of heartbreak and love, as you know, is fraught with emotional turmoil. Itâs not just about the ghostly Wilis; the lead dancers are often on the edge of an emotional meltdown, which, is what makes it so utterly captivating.
This time, however, the heart of the drama landed squarely on a troublesome tutu. In a twist that would have even Shakespeare gasping, the leading lady, who shall remain nameless, experienced a costume malfunction that could only be described as "tutu-ally embarrassing." Apparently, the flimsy thing refused to behave! There were gasps, groans, and the rustling of seat cushions, and for a moment, I thought we were in for an impromptu comedic routine! To the ballerina's credit, she bravely soldiered on, finishing her performance with poise and, frankly, the most elegant âad libâ Iâve ever witnessed!
But what about the ballet itself, I hear you say? It was, darling, an evening of exquisite sorrow and heartbreak. AurĂŠlie Dupont's choreography gave the classic tale a touch of the modern without losing any of the heart-wrenching beauty that made this ballet legendary. And yes, the Wilis still gave me goosebumps with their otherworldly grace. So while I'm sure the tutu incident is already making the rounds in Paris' ballet gossip circuit, let's remember that the performance itself was nothing short of captivating. It's just that some stories are even better with a little dash of theatrical flair.
New Blood on Broadway: A New York Tale
New York, that whirlwind of energy and ambition, provided its usual dose of dramatic flair with the arrival of In Flight, a fresh new work from the company BalletNext. Oh darling, let me tell you, these dancers are on the precipice of greatness! This production, so vibrant and edgy, made me wish for an extra hour in the theatre, it was a dazzling blend of physicality and emotion.
What made In Flight stand out was its exploration of freedom, the desire to break free, to soar through the air without restraint. The movement, choreographed by the remarkably talented Christopher Wheeldon, flowed beautifully, capturing the spirit of flight without actually taking to the air. It was truly something else, with some moments being intensely athletic and others as fluid as a gentle breeze. It had everything I love about a modern ballet, but what impressed me the most was the vulnerability that each dancer conveyed. You could almost hear their hopes, fears, and desires swirling in the air, in between every turn and leap.
Let's just say, In Flight gave the ballet world a good shaking! If you're in New York, my dear, be sure to catch it before it takes flight to other destinations!
From Russia With Love... And Some Ballroom Blitz
Moscowâs Bolshoi Theatre proved to be a whirlwind of vibrant energy this June. I couldn't get enough of their latest production of La Bayadère, an exotic tale set in 19th-century India. It was simply grand, even for Moscow.
If you're familiar with this ballet, then you know itâs a celebration of intricate dance and spectacular scenery, and let me assure you, Moscow delivers it with full-bodied splendor. The vibrant costumes, dazzling jewel tones, and the swirling silk fabrics of the female dancers felt like something straight out of an elaborate, decadent dream. You could almost smell the incense, my love, it felt that real! And speaking of costumes, the principal dancer Olga Smirnova, in the role of Nikiya, embodied elegance and tragic beauty. There's something almost haunting in the way she moved; it felt both heartbreaking and uplifting.
Of course, I can't talk about La Bayadère without mentioning the grand and stunning Grand Pas de Deux, an iconic moment in ballet history. It was, as usual, utterly breath-taking, showcasing incredible precision and technical prowess. Even I had to give it a standing ovation, darling! The scene felt like a majestic fireworks display in the sky, but one orchestrated with human bodies instead of explosions. The Bolshoi truly delivered on the magic and grandeur of La Bayadère.
Back in London
Now, it wouldn't be a proper ballet review without a bit of news from the heart of the ballet world: London. This June, the Royal Opera House continued to hold court with its dazzling rendition of the ballet classic, Swan Lake. Now, let me tell you, a swan costume can be tricky, but these London dancers certainly nailed it! Every move, from the gliding arms to the feathered steps, felt utterly natural. It was like watching these graceful creatures glide effortlessly across the stage, not in a literal way, of course!
One of the highlights was undoubtedly the iconic âblack swanâ sequence. This year, the part was given to the rising star, Marianela NuĂąez. You know, she was simply flawless! You could feel the weight of Odette's betrayal and the seductive power of Odile. But the real beauty of her performance lay in the seamless transition between the innocent white swan and the alluring, dangerous black swan, so compelling. You never saw a woman transform from vulnerable beauty to confident temptress quite so effectively.
I'm telling you, it's no wonder Swan Lake is considered a classic, even in a world overflowing with artistic trends! This ballet still has a powerful way of getting under your skin, captivating your senses and reminding you why this art form is simply the best. And if you find yourself in London this summer, my dears, a trip to the Royal Opera House is an absolute must!
Something Else, Completely...
If you're craving something a bit different, my dear, look no further than London's own National Dance Company Wales, a ballet company brimming with a fresh and exciting energy. They showcased a thrilling production of Alice this month. Now, who knew the story of Alice in Wonderland could be so powerful in dance form?
What set Alice apart was its clever blend of classical ballet and modern techniques, and a fantastic mix of visual design. They captured the absurd and dreamlike nature of Carroll's world through striking stage imagery. It was one of those ballets that simply washes over you, filled with so much whimsy and clever invention that it almost feels like you're Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole yourself! It made me think of all the wonder and magic that the human body can achieve when coupled with artistry and a vibrant imagination.
And darling, the dance was absolutely incredible! The entire cast was phenomenal, and the choreography showcased a delightful balance of skill, emotion, and humour. Oh, there was even a dancing teacup, if you can imagine! And for those moments when I felt myself getting lost in the magic of the storytelling, I was reminded by the breathtaking sound of the accompanying music. The music for Alice was simply delightful, giving the story an additional layer of depth and drama.
On the Horizon, The Next Chapter: Ballet's Promise
The ballet season is far from over, dear. From the cobbled streets of Amsterdam to the grand halls of Vienna, the ballet world is already preparing for its next chapter.
For now, darling, let's cherish the memories of a month of spectacular leaps, elegant swirls, and captivating narratives. Ballet's bohemian spirit is alive and well. I'll be here, keeping my eye on every step, every pose, and every heart-stopping story told through dance. And as I pen my next review, you can be sure it'll be overflowing with the excitement, the drama, and, above all, the glorious elegance that is ballet.