The Bolshoi Ballet Comes to Westhoughton!
Darlings, hold onto your tutus, because the Bolshoi Ballet is gracing us with their presence in dear, dear Westhoughton this month, and believe me, honey, this isn’t just your run-of-the-mill “Nutcracker” in the village hall.
Imagine, if you will, the cobbled streets of Westhoughton - an idyllic scene, no doubt - and there, right in the middle of the action, is the impossibly elegant Albert Halls, usually home to more, shall we say, “earthier” forms of entertainment – karaoke nights with the lovely ladies from the bowling club, “Grease” by the local youth theatre, the annual Westhoughton Wheelbarrow Races. This, my darlings, is a veritable *coup* for our little town, an unexpected foray into the world of High Art, a whirlwind of Russian ballet that promises to leave audiences breathless.
The company is performing their world-renowned production of “Le Corsaire”, a true spectacle of high romance and dramatic pyrotechnics. Picture this: a brooding, dashing pirate, played by the effortlessly captivating Dimitri Stepanov, with eyes that could melt a glacier, a physique that’s Adonis meets Antonio Banderas – what more could a woman want? Add a fiercely independent, flame-haired heroine – that’s the beautiful and breathtaking Maria Kochetkova – in a dazzlingly white tutu, soaring through the air in impossibly graceful leaps, and the drama simply oozes.
There’s not a single *faux pas* to be seen - think stunning costumes with every detail lovingly considered, every costume change a meticulously choreographed work of art, exquisite scenery painted with such vivid detail it seems to come alive, the air filled with dramatic lighting and thunderous musical scores. This is ballet taken to the next level, dears, and we’re in for a treat!
I've heard it said that some of the "Westhoughtonians" are, how shall we say, less than thrilled with the upcoming arrival of such “arty” fare - the mere thought of dressing up and leaving the warm, comfortable confines of their homes fills them with fear and trepidation. They ask me – *how could anyone bear to watch someone stand there in silence, making silly twirls?*. I can only gasp in amazement and ask – don’t these dear things see the beauty of art, of movement, of the incredible skill and artistry of the dancers? Surely the very sight of a ballerina performing a perfect fouetté, of a danseur leaping across the stage with seemingly effortless power, would inspire wonder? It’s a ballet, darlings!
There are so many lovely aspects to “Le Corsaire” – one moment it will be all elegant grand jetes, the next, a dazzling corps de ballet in beautiful unison movements, so perfectly controlled it will make you want to grab a glass of chilled Prosecco. It is all such a far cry from, dare I say, the more pedestrian offerings available locally. It’s a feast for the senses. I, for one, am positively gagging for a glimpse of the showstopping final scene where all the ballerinas have a dance-off - quite the glamorous occasion to make an appearance.
It’s worth mentioning the fabulous tutus. Every ballerina, dears, is wrapped in layers and layers of exquisite tulle, each delicate feather, sequin and bead meticulously placed to enhance every delicate turn. This isn't your average, run-of-the-mill tutu. This is a work of art, a symbol of pure grace, perfectly encapsulating the drama of the piece.
So grab your sequins, put on your best frock, polish your opera glasses, and brace yourselves, darling. We’re about to witness a spectacular spectacle, a ballet like no other - “Le Corsaire” is poised to transport us to another world of swirling emotions, enchanting beauty, and pure artistic bliss, and who knows, you just might even find yourself moved to tears. The Bolshoi in Westhoughton? Oh honey, this really is what dreams are made of!
Here’s our “Ballet Ballet” Top 10 “Must-Know” Bits for The Westhoughton Ballerina:
Yes, dear, while most of us are busy applying our latest facial mask and sipping on some refreshing Camomile Tea and watching “Great British Bake Off,” it pays to brush up on a bit of “Ballet Ballet,” you know. We all want to be able to join the gossip at the post-performance gala, or “intelligently” answer any probing questions from your Auntie Betty about the dancers and the costumes. Here are my 10 hot tips to get you clued up!
- First and foremost, say “Le Corsaire,” like “Le-Co-Say.” Just like we pronounce “Cheery” and “Charmaine” , this will get you into the French mood immediately, darlings! ( It also serves as an immediate conversation starter! )
- This “Corsaire” fella, is, shall we say, quite “handsome” – we all want a man like him, no? The original “Corsaire” in this piece was the wonderful dancer, Jules Perrot. Sadly, Mr. Perrot passed on back in the late 1800’s but the “spirit” of the great “Corsaire” continues in this ballet to this day, darling. ( It's like he’s saying: *Don’t give up on your dreams!* )
- Remember the heroine – she’s no wallflower, dear! She is a fiery woman who makes her own way in the world. Imagine, she has her own gang of pirates ( who may or may not be “slightly” on the rough side, honey!) who are all *totally* devoted to her. That is how it should be! The very fact the female characters are in control, is rather "modern", isn’t it?
- “Pas de Deux” means “a step of two,” in fancy French - just as we have a cup of tea with “two” sugars, dears. There is loads of “Pas de Deux” in this ballet, as the leading man and the leading lady are simply inseparable – think an elegant and powerful version of your favourite love scene in “Dancing with the Stars.”
- You must love the ballerinas' outfits, they are simply the height of chic elegance – we need this style in our lives, darlings! Think flowing silk dresses, intricately embroidered tops, and an *explosion* of color – it’s enough to make you swoon, and perfectly represents the romance and drama of the ballet. And the tutus are breathtaking, honey!
- Be ready for the “grand pas de deux,” this is your main chance to look like you “really” get the “Ballet Ballet.” “Grand pas de deux” is just the ultimate dance routine – it shows the power of a ballet company and just how strong the dancers are!
- And, let’s not forget those stunning sets and the *oh so clever* stage designs! You’ll have your picture taken next to them, darling, I simply can’t wait to show everyone I’m a true ballet aficionado - I *need* to upload my snaps onto Facebook and Instagram with the most witty captions!
- “ Le Corsaire” is filled with a beautiful music, very romantic, darling, The original score by the Italian, Cesare Pugni ( how *romantic*) , has a lovely rhythm but, honey, be sure to let everybody know about the updated “Corsaire” music - this has new orchestrations that are simply thrilling!
- This ballet is, how shall we say, “physically” demanding The dancers need incredible skill to execute all those jumps, turns and steps, and just looking at their physique is almost enough to leave you gasping for air! Think six packs that you could eat your dinner off. The ballerinas have some incredible leg muscles - those perfect dégagés and perfect extensions of the leg must take hours to master, it’s just breathtaking. And imagine them rehearsing in those beautiful tutus. You’ll wonder how they can possibly bear the tightness all day – and still be able to jump! ( I know, I'm *totally* jealous of the dancer’s fitness! )
- Be sure to say “Bravo” when the dancers take their bows at the end, darling That’s “bravo” for the men and “brava” for the women! The rest is all on the stage - the dancers deserve all the attention, and you just need to clap your heart out – I’ll definitely give the ballerinas a massive *curtsy* as they exit! ( It takes real *cojones* to perform in front of such a massive audience, I’d simply crumble! ).
Oh, dear, how utterly glamorous the whole thing will be - I am simply *beside* myself with excitement! So, get your best frock out and remember that with your knowledge and confidence, you too can now blend in with the art and fashion cognoscenti. The whole Westhoughton community is buzzing with anticipation about “Le Corsaire.” I shall make sure to write up an *exhaustive* review afterwards – no doubt my darling, it’s going to be a review to remember!
Oh darling, how “chic“ of me… It turns out there is something that might just be even more sensational than the Bolshoi!
As fate would have it, our lovely Albert Halls have another *big* show lined up – a musical – right before the Bolshoi! ( Who’d have thought it?!) Imagine this - you get a chance to see “The Phantom of the Opera” - just like London! Oh dear, now how shall I choose? Two extraordinary cultural events… This calls for some serious thinking… And, I haven't even decided what I’ll wear!
You know I always end my articles with my little self-made “style quote.” So, darlings, let me offer you this one… "The ballet has *no* rules but you must never go to the ballet without your favorite designer heels. A touch of glitz and glamour – it’s only good form. “
That is all from me this week - Until next time! Be good - I love you!
Darling D.