Dearest readers,
Oh, how the heart flutters with anticipation for the unveiling of this year's Spring Ballet season! It’s been 100 days since our beloved Swan Lake glided into the finale, leaving a trail of glitter, grace and glistening tears in its wake, and I've already devoured my annual repertoire of ballets, savoring each glorious score, every intricate pirouette. My mind swirls with visions of tulle and satin, of exquisite footwork and passionate embraces, a symphony of motion and music, painting my soul with the most magnificent hues of emotion.
The opening night, dear friends, the grand debut of the year, promises to be an exhilarating extravaganza! It's March 20th, and our very own Royal Ballet is treating us to a dazzling spectacle of Tchaikovsky's 'Sleeping Beauty'. I simply cannot contain myself! Just thinking about those celestial waltzes makes my feet itch to dance, and my imagination is already consumed with visions of Prince Florimund, the dashing hero in velvet and brocade, and the spellbinding Princess Aurora. I’m certain it’ll be an unforgettable display of elegance, grandeur and breathtaking skill.
My friends, for all you ballerinas who feel the intoxicating pull of the dance floor, let us dive into the enchanting world of ballet music! Let’s unravel its essence, explore its melodies, and bask in its magic. This week, dear readers, our journey will focus on a treasure trove of timeless masterpieces: * The enduring brilliance of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, a titan who weaved magical musical narratives that have captivated hearts for centuries. 'The Nutcracker', 'Swan Lake' and 'Sleeping Beauty' are names that transcend time. From the graceful waltz in 'The Nutcracker' to the stirring finale in 'Sleeping Beauty', Tchaikovsky has sculpted an unyielding legacy of sheer brilliance. * Then there's the enchanting Maurice Ravel, who swept us away with 'Daphnis and Chloe', an evocative score brimming with life, lust, and lyrical grace. His evocative music evokes a world of exquisite beauty, inviting us to wander through the forests of myth and experience a tapestry of emotions through exquisite melody. * Another favourite of mine, and always a firm crowd-pleaser: Igor Stravinsky's 'The Rite of Spring'. While the score is undoubtedly bold and often unsettling, the brilliance and force of Stravinsky's music make it an essential work. It shakes the soul, takes you on a jolt to the senses, and invites you to contemplate the raw power and untamed energy of the primal.
But, my darlings, what are musical scores without those gorgeous ballerinas who bring the stories to life? Their grace and poise are just as captivating as the notes they move to, and they've all got an exquisite arsenal of leotards and tutus. Of course, there's the quintessential, the all-time favourite, the classic pink tutu. Let me give you some sartorial advice. If you're going for the quintessential 'ballerina chic' look this Spring, pair your tutu with a black halter leotard - think a chic silhouette of pure sophistication. Add some sleek and timeless ballet flats, a little black shawl for drama, and you are ready to stroll confidently into the dazzling world of ballets and the elegance of this enchanting genre.
Oh, but we haven’t just been savouring Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky! The year has kicked off with a burst of brilliant music, and our orchestras have been graced by some of the most stunning performances. Last week, I saw a breathtaking performance of 'Scheherazade', a score that captivated us with its Oriental splendour, leaving the stage adorned with an enchanting tapestry of lust, danger, and mystery. And I must tell you, there is nothing more alluring than watching the elegant ballet moves, accompanied by the seductive strings of the orchestra, and a sprinkle of that quintessential Arabic flavour in the composition.
Let's look at this season with a keen eye, dear readers, because this Spring has also gifted us with some exciting premieres. 'A World Within Us', by young composer, and talented violinist, David Rose, debuted last week at the London Coliseum and promises to be a big hit! And speaking of premiers, 'The Serpent's Embrace', by the enigmatic Isabella Delacroix, has already captured a wave of excitement and rave reviews. You may recognise the name. Delacroix’s score for 'La Donna del Lago' in 2024 stole the heart of our nation and had everyone whispering about the power of a musical newcomer! My friends, this season, it’s evident, is full of exciting prospects!
Speaking of newcomers, our very own Royal Ballet is graced by some promising dancers this season, amongst whom a rising star, the lovely Isabella Fairfax, stands out. Just imagine a petite figure, delicate and with an unassuming air, yet when she dances, it’s like watching magic come to life! Isabella, with her flawless footwork and an electrifying presence, is captivating audiences and gaining a reputation for her talent. I have a hunch, dear friends, she's destined for stardom! I, for one, am ready to witness this bright, talented, and exquisite dancer illuminate our stage in a brilliant light!
Of course, there's a dance school on practically every corner now. It’s quite wonderful, I must say! A growing legion of budding young ballerinas, fuelled by their own passion and aspirations, is poised to embrace the world of dance. Ballet classes are teeming with youthful enthusiasm, fuelled by the infectious energy and creativity of some truly amazing teachers who strive to instill a love of dance and an understanding of classical discipline in their young charges. And with these new schools, there are many up-and-coming ballet dancers that deserve to have their work admired and praised. Let's give a big round of applause to the young talent that graces our stage each night. Their dedication and hard work are simply inspirational.
Our journey into the enchanting world of ballet, however, will never be complete without paying homage to the artistry of our choreographers, the visionaries who sculpt stories through movement and emotion. Names like Christopher Wheeldon, Wayne McGregor, and Akram Khan echo throughout ballet history, bringing us fresh and captivating perspectives on dance. They are truly exceptional talents, and it's exhilarating to witness their creative journeys as they transform their vision into the language of movement.
My friends, ballet has always been about expressing the ineffable, capturing the intangible, giving form to the unseen. The dance, dear readers, is a form of expression, of emotional release, of communication through gesture and movement that goes beyond language, enchanting our hearts and igniting our spirits with every leap, every turn, every heartfelt pirouette. It's an art form that celebrates the beauty and joy of the human spirit.
It's March 20th, the day to set this ballet music-themed news review, and the anticipation of 'Sleeping Beauty', the grace of a hundred ballerinas and the magic of musical genius that have taken the world by storm are just some reasons why I'm filled with joy, with gratitude, with the boundless magic that only ballet can bring.
Happy Ballet Season, my lovely readers. Enjoy every magical step and captivating sound!