Oh darling, what a simply divine day for ballet! Today, the 13th of July, 1996, has been a veritable whirlwind of tulle and toe shoes! I simply cannot contain myself – it’s as if the very air is tingling with the anticipation of exquisite artistry.
Firstly, let’s talk about the Royal Ballet’s opening night of "Giselle" at Covent Garden. The grandeur! The sheer elegance of it all! From the shimmering, billowing tutus to the impossibly delicate movements of the corps de ballet, I swear I could have heard a pin drop.
Did you know that the iconic tutu was originally designed to be worn in 1839? And do you know what? Its graceful, flowing form remains as captivating as ever, the epitome of both lightness and strength. Can you even imagine what those dancers’ legs must be like? Sculptural, exquisite – pure perfection.
Now, about this "Giselle" performance itself: darling, I was simply entranced! The story, with its themes of love and betrayal, transported me to a realm of raw emotion. And oh, those male dancers – their leaps were simply magnificent! One moment they are floating, the next, a powerful thrust of their bodies as they defy gravity.
But the real star of the show, the one that had my heart skipping a beat, was the incomparable Sylvie Guillem. She literally glided across the stage, her every movement an art form. It was a true testament to the strength, grace, and sheer power that lies within the heart of a ballerina.
Speaking of artistry, the production itself was truly breathtaking. The exquisite sets and costumes created an enchanting atmosphere. And the use of lighting – just exquisite, my dears, a veritable feast for the senses. Oh, I could gush on forever! But, you see, I just had to tell you about it all – my enthusiasm for this most captivating art form, this ballet, simply explodes from my soul!
Of course, this news simply wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the legendary ballerina, Margot Fonteyn, who would have been celebrating her 80th birthday today. While she has been gone since 1991, her legacy as a queen of ballet continues to inspire generations of dancers and audiences. Her grace, precision, and artistic depth truly redefined the boundaries of what ballet could be.
However, darling, let’s not forget those budding stars of the future. The Royal Ballet School, known for nurturing incredible young talent, held their annual showcase today! Those young ballerinas and their shining smiles – it fills one with such joy and optimism! It is from such performances that our next Margot Fonteyn, our next Sylvie Guillem will emerge. I for one, cannot wait!
It was an extraordinary day for ballet, an ethereal world of grace, beauty, and captivating emotion. With each performance, each step, and each exquisite tutu, we are reminded of the extraordinary art of ballet – truly, a spectacle that captures our hearts and elevates our spirits. Until next time, my lovelies!
In other news…
- A stunning exhibition of tutus, "Whirl of a Skirt: Tutus on Display," has just opened at the Victoria and Albert Museum! You simply must see the glorious creations of historical dancers like Fanny Cerrito – such artistry! The exhibit runs until August 15th, and tickets are going quickly so book in advance!
- Did you know, the Royal Ballet School is hosting an exciting fundraising gala later this month? There’s even talk of a surprise appearance by Sir Anthony Dowell! Now that would be truly magnificent!
- Oh, and did I mention the adorable ballet shoes – they’re back in style! I’ve even spotted a couple of fashionable stores on King's Road showcasing chic pumps inspired by those coveted “pointe shoes." They make your legs look just divine. Simply divine, darling!
The world of ballet is a kaleidoscope of colour and magic! I’ll be keeping you informed, my dears, with all the latest updates.