Darling, oh darling, where do I even begin? The month of July was absolutely overflowing with exquisite performances that have left me, dare I say, *enchanted*. From the soaring heights of London to the electrifying pulse of New York, the world of ballet was ablaze with beauty, strength, and a captivating dose of pure theatricality. And darling, this is one fashionista who witnessed it all! First, I *had* to grace the Royal Opera House in London, naturally. It’s simply unthinkable to miss the *Giselle* season there! And let me tell you, it was a revelation. The entire production was like a vintage dream: romanticism with a sprinkle of vintage lace and those swoon-worthy tutus, and oh, the choreography, a symphony of graceful leaps and captivating fluidity. It was pure poetry in motion, perfectly complemented by a stunning score, making every scene truly heart-wrenching. I must confess, the *pa de deux* in Act II left me absolutely spellbound. It’s not just the technical brilliance, darlings, it’s the utter commitment to each emotion that brings these dancers' interpretations to life, and *that* is what makes them unforgettable! But wait, there’s more. I *did* steal away for a whirlwind trip to the States and, oh darling, what an unforgettable experience. In New York City, the stage at Lincoln Center was pulsating with a different kind of energy. The American Ballet Theatre was giving a spectacular performance of *The Sleeping Beauty*! The grandeur of the production, from the extravagant costumes to the magnificent set, made me feel like I was transported to a magical fairytale. I *loved* the innovative touches brought to the choreography, infusing this classic tale with fresh vitality and dynamic power, making it utterly captivating. And then there was Aurora, the role that dreams are made of! Her elegant artistry and radiant performance were breathtaking. She literally had the audience at her fingertips. And darling, don’t even get me started on the costumes! The exquisite craftsmanship of the designs, the impeccable details, the use of vibrant colours that popped from the stage. *Heavenly!* And, the ballerinas just seemed to melt into each one of them. I felt a sense of *such* femininity! However, it wasn't all about *Sleeping Beauty*. I *did* sneak off for an afternoon to experience the effervescence of Alvin Ailey’s dancers at City Center. It’s an experience like no other. Their movements are simply mesmerizing – powerful, vibrant, full of personality! It's not always about grace, darlings, sometimes, raw emotion speaks louder than words! Now, if we're talking about innovative interpretations of classic ballets, how could we miss *La Bayadère*? This was a production that dared to challenge, pushing the boundaries of what a ballet can be. I *love* how the choreography felt both timeless and incredibly relevant for the 90s, seamlessly merging the traditional with a touch of contemporary boldness. And, dare I say it? The corps de ballet at the Kirov? Simply stunning, each movement was like a precise, powerful brushstroke, building towards a masterpiece! The final scene, where Nikiya dances with the ghostly figures? It’s something I will *never* forget! Then, we had the privilege of witnessing a performance in Italy! Oh, darling, the sheer opulence and tradition! Milan's La Scala is breathtaking, isn’t it? This was the *Romeo and Juliet* I had dreamt of! Each movement, every nuance was exquisite, their interpretations truly brought these Shakespearean characters to life. There was this air of effortless grace combined with palpable passion. Let’s talk costumes for a minute! Milan had this *fabulous* fashion sense! I must confess, I was immediately captivated by Juliet's crimson costume – an exquisite play on velvet and delicate embellishments! She truly embodied youthful love and innocence with every single graceful step. I was completely engrossed! Speaking of costumes, let’s go back to the States, shall we? It’s true that New York never disappoints when it comes to fashion. But this time it was about pushing the envelope – a touch of rebellious flair, a nod to individuality, and it totally *worked* for the Balanchine. It was the epitome of modern ballets – fresh, electrifying, and pushing all the right boundaries! This was a July filled with sheer beauty. Ballet remains an incredible art form that continuously captivates and moves me. As this dance-lover continues her journey, I cannot wait to see what wonders the rest of this year holds!
Here's to many more glorious ballets and breathtaking performances, darlings.
**My Must-Haves this Summer:** - A classic, timeless tutu from **Gelsey Kirkland** - A pair of black, stiletto-heeled pumps from **Manolo Blahnik** - **Lancôme’s** new rouge in the most vibrant red for the summer months - A custom-made ballet bag by **Jimmy Choo** - The new scent by **Yves Saint Laurent**.
And don't forget, darling, a well-stocked vanity bag to stay fabulous through the season, all this excitement is exhausting! Ciao for now!