The September Ballet Buzz
Dearest Darlings,
September always feels like a fresh start, doesn't it? The air is crisp, the leaves begin their slow descent, and the autumnal fashion houses are finally unveiling their latest creations - we can all get a little excited about that! As for me, it's a whirlwind of rehearsals, performances, and jet-setting between cities. It seems like every continent is bursting with ballets, and honestly, my dears, one can hardly keep up!
Speaking of bursting - my oh my, was **"La Bayadere"** in Moscow absolutely breathtaking! The Bolshoi truly knows how to ignite the stage with passion, don't you think? Natalia Osipova, as the beautiful Nikiya, is a vision, a true embodiment of delicate strength, all pirouettes and effortless extensions. You see, when Osipova is on stage, you believe every step is an expression of the soul, and that is precisely what makes it so captivating, especially those captivating lifts with Dmitri Bogomazov, she looks like she could dance for eternity!
And darling, we cannot forget the glorious costume design, each piece an artwork in itself, glittering in gold, velvet, and the most luscious shades of blue. The Indian influence truly adds a touch of exotic mystery, a bit like a fragrance that lingers long after the last curtain falls. The sheer beauty of it all is almost overwhelming! The Bolshoi Orchestra was utterly exquisite, sweeping us away with the grandeur of Tchaikovsky's score. I was utterly enchanted by it all. The scene where the temple maidens dance in that mystical circleā¦ sheer magic!
But I wouldn't be me if I didn't pop over to the Royal Opera House in London, now that **"Swan Lake"** has opened again with the sensational, the oh-so-talented, Marianela NuƱez in the lead role. It's her swan song as the White Swan, you know. Honestly, itās almost unfair to have someone with such delicate beauty on stage, her portrayal of both the sweet, innocent Odette and the dark, vengeful Odile is utterly captivating. Itās such an iconic ballet and itās even more wonderful seeing such brilliance in the role! A real treat, darling! And oh, that finale... the way itās all laid out, all the white feathers... it feels so regal, the ending just resonates with elegance, such powerful elegance!
Paris was also a delight! I simply *had* to experience **"Giselle"** at the Palais Garnier, now that the young Marie AgrĆ² is taking on the lead. Darling, it is not just a dance performance, itās a visual feast of sumptuous costumes, set designs that take you straight into the world of the 19th century - absolutely brilliant! AgrĆ² truly embraced the romantic side of Giselle, her despair and tenderness perfectly reflected in every step she takes. The final scene, her ghostly pas de deux with the phantom lovers... just stunningly romantic! My dear, her portrayal of Giselle had my heart soaring, what a delicate performance! Her strength, grace... and then the despair... such brilliant acting with such brilliant dancing... It made me yearn to become a dancer again!
Then I simply *had* to go see **"The Nutcracker"** in New York City with the New York City Ballet! This was such an experience - I mean, every ballerina in the world dreams of dancing in that Christmas production at the New York State Theater, right?! You simply *have* to watch that dazzling tree grow into a magnificent winter forest! And the way the sugar plum fairy is carried around in that big pink and gold sugar plum... so adorable, so spectacular! They had me smiling right down to my dancing shoes.
The performances were fantastic, a lovely blend of the classics with the choreography that weāve come to expect from New York. Their modern interpretation of this cherished ballet is just magical! I also simply adored the magical effect of snow falling on stage during āThe Snow Scene.ā A complete theatrical dream! And, oh darling, we cannot forget Tiler Peck in the role of Sugar Plum Fairy, such technique! What lovely, lovely dancing!
And, darling, don't think for a minute that it was all just about classical ballet. I spent an absolutely wonderful afternoon in Milan. The Teatro alla Scala always boasts exciting contemporary works. I just *had* to witness **"Anima Mundi"** a new production created by Angelin Preljocaj. Honestly, you can't expect anything less from the great Preljocaj! This production really pushed boundaries. His choreography is so intriguing. I love how he combines classic techniques with these inventive and almost unsettling moves, heās got a very dramatic and modern style that just grips your attention from the first note.
The use of light and shadow created so many intriguing spaces and brought out this real feeling of mystery. Oh, the beautiful minimalist costumes, just elegant drapes of white and black, a dramatic backdrop for those bold, expressive movements! I could feel Preljocaj saying so much with such little effort! It left me wondering, feelingā¦ wanting more! Itās certainly one I recommend you check out.
And while Iām talking about dance shows, how about I take you with me on a little adventure to Australia? In the city of Sydney, there's this show, **"Tap Dogs,"** it's an exhilarating fusion of ballet, tap dancing, acrobatics, and just the *best* performance art - you see a bit of everything in their performance. I really must give these young men a big shout out! What pure artistry! There is real raw power and artistry on stage and there are absolutely captivating rhythms that pulsate through you! Honestly, itās so powerful and the audience goes absolutely wild at the end.
There are some fabulous performances in these very stylish shoes of ours that I didnāt have a chance to see just yet. Like, **āThe Rite of Springā** by William Forsythe with Nederlands Dans Theater in The Hague... *so* intrigued by it. I also heard fabulous reviews about **āThe Sleeping Beautyā** at The Paris Opera - can you believe they have the same gorgeous original choreography from Petipa, almost exactly like it was back in the day? You just have to imagine the costumes! But darling, Iāve run out of time to attend these wonderful performances! I do love seeing dancers dance!
If you're a lover of art and elegance, I implore you - set aside some time and enjoy one of these productions. Theyāre more than just performances; they are journeys that take you through a spectrum of emotions, from the heights of romance to the depths of passion. Every single production is truly a work of art!
But dear readers, I have one more piece of advice. Indulge your senses beyond the performance, and donāt forget to have a lovely cocktail and some of that exquisite chocolate while you watch those wonderful dancers! Have fun.
Your ever-so-enchanting dance columnist,
Genevieve