Oh darlings, how divine! December's graced us with a spectacular selection of ballets and theatrical delights, from the chic Parisian streets to the grand stages of New York. From the glittering glamour of Giselle to the ethereal elegance of contemporary works, this month has truly been a feast for the senses.
First, let's talk about the incomparable Royal Ballet, simply the epitome of grace and artistry. Their production of Giselle, staged with exquisite detail and lighting, was breathtaking. Margot Fonteyn, in her 70s, still radiated a divine presence, her movements an absolute symphony of fluidity and tenderness. And of course, the young rising star, Darcey Bussell, a vision in white, simply enchanted us with her airy leaps and expressive solos. The ghostly Wilis were positively terrifying, their ghostly white dresses billowing like swirling mist, adding a touch of gothic grandeur.
I was particularly moved by the contemporary work, Requiem by Wayne McGregor. Now, this was truly pushing the boundaries of classical ballet. The choreography, an intricate tapestry of movement and stillness, resonated with such emotional depth. The dancers' physicality was remarkable, challenging expectations of how the human body could move. The hauntingly beautiful score by Gorecki added a layer of ethereal beauty that left us spellbound. Honestly, I was completely enthralled by its raw intensity.
Now, let's fly across the Atlantic, where the New York City Ballet have been turning heads. Their season opener, a dazzling revival of George Balanchine's Jewels, was an absolute triumph. The precision, the clarity, the shimmering costumes, it all came together in a breathtaking spectacle of elegance and artistry. It was a true feast for the eyes, each segment evoking a different jewel - a sparkling emerald, a blazing ruby, a luminous diamond, each as breathtaking as the last.
I simply must gush about the Paris Opera Ballet, a company with such a rich history and unwavering passion. I was captivated by their interpretation of The Sleeping Beauty, a timeless classic that never fails to enchant. The sumptuous sets, lavish costumes, and of course, the sublime choreography by Marius Petipa transported me to a magical fairy tale world. Sylvie Guillem's performance as Aurora, with her ethereal grace and flawless technique, simply left me speechless.
Now, no talk about dance would be complete without acknowledging the art that surrounds it. My recent visit to the Centre Pompidou in Paris was an absolute delight, particularly their exhibit on the relationship between dance and modern art. I loved seeing how movements were captured in sculptures and installations, how the fluidity of a dancer’s form was reimagined in such creative and thought-provoking ways.
And for a truly enchanting theatrical experience, I suggest a visit to the West End's production of Cats, still going strong after all these years. The dazzling costumes and incredible makeup transform the dancers into a variety of captivating feline characters, from the sly and graceful Jellicle Cats to the mischievous and cunning Rum Tum Tugger. The production itself is pure magic, with spectacular stage design and music that will have you humming along long after you leave the theater.
Speaking of musicals, my dear, I absolutely had to catch the Broadway revival of Chicago. Oh, the glamour! The razzle-dazzle, the scandalous story, and the intoxicating music left me breathless. The performance of Renée Zellweger, who brings such an unexpected warmth and charm to the role of Roxie Hart, left me completely captivated.
But, my lovelies, this month is not just about the big names. I also discovered a treasure trove of smaller dance companies pushing boundaries, making their mark on the world of contemporary dance. Let me mention a few gems:
- The Batsheva Dance Company in Israel, who were touring the UK this month. They mesmerised me with their bold and athletic style. Their work felt like a whirlwind of energy, yet it still retained a sense of vulnerability and rawness.
- The Martha Graham Dance Company, a legend in their own right. Their innovative, emotionally charged pieces still resonate with audiences today, a testament to the enduring legacy of this revolutionary artist.
- The Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company. I found myself captivated by their unique blend of contemporary and African American dance. Their pieces explore complex social themes, often with a sharp wit and undeniable energy.
And finally, let’s end our journey with a touch of whimsy. I had an absolute blast at a delightful Christmas show in Covent Garden: The Royal Ballet's The Nutcracker. A delightful confection of dance, music and dazzling spectacle, it’s the perfect way to end the year, surrounded by sparkling snow and sugar plum fairies. And I absolutely couldn't resist a visit to the Christmas market, to sample the delicious warm pastries and mulled wine with some of my closest friends.
My dears, as always, the dance world is bursting with innovation and artistry. These performances were simply a taste of what the month of December has to offer, so don’t miss a moment. Keep your eyes open and your heart filled with wonder. Until next month, stay glamorous!