AI Ballet Review 357

New Year, New Twirls: A World of Ballet in January 1998

Darling, January's chills haven't dulled the allure of the stage. From London's stately grandeur to the vibrancy of Paris, the world of ballet is swirling with excitement. As ever, it’s the dancers that truly enchant, each graceful movement a poem in motion. Here’s my insider’s guide to the most captivating performances that left my soul shimmering.

A Regal Romance at the Royal Opera House
Oh, my dears, the Royal Ballet’s opening of Swan Lake at Covent Garden is truly a sight to behold. A spectacle of feathers, silks, and sweeping drama that transports you to another era. Darcey Bussell, as the tragic swan queen Odette, brought a fragility and grace to the role, her movements like silken ribbons unfurling in the air. The Prince, danced by the always reliable Jonathan Cope, conveyed longing and despair, while the malevolent Von Rothbart, embodied by the masterful David Makhateli, held you in thrall with his potent villainy. The orchestra, too, was exquisite, its score sweeping you away with every crescendo and diminuendo. It was a timeless story flawlessly retold.
A Parisian Pas de Deux of Elegance and Power
My recent visit to the Paris Opéra Ballet’s Giselle at the Palais Garnier was a captivating display of power and emotion. The performance, directed by the inimitable Rudolf Nureyev, unfolded with a haunting beauty that mirrored the romanticism of the nineteenth century. The iconic dance, with its heartbreaking story of betrayed love, is simply impossible to resist. The lead dancers, the brilliant Marie-Agnès Gillot and the ever-so-virile Nicolas Le Riche, had a palpable chemistry on stage. Their intertwined movements were both intimate and explosive, a breathtaking showcase of passion and heartbreak. As always, the ballet was bolstered by the Opéra’s lavish production, with the costumes by Christian Lacroix, a master of exquisite, dramatic detail. It was simply divine!
Modern Marvels at the Bolshoi Darling, one can never pass up the Bolshoi. The sheer scale of it, the drama of it all - it is always captivating. The ballet company, with its impeccable technique and power, is quite breathtaking, but it is always a treat to witness new works. In January, the company premiered The Glass Menagerie by Alexei Ratmansky, a modern adaptation of Tennessee Williams' celebrated play. It was an extraordinary creation. The ballet captured the fragility of the human spirit, with each dancer’s movements expressing an inner torment and yearning. Ratmansky's innovative use of set design, combined with lighting, was mesmerizing. And speaking of innovation, what really impressed was the daring choreography of Ratmansky's ballet – innovative, emotive, and strikingly bold!
A Royal Choreographic Debut One can never pass up a Royal Ballet Premiere! This past month saw a stunning choreographic debut by Ashley Page. Entitled "Within Without", his piece was performed by the company at Sadler’s Wells Theatre. Page’s piece is deeply humanist and deeply evocative. It tells the tale of love lost, then found again, all set against a hauntingly beautiful musical backdrop composed by Gavin Bryars. The dancers, a troupe of the finest dancers, brought their exquisite skills to this new, moving, work of dance, resulting in a performance both intimate and enthralling. One could feel the emotions and stories swirling in every gesture, every turn, every ripple of their skirts! This premiere will certainly cement Mr. Page's position as a leading voice in modern choreography.
The Stars Align in the City of Angels
Across the pond, Los Angeles’ own American Ballet Theatre had a particularly inspiring month! A program curated with impeccable taste, highlighting works by the ever-enchanting Alexei Ratmansky (who was clearly having a remarkable moment this month) and the esteemed Twyla Tharp. The highlight, however, was a truly remarkable “The Sleeping Beauty,” a revival that highlighted the unmistakable artistry of the company. A beautiful production, it made me remember why I so often consider the American Ballet Theatre “my family.”
Across the World, Always in Style Whether in London’s regal opulence, Paris’s romantic atmosphere, Moscow’s bold experimentation, or Los Angeles's dynamic vibrancy, one can find beauty and artistry in every single performance! And don’t forget, darling, each month presents its own breathtaking world of ballet! Be sure to make your calendar and prepare yourself to be swept away. Let the dance be your refuge and your source of joy in this always unpredictable world.
**An Evening with the Dance World’s Elite: Gala Performances at The Metropolitan Opera House, New York City.** Darling, I couldn't resist sneaking away to New York City to attend the Metropolitan Opera House's exquisite gala! The city that never sleeps is simply the very essence of glamour. And, it's the most beautiful, exhilarating and inspiring venue, full of vibrant energy! This month's program, the very cream of the ballet world, included:
* A captivating performance by the legendary Mikhail Baryshnikov! A living legend who’s inspired generations of dancers! He still radiates with that inimitable star power. His presence is just electric on stage, a pure joy! This evening found him performing a mesmerizing pas de deux, with his own signature grace, power, and breathtaking elegance.
* And speaking of star power – the one and only Misty Copeland who continues to dazzle. Copeland brought her remarkable artistry to the gala performance, captivating the audience. A rising star! The first African-American principal dancer in the history of the American Ballet Theatre!
* It is so exciting to see a performance that has both power and refinement. And speaking of power… a show stopping performance from the brilliant Sergei Polunin. Polunin is the epitome of raw talent – just simply electrifying to watch.
You could see how these amazing dancers inspire and motivate one another, and the shared passion in their eyes. It’s all so beautifully thrilling. There’s a wonderful synergy, almost a sense of camaraderie and an unspoken communication between all of them on stage! The atmosphere is one of total joy, which is really a testament to their love for dance.
Onward to New Dance Horizons My dears, I bid you adieu for now! However, rest assured my dance journal is bursting with new tales, discoveries, and discoveries ready to be revealed next month! This wonderful world of ballet will be sure to offer you new inspiration with every turn, every twirl, every leap! Enjoy the journey!