Around the World with Chloe - July 1998
"The world is my stage, and darlings, I'm a total diva!"
Bonjour, mes amies! It's been an exciting month jet-setting around the world, indulging in the exquisite performances of ballet. As you know, my darling readers, the summer is prime time for all things artistic, and this year was no exception. From the vibrant streets of Paris to the cool elegance of New York, I’ve experienced breathtaking ballet masterpieces that left me wanting more, much more.
Paris: The City of Light… and Ballet!
Oh, Paris! The mere mention of the name conjures up images of cobbled streets, charming cafes, and of course, the ultimate indulgence of haute couture. This time, I found myself captivated by the sheer brilliance of the Paris Opera Ballet, a ballet company renowned for its flawless technique and the elegance of its dancers. They simply oozed Parisian charm, and trust me, darling, when I say they didn't disappoint.
- "La Bayadère." An absolute must-see, darlings. This production brought the legendary Grand Pas de Deux back to life in a mesmerizing display of technical brilliance. I gasped when they flew through the air; they're practically angels in human form, wouldn't you say? The costumes, my dears, divine! Exquisite embroidery, decadent velvet, and just the right touch of opulent sparkle. Absolutely breathtaking.
- "Giselle." Another highlight for me. This exquisite, heartbreaking classic touched my heart so deeply, my darling, I was simply reduced to tears. It is a testament to the enduring power of ballet to capture the essence of love, loss, and betrayal. The performance by Sylvie Guillem, in the title role, was spellbinding. I simply had to meet her afterward to gush about how divine she is. So ethereal and, well, a true dance icon.
New York, New York, You're a City of Dreams!
I flew across the Atlantic and, after a quick trip to Bergdorf Goodman's for a new Chanel handbag, I was ready for the city that never sleeps. This month, the New York City Ballet was all the rage with two unforgettable performances.
- "The Sleeping Beauty." This timeless classic, darlings, was pure perfection! Each pirouette, each jeté was simply dazzling, executed with such power and precision, my heart was pounding, I was completely spellbound. The choreography was exquisite. There are certain classics, my darling, you just can't beat, and this performance was the perfect embodiment of everything we love about ballet - pure elegance and beauty! And the costumes? Like stepping out of a fairytale - silk, feathers, and exquisite detailing. The detail on that prince's costume was quite exquisite, quite divine indeed. The craftsmanship was a master class.
- "A Midsummer Night’s Dream." A whimsical performance infused with enchanting fairies, mischief-making elves, and a little bit of romance thrown in. What's not to love about a ballet set in a moonlit forest with such vibrant characters, and the energy, darlings, it was so electric. I was so inspired, my heart just skipped a beat, I was in heaven.
London Calling… The Royal Ballet is My Calling Card
London, oh London! My heart belongs here. This is where the elegance of the British tradition meets the pulse of the contemporary dance world, an intoxicating blend of classic and cutting edge. A whirlwind trip, my darling, as always.
- "Swan Lake." This ballet was a stunning triumph. The dual roles of Odette/Odile performed by Darcey Bussell were exquisite. The elegance and fluidity were incredible. My dear, the story of the beautiful swan princess was just as enthralling as ever. I think I must have watched the transformation from a swan to a woman at least 20 times - utterly spellbinding, darling.
- "The Rite of Spring." This modern masterpiece transported me to a primitive and primal world, a celebration of the earth. The choreography is fierce, passionate and strikingly different from the elegance of classic ballet. And the costumes! Minimalistic and beautifully raw - these were dancers I simply couldn’t take my eyes off. Such an energy, such athleticism and daring movements. My dears, I couldn’t get enough.
Hong Kong: An East-meets-West Ballet Experience!
My jet lag was nearly gone by the time I arrived in the vibrant city of Hong Kong, where I indulged in a fascinating combination of eastern and western ballet influences. It is truly a remarkable city and I think its unique blend of traditions lends itself well to dance, darling. And oh my, darling, Hong Kong really surprised me with its captivating ballets.
- "The Dream of the Red Chamber." A masterpiece by Hong Kong Ballet. It combined stunning traditional Chinese choreography with exquisite Western ballet elements and traditional Chinese opera techniques, giving me chills of sheer brilliance. The costumes, the colors, oh darling, the intricate details - I've never seen anything like it, and that, my darling, was only one of the incredible things that blew my mind during this production. The blend of tradition and artistry created a totally unforgettable experience for me.
- "Chopiniana." A simply stunning performance of a classical ballet by Mikhail Fokine. I simply had to indulge my senses in this breathtaking combination of elegant, flowing lines and intricate choreography set to the ethereal music of Frédéric Chopin, absolutely exquisite and romantic.
Dancing with Stars
While my month has been devoted to classical ballet, I can't finish without mentioning the new generation of stars gracing the stage. You simply must take note of these new dancers - these are the artists that I am excited to see in years to come!
Misty Copeland, this girl is just pure talent. My dears, you will simply be captivated by her technical abilities. She's not only talented, she's a force of nature! Such strength, such artistry - this is what ballet is all about!
Diana Vishneva, my dears, I think it's fair to say this is a star on the rise. She is such a brilliant dancer, completely effortless. Watch for this lovely and extremely gifted dancer in the years to come.
And let's not forget Roberto Bolle! I'm a complete fangirl! I just can't get enough of the elegance of his technique - his physique is simply perfect for ballet! The man moves like he's floating on air, he's truly remarkable and utterly magnetic!
My Fashion Favourites
It simply would be amiss, darling, if I didn't talk about fashion. Now, while being on the go has meant little time to relax, one thing that has been non-stop is fashion! Every event has meant a perfect gown for the occasion, a chic and understated, and always beautiful! I live for that!
Here are a few favourites from my travels, darling:
- **Channel Couture** - The Parisian collection this summer was simply sublime - a masterpiece of classic elegance and an utterly luxurious touch! My dear, you must visit the rue Cambon and take a look for yourself!
- **Ralph Lauren's New York Collection**. As elegant as it gets darling, perfect for every ballet season, in this collection you will find effortless glamour with impeccable tailoring - that Ralph Lauren touch that simply sets the standard for classy chic.
- **The Vivienne Westwood London Collections**. So very English, my dears, if you're seeking edgy and experimental looks that will make you the talk of the dance world, this is your go-to brand. The creativity and whimsy simply amaze me! It is an absolutely decadent delight for your sartorial needs.
That's all for now, darlings! As for me, I'll be dancing the night away until next month. Take care, stay chic, and remember to appreciate the magic of dance!
Chloe