AI Ballet Review 367

Darling, the season's begun and the air crackles with excitement! London, Paris, New York... it's a whirlwind of tutus, tiaras, and sheer, glorious artistry. So slip on your most fabulous Louboutins, pour yourself a Kir Royale (shaken, not stirred!), and let's dive into the world of dance, shall we?

Well, my dears, the Royal Ballet are in top form this autumn. The *Sleeping Beauty* at Covent Garden, oh darling, simply divine! The corps de ballet, just breathtaking – the precision, the poise... you wouldn't believe the hours they put in, my dears! And of course, our darling Margot Fonteyn is simply ethereal as Aurora, every movement a whisper of magic. And those costumes, darling! Glimmering, shimmering, a feast for the eyes.

Then there's *The Nutcracker*, the festive ballet we all adore, full of charming puppets, adorable mice and an enchanted Christmas tree. The sets were spectacular - so elaborate and grand. You just have to imagine yourself twirling with the Sugar Plum Fairy, don't you? And the music... well, that just sends shivers down your spine. Pure Tchaikovsky magic, darling!

Now, Paris. Chic, oh so chic! The Paris Opera Ballet are always a delight, and this season is no exception. They're currently performing the divine *La Bayadere*, with a magnificent backdrop, shimmering costumes, and the most beautiful, ethereal Indian inspired dances. The corps, darling, the corps - a sight to behold!

But you know what they say, "Don't wear white after Labor Day?" Well, apparently *Swan Lake* doesn't get the memo, because this show is pure, glorious white! And speaking of white, the dancers were magnificent in their feathery white costumes - swan like and elegant. This production at the Palais Garnier, darling, was pure magic!

Speaking of magic, New York City Ballet always pulls out all the stops, and their new production of *Giselle*, oh my goodness, darling, it is breathtaking. The lead ballerina was magnificent, and her dancing so expressive - her heartache and heartbreak practically radiated into the audience. And those swirling costumes, my dear, were just the most glorious shade of blue imaginable.

But don't think for a minute that ballet is all tradition, darling. Across the globe, exciting contemporary choreographers are pushing boundaries and reinventing the art form. I was so lucky to catch a performance by the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, a real gem! The modern and experimental moves, the abstract set designs, the dynamic use of light and sound - it was all truly exhilarating! A very modern take on ballet for the twenty-first century. The performance itself, was so much more than dance - a theatrical and visually inspiring piece of art. If you have the opportunity, my dears, don't miss out on this unique experience. You won't be disappointed, I promise.

There’s more to the arts scene than just ballet, my darlings! I made a dash to London’s West End, to catch a revival of “Guys and Dolls" – a delightful throwback to 1950's New York, complete with a tap-dancing, high-kicking ensemble and the most hilarious song and dance routines! Such exuberance! The audience loved every minute! And don’t get me started on the musicality – divine. Oh, to be part of the ensemble, wouldn't that be lovely?

I also took in the new production of “Chicago”, so incredibly daring. The show had such energy, a sassy and clever story and wonderful show-stopping musical numbers. The costumes - wow - the flapper-inspired dresses, feathers and sequins. Just stunning. And let's not forget the talented, strong female cast! They gave a modern twist to this iconic musical and their vocal abilities were simply electrifying.

And then there were the operas, my dear - just wonderful, absolutely wonderful. You’ve got to see the new staging of “Rigoletto,” and oh, the passion! And the voices, just beautiful! If you get the opportunity to see it, do make the time.

So many shows, so little time. But you know what? That's the beauty of the arts scene. It's ever evolving, a kaleidoscope of creativity that's always thrilling and refreshing. So grab your ticket and enjoy the show, darlings!