Darling, it's a new year, a new millennium, and let me tell you, the world of ballet is simply *bursting* with exquisite talent and, shall we say, *bold* interpretations! As a ballerina who knows a thing or two about the delicate dance between tradition and innovation, let me spill the tea on the most **ravishing** productions gracing the stage this January, 1999.
First stop, **Paris!** The city of lights has been positively dazzling with the return of **Benjamin Millepied** to the Paris Opera Ballet. The man is a whirlwind of elegance and athleticism, and his staging of **Giselle** was simply *divine*. My darlings, he brings a contemporary edge to the classic, with breathtaking jumps and poses that were both graceful and incredibly powerful. Millepied’s Giselle had a raw, almost feral energy, contrasting with the sweetness of **Svetlana Zakharova’s** performance. She embodied the vulnerability of the heartbroken peasant girl, her movements exquisitely ethereal, while somehow conveying a raw emotional depth that left you utterly captivated. It’s worth a plane ticket to Paris, darling, for this spectacle alone.
And speaking of raw talent, **Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre** is hosting a whirlwind of young ballerinas! The Bolshoi’s production of **Swan Lake** this season features a stellar cast. I adored the expressive pas de deux between **Olga Smirnova** as the fragile yet strong Odette, and the powerful yet tender performance of **Vladislav Lantratov** as Prince Siegfried. The sheer power and technical precision of these young talents is phenomenal. Of course, **Swan Lake** is always a treat, with the exquisite costumes and captivating story. However, this year’s rendition felt particularly relevant. The way Odette’s duality was brought to life, the juxtaposition of innocence and sorrow, reflected the complex anxieties of this new millennium perfectly. It's a timeless classic with a surprisingly modern resonance. The Bolshoi never fails to impress, it’s truly the heart of ballet for a reason.
But it’s not just Europe, my love! The ballet world is truly global now. Speaking of global, darling, **New York City Ballet** is ablaze with excitement this January with the premiere of a new piece by **Christopher Wheeldon**, **“The Afterlife.”** This production is simply captivating. The choreography, like the name itself, speaks to a world of dreams and the afterlife, and it was brilliantly danced by the company's leading ladies. **Maria Kowroski** and **Darci Kistler** are just *magnetic* in this piece, both portraying complex emotional journeys within this surreal landscape. I was captivated. Wheeldon, a master of blending classic and modern techniques, delivers a work that is at once deeply personal yet also surprisingly universal. He manages to capture that fleeting beauty, that fragility of life, which makes for such exquisite art. The minimalist set and exquisite costumes added another dimension, giving the dancers more freedom and amplifying their every graceful movement. You simply *have* to see it.
Let’s take a moment to address the elephants in the room. **The Royal Ballet**, bless their little socks, continue to showcase traditional excellence, but their new season kicked off with **“The Sleeping Beauty”,** a very, very traditional affair. The beauty is undeniable, especially the grand finale with the arrival of all the princes. And we can't forget **Natalia Osipova**. Oh, darling, she truly is the ballerina to watch. Her performance as Aurora was just glorious, with exquisite technical brilliance and a captivating portrayal of a young woman caught between worlds, the real and the ethereal. She is a mesmerizing dancer who makes each step, each gesture a masterpiece of storytelling.
But I do find myself yearning for something, dare I say, **new**. Perhaps it's the millennial spirit in the air. Maybe it’s because ballet, in all its beautiful tradition, is in desperate need of a fresh face, a bolder voice. Thankfully, I can find it at **The Royal Danish Ballet’s** “**The Rite of Spring**” by **Alexei Ratmansky** , which was a sheer revelation! It was, of course, completely original, pushing the boundaries of what you consider ‘ballet’ and certainly not for the faint-hearted. The movements, the staging, the music – all of it was provocative, raw, and full of this intense primal energy that was captivating in the extreme. I don’t know if I have ever seen ballet, let alone "The Rite of Spring" done in such a unique, and let’s be honest, downright sexy way. Ratmansky isn’t afraid to challenge expectations and he delivered an intensely powerful work of art. Now this is what I’m talking about, darling. A bit of rebellion, a dose of daring, in this oh so traditional art form, all delivered with a sophisticated sense of artistic integrity. Truly a thrilling piece!
Now let's turn our gaze to the other side of the world. **Tokyo's** **National Ballet of Japan** recently held their annual “**Grand Ballet Gala.**” This was a delightful mix of everything ballet has to offer, from classic favorites like **“La Sylphide**” to newly choreographed works. My personal highlight was a beautiful performance of “**The Little Mermaid**” by **Miyu Suzuki** - pure and graceful, capturing the whimsy and beauty of this beloved fairytale perfectly. And if I’m being totally honest, the **Gala** is about the *people* watching as much as the actual performances. You simply cannot *imagine* the stylish attendees and their flamboyant outfits. It's an absolute fashion feast for the eyes.
Now darling, we cannot forget **The Dance Theater of Harlem**. Oh, how I *adore* these dancers. They have the incredible ability to move between worlds effortlessly. From the precision and passion of classic ballets to the expressive depth of modern works, they manage to make every movement, every performance, captivating. Their January show was a poignant blend of classics and new works by a young, up-and-coming choreographer **Kyle Abraham.** The performances were absolutely *stellar* with a powerful blend of classical beauty and contemporary soul that left me, as they always do, quite *moved*! It's an inspiration to see such passionate dancers.
This month is about more than just ballet, darling, it's a celebration of the entire world of dance. Let’s talk about the wonderful “**Dance for Life**” in **New York** City. It was the *event* of the year, bringing together not only dancers of all ages and styles but celebrities like Madonna! They truly raised a record-breaking amount for AIDS research. Now that's a charity that's both graceful and powerful. And while Madonna is certainly an unconventional dance star, her spirit in supporting the arts truly *resonates* with my inner ballerina. She is an embodiment of that rebellious spirit that so often fuels the world of art and dance. A little *danger* never hurts.
It is, however, important to address a delicate subject. As a true devotee of the art form, I can't help but observe the current state of affairs in the dance world. We have these spectacular shows, amazing choreographers, and a vibrant talent pool. However, I can’t help but feel that there’s a lack of fresh faces in ballet, a lack of **diversity** on stage. Where are the ballet stars of color, darling? I’m eager to see that represented, a diverse, multifaceted ballet that is truly reflective of the world we live in.
And yet, despite the desire for something different, something new, I find myself returning to the core, the heart of what makes me love ballet. The passion, the artistry, and the elegance, even in the most provocative, modern interpretations. Yes, a ballet company will always benefit from a new face, a bold choreographer. But in the end, my darlings, the dance itself is what really matters. The beautiful expression of motion, a form of storytelling where the body speaks volumes. And there's a reason this art form is timeless: it has the power to transcend generations.
As we welcome the new year, a new era, remember to savor the dance in all its forms. And let’s all celebrate these incredibly talented performers pushing boundaries, exploring new landscapes, and continuing the captivating, exhilarating, and at times provocative world of ballet.