AI Ballet Review 374

## A June Dream in Dance: Parisian Passion, London's Lush Embrace & New York's Whimsical Edge Darling, June is the month that stirs the soul, much like a graceful pirouette, leaving a beautiful trail of glitter and emotions in its wake. As a seasoned dancer myself, I adore this time of year for its burst of creativity, and this month, dear reader, the world of dance is awash with a beautiful chaos that sets the heart ablaze! • **Paris, oh Paris!** You are truly a city that knows how to hold a secret, and the exquisite, heart-stopping grandeur of the Opéra Garnier was the perfect backdrop for the latest, dazzling production of "Giselle." Oh, the tulle! The romance! The utter agony and ecstasy in a dance that brought the very essence of yearning and forgiveness to life. Sylvie Guillem, oh darling, you truly took my breath away with your performance as Giselle. You captured both the innocence and despair of a love scorned, moving effortlessly through the haunting choreography, your every step imbued with emotion. And the sheer force of the Corps de Ballet – they were a stunning whirlwind, a perfect symphony of movements. • London, my dear London, always so cool and stylish. The Royal Opera House is brimming with creativity and innovation this June. We were captivated by Matthew Bourne's reimagining of "The Sleeping Beauty" – the setting? A grand 1950s sanatorium, the characters, shrouded in vintage glamour. Bourne, you magnificent man, you managed to take this classic tale and infuse it with dark, yet surprisingly humorous twists, turning a timeless fairy tale into a stunningly original critique of societal expectations. • Oh darling, how we adore seeing "Swan Lake" again and again – it is such a beautiful, emotive piece. However, it's been years since we've been so thrilled by the new production at Sadler's Wells! "Swan Lake" featuring a cast of only male dancers is a remarkably provocative take on the story. It's bold, bold, bold and surprisingly elegant – the male dancers showcasing not only powerful, athleticism, but also surprising, expressive femininity in their choreography. This company has made the ultimate statement: a truly mesmerising performance where every detail is as stunning as a perfectly-placed diamond on my décolletage. • And now, darling, let’s travel across the pond! I confess, I find a certain edge in New York that invigorates. American Ballet Theatre's revival of "The Four Seasons" at the Metropolitan Opera House was a truly thrilling event. You must know darling, I am rather a devotee to the choreography of Jerome Robbins and he has woven such vibrant life into this timeless classical story, all while staying true to the essence of the original masterpiece by Vivaldi. • Oh! The beauty! The stunning imagery, the vibrant energy that permeates each and every movement in this new interpretation, truly blew my mind. The entire cast was superb, but Nina Ananiashvili was exquisite – truly captivating as Spring, a graceful ballerina whose every move is pure grace, radiating a sweet, yet powerful presence. And what can we say about the gorgeous, silken costumes, dear reader, oh they are so, so wonderful, perfectly encapsulating the beauty of this vibrant reimagined tale. • Darling, this month, I was thrilled to discover an extraordinary modern piece that stole my heart – the world premiere of "The Unfolding" by a new choreographer called Annabelle Dubois at New York's Joyce Theater. Dubois's stunning exploration of female identity through dance is truly riveting – a powerful, evocative performance that stays with you long after the final bow. Annabelle Dubois, a fresh and fierce talent that is definitely worth watching – oh she’s going to make quite a stir in the dance world! • But it’s not only about grand ballets and cutting-edge premieres! Darling, it’s been an exciting month for smaller, independent companies. Witnessing the raw talent and pure, infectious passion at the off-off-Broadway Dance Project was truly captivating. And dear reader, this young, rising star, Max Thorne – watch this name, he's got everything you need in a male dancer. Pure fire, fierce energy, and such breathtakingly controlled precision – he stole the show! • Of course, the dance scene isn't just about big productions. Every month brings with it a new set of beautiful happenings – like the National Dance Day at London's Millennium Bridge – darling, there’s simply no finer way to express pure joy! It was truly moving to watch countless dancers, young and old, all come together, sharing their passion and joy with each other, a breathtaking spectacle of unity and pure artistic spirit. • Now, while we can't go everywhere all the time – although I do have the most fabulous personal jet! – let’s talk about all the extraordinary dance documentaries that are available. For my favorite film darling, it’s got to be “Ballets Russes”, which features a breathtaking journey into the glamorous and anarchic world of the Ballets Russes company. It perfectly encapsulates the early 20th century's most captivating art scene. • As this month draws to a close, the summer breeze is whispering promises of grand performances at ballets in Verona, Venice, Florence, and Rome. I am ready darling – so break out those shimmering summer dresses, darling, we’re about to go on the ultimate adventure! It is, without question, the perfect season for falling in love with the beauty of the world, and for getting lost in the beauty of movement. And my darlings, don't forget the glitter!