September, Darling! The Dance Scene Heats Up
Our divine correspondent reports from the glamorous world of ballet.
Oh darling, how fabulous is it to be back on the dance floor? September is absolutely bursting with dazzling performances that had me flitting from city to city faster than a sugar plum fairy. From the cobbled streets of Prague to the glittering shores of California, ballet's allure never fails to enchant. Let's dive right into the haute couture of dance, shall we?Prague's Opulent Enigma: A Night With the National Ballet
The National Theatre in Prague was positively overflowing with glamour. I felt positively ravishing in my bespoke gown, sipping champagne under the blush of a chandelier, as the Prague National Ballet spun its own exquisite version of "Giselle." Darling, let me tell you, it was nothing short of transcendent.
- I was simply captivated by the storyās drama. This production showcased "Giselle's" heartbreaking tragedy in a whole new light. It felt as if the sorrow of Giselleās betrayed heart literally seeped through the very walls of the theatre. The choreography, it was nothing short of magical, showcasing the exquisite skill of the Czech dancers with such grace and artistry.
- As the lead ballerina danced with an intensity that resonated with the deepest emotions, I felt a little flutter in my own chest. My darling, it's always such a pleasure to be reminded of the universality of love, loss, and forgiveness that ballet so gracefully explores. The hauntingly beautiful music brought it all to life. I could have watched for hours more.
- I absolutely must add that the costume designer deserves a standing ovation. They took classic styles and gave them an intoxicating contemporary spin, so exquisite!
Los Angeles Dreams: American Ballet Theatreās "Sleeping Beauty"
I whisked off to Los Angeles in my private jet ā canāt resist the sunshine, darling! - to witness American Ballet Theatreās rendition of "Sleeping Beauty." They took my breath away!
- The sheer spectacle of the production is absolutely phenomenal! They really took advantage of the enormous stage in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The glittering costumes and the vibrant sets gave the stage such grandeur. Darling, imagine rows and rows of pastel-coloured tutus flitting through the air and all you can hear is the gentle tinkling of wind chimes. Simply sublime!
- I felt my own heartbeat quicken during the Waltz of the Roses! The ensemble danced with such synchronized grace; you could feel the warmth radiating from them onto the audience. Truly captivating.
- The "Sleeping Beauty" storyline itself never ceases to charm. Itās a tale so steeped in magic and a fantastical escape for all of us who wish for love, happiness and a good dose of enchantment. This production captured those elements perfectly. I had to catch my breath, my dear, and dab my eyes, at the conclusion ā so beautifully evocative, even for a hardened ballet critic like me!
The Avant Garde: Paris and "The Rite of Spring"
A quick hop across the pond to Paris, the fashion capital of the world, to soak in the very latest dance trends, darling! Of course, there was no place to be but the OpƩra Garnier for the latest interpretation of "The Rite of Spring," which had me positively on the edge of my seat!
- Oh my, darling, if I thought Iād seen every ballet production under the sun, I was absolutely mistaken. "The Rite of Spring" by the Paris Opera Ballet was daring, groundbreaking, and everything you could possibly desire in a ballet performance. My darling, there was such raw passion in their choreography and movement, almost primal. They managed to take a classic, an absolute timeless masterpiece, and make it wholly contemporary and provocative.
- It wasn't simply dancing, it felt like an invocation of the very essence of life and primal energies. It had me swaying with a thrilling frisson, almost vibrating. I have never witnessed such daring use of space and form in a ballet production, and I've seen a thing or two in my time, you know. Itās absolutely worthy of a grand, historic venue like the Garnier. The entire experience left me breathless and wanting more.
- The modern interpretation, dear, was so wonderfully daring, a far cry from the classical āThe Rite of Springā with the delicate steps and light pointe work that are so dear to my heart. And, darling, let me tell you, itās made me realize that ballet is never really, ever, just static. Itās always reinventing itself. I adore a good shake-up from time to time. The dancers were simply incredible. They truly are masters of their craft. The emotional intensity they displayed was mesmerising, leaving an unforgettable impact on the audience.
Beyond the Stage: Dance Delights on the Small Screen
As much as I love the stage, my dear, sometimes the television offers up a dance treat too beautiful to ignore. And this month it did not disappoint.- Oh darling, did you catch "The Royal Ballet's 'Romeo and Juliet" on the BBC?" I just couldnāt resist watching again the sheer mastery and power of ballet. Iāve watched "Romeo and Juliet" many times, but this adaptation felt so incredibly fresh and visceral, with beautifully heart-wrenching scenes and dance sequences. The depth of emotion in this performance truly gripped me. My heart just ached, oh darling. I simply had to pull out my tissues at the end. It was heartbreaking!
- Thereās a wonderful series on HBO Max, "Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker." The docuseries captures the journey of these young dancers learning and performing a rendition of the beloved Nutcracker, with an incredible cast featuring Misty Copeland, Debbie Allen, and other amazing dance luminaries. My heart simply melted. This was all about the human stories and it was the absolute epitome of the magic that makes the world of dance so enthralling. I could feel the camaraderie and the sheer passion for dancing in these young lives. It really did make my own dancer heart sing. It is such a beautiful, intimate, heartwarming production, truly captivating.
Style Notes: Fall Into the Rhythm of Chic
Autumn, darling, is always a joyous time, particularly with fashion. Weāre ditching the light and airy summer looks and swapping them for sleek black fabrics and dramatic embellishments.
- I love wearing black when I dance. Black is a powerful statement, you know, sleek and sophisticated. And it gives you an exquisite stage presence. Iām just so glad that ballerina looks are back. Think a streamlined jumpsuit, an exquisitely tailored leotard in that gorgeous deep burgundy, and an impeccably elegant tulle skirt. Oh, my dear, donāt even get me started on a simple black sweater dress ā utterly timeless!
- I always add a few of the hottest jewelry trends for an extra dash of flair. Oh, I'm completely besotted with the the gold hoops, or those minimalist gold necklaces for an elegant finishing touch. These look so utterly beautiful on a black leotard, they complement my ballet silhouette perfectly.
- Darling, one thing you just cannot ignore is the absolutely crucial ballet shoe! The pointe shoe. Always elegant. And darling, don't be afraid to experiment with colors. Red, plum, dark teal? I am absolutely enamored with bold, striking hues to contrast with my beautiful ballet leotard.
A September Filled with Grace and Enchantment
As we step into autumn, letās remember the magic of the ballet, the endless grace of every ballerina. The dedication and skill simply mesmerizes us. We dance through life, like graceful swans in our world of elegant beauty and heartfelt artistry.As I settle down for the night, darling, I'm thinking about my own next performance in Vienna, but also about you, my dear readers, as you embark upon this month. Keep your hearts open to the enchantment and passion of ballet, let it ignite a fire in your soul.
Yours with exquisite grace,
Natalia