Darling, November! How I do love the crisp autumn air, the rustle of falling leaves, and the promise of cosy evenings spent with a glass of something bubbly and a good ballet performance. The world of dance this month has been utterly captivating, offering a delightful cocktail of styles, stories, and stellar performances.
Firstly, letās talk about the sensation that swept Paris - **āLa Vie en Roseā**. This extraordinary ballet, staged at the Palais Garnier, had the city talking for weeks. Set against a backdrop of post-war Parisian cafes, āLa Vie en Roseā uses movement and music to paint a portrait of life in the French capital, exploring themes of hope, loss, and resilience. It is utterly exquisite. The choreography by young but brilliantly inventive Ćtienne Moreau is beautifully infused with the melancholic beauty of Edith Piaf's music, while the set design, inspired by vintage French posters and the smoky cafes, transports you right back to the city of lights in its most glamorous era. Let's not forget the stunning costumes by legendary couturier Yves Saint Laurent, a collaboration that truly took my breath away! It's rare you find a ballet with such emotional depth and technical brilliance, and every movement resonated deeply with me, darling.
Across the pond, in New York City, **āThe Whispering of the Nightā** was another stunning production that gripped the world. A piece brimming with emotion, the ballet told the tragic story of the moon and a young ballerina's journey towards artistic fulfillment. What captivated me most about āThe Whispering of the Nightā was the fluidity and dynamic strength of the dancing. The principal ballerina, the enchanting Valentina Romano, simply glowed as she traversed the stage, her movement ethereal, her story heart-wrenching. I can't think of a more appropriate role for Romano, and she delivers with impeccable poise. Every pirouette, every grand jetĆ©, was breathtaking, truly a performance to be cherished.
Closer to home, the Royal Opera House has been serving up some fantastic ballets this season. In the midst of their Autumn Festival, the **āSleeping Beautyā** revival was a definite highlight, with the magnificent Alicia Marquez's graceful embodiment of Princess Aurora. Each delicate arabesque and poignant pas de deux held the audience spellbound. It's no surprise that Marquez is the talk of London at the moment, and her artistry only adds to the magnificence of this classic ballet. What truly charmed me was the re-imagined costumes by designer Fiona Anderson, which retained the fairytale spirit of the original while adding a contemporary, and dare I say, more modern flair.
Beyond the classics, we were treated to some exhilarating contemporary dance pieces too. The **āIn the Mirrorā** showcase at the Barbican Centre showcased three new pieces from up-and-coming choreographers. āIn the Mirrorā dared to delve into our human psyche, using unconventional movement and captivating music. I found it both challenging and incredibly stimulating. The final piece, **āReflectionā, by young choreographer Amelia Hart** is sure to leave an unforgettable impression. A truly raw and innovative exploration of self-discovery, using powerful music by Icelandic composer Bjƶrk, Hart takes us on a journey that is both intense and poetic.
Speaking of stimulating, darling, I canāt mention āReflectionā without discussing the spectacular dance extravaganza I witnessed at the Teatro La Fenice in Venice - the world premiere of the breathtaking **āVenezia Notteā.** Imagine ballet amidst Venetian canals at dusk, with dancers illuminated by the soft light of the moon, the echoes of gondolas serenading the audience, the scent of lavender in the air... Now add to this the most enchanting music you've ever heard, composed specifically for the ballet, and you have āVenezia Notteā. The choreography, by the young and talented Luigi Bellini, was inventive and compelling. The scenes were a celebration of Venice's romance and artistic legacy, showcasing the passion and energy of young Venetian dancers. And then thereās the costumes, inspired by traditional Venetian masquerade and the glamorous costumes of the Venetian Opera, crafted with the finest silks and jewels. āVenezia Notteā was not just a performance, darling, it was a sensory feast!
And what is a ballet review without mentioning the fabulous **āAn Evening with Mikhail Baryshnikovā** in Toronto. A real treat for fans, it saw this legendary figure grace the stage, captivating audiences with his elegant, virtuosic dancing and infectious stage presence. Though no longer in his prime, the magic hasn't dimmed. His artistry and charm remain undimmed. Baryshnikov, of course, needs no introduction, and he is a rare kind of talent that defies time, his skill as stunning as ever. Every move felt effortless, his expression, mesmerizing, it was as if he was born for the stage. I dare say the man is an ageless wonder.
Beyond ballets, darling, there were a few other dance-related events that caught my eye this month.
- The launch of the **āBallet Coutureā** exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is a must-see. It celebrates the long and sometimes fascinating history of costumes in ballet. With costumes ranging from classical tulle to the cutting edge avant-garde, this exhibit offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of dance wear. It's as much a history of design as it is a celebration of artistry, a veritable feast for the eyes.
- Back in the UK, we also had the pleasure of welcoming the iconic choreographer, Alvin Ailey, and his talented troupe to the Sadler's Wells for their UK tour. The **Ailey American Dance Theater** is known for its electrifying energy, athleticism, and a unique blend of classical and modern ballet. They never fail to impress, and their rendition of **āRevelationsā**, a ballet infused with Afro-American spirituals, was particularly moving. The emotion, the raw energy of the performance, it resonated with every single fiber of my being. It's pure magic.
November truly has been a thrilling month for the dance world. From traditional ballets to ground-breaking modern pieces, the world's leading companies have pulled out all the stops. So my darlings, grab your best pair of opera gloves and your chicest dancewear, and get out there and immerse yourselves in the extraordinary beauty of dance this month. There's so much out there waiting to enchant you. But darling, before you go, let me tell youā¦ it's simply divine.