Darling, December! Can you believe it? The air is crisp, the scent of pine needles hangs in the air, and I’ve just gotten back from a whirlwind trip to Paris, where the magic of ballet, as always, left me absolutely spellbound.
Let me tell you, darlings, Paris is simply *the* city for a ballerina. The cafes, the chic boutiques, the endless streets paved in cobblestone… and the ballets! This month, I had the absolute pleasure of witnessing a spectacular production of Giselle at the Palais Garnier. Oh, the costumes, the romance, the heart-wrenching tragedy of it all! It left me in tears, darlings. And who better to embody the role of Giselle than the incomparable Sylvie Guillem? She danced with such grace and passion, her every movement telling a story, her every gesture pulling you into her world. Simply divine!
But my journey through the world of dance didn't end in Paris. From the charming cafes of Montmartre, I found myself swept away to the vibrant city of London. There, I caught the most exquisite performance of "The Sleeping Beauty" at the Royal Opera House. The sets were opulent, the costumes were divine, and the choreography was so…so…*classic*. I particularly enjoyed the spirited performance of Darcey Bussell as Princess Aurora. She is truly an enchantress on stage, bringing grace and warmth to every step. Oh, how I adore the classic ballets.
On the subject of classicism, I simply had to make a pilgrimage to the legendary Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. Imagine, darling, the history, the grandeur! I saw the most beautiful "Swan Lake" there, a performance that truly surpassed even my wildest dreams. The precision, the artistry, the sheer physical power of the dancers – it was all just so breathtakingly perfect. The Bolshoi really do make those grand, sweeping moves look so effortless, like their bodies are truly gliding on air.
Speaking of power, darling, New York City is positively humming with energy! And with that energy comes a very modern, vibrant and raw expression in ballet. My favourite piece this month was "The Rite of Spring" by the New York City Ballet. Now, this piece is decidedly *not* for the faint of heart, darling. The raw energy, the chaotic choreography, it's almost tribal in its intensity. I have to admit, though, it’s simply electrifying! It is certainly the epitome of the cutting edge, of breaking boundaries, of pushing the limits. I’m truly inspired by their boldness. But enough of the avant garde – it is the festive season, so one must find a balance!
So, for a touch of holiday magic, let me share some of the absolutely dazzling performances I’ve seen this month, fit for any discerning Christmas aficionado:
Here's a bit of festive ballet magic:- The Nutcracker at the Boston Ballet, dear, is an absolute must-see. It’s all the quintessential Christmas cheer - the enchanting costumes, the twinkling lights, the sweet story – the sheer perfection of it all leaves you wanting more! The snow scene alone is worth the trip! But it’s really the little dancers that make it, with their sweet grace and innocent faces, they take you right back to childhood. Just picture it, darling – the innocent sweetness of Clara and her enchanting journey to the Land of Sweets, a scene bathed in sugary delights… absolutely divine!
- Now, the Nutcracker at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg? That’s a whole other experience. Think imperial splendor, gold, and a stage dripping in history, oh my! The dancers of the Mariinsky are renowned for their absolute technique and technical skill, it’s positively hypnotic watching their every move. And don't even get me started on the Russian candy! It's like stepping into a sugar plum dream come to life.
- But if you want to truly feel the magic of the holidays, dear, the ballet that captured my heart is the exquisite production of “A Christmas Carol” by the English National Ballet. With breathtaking set design and a heartbreaking score, it truly brought this heartwarming tale to life in a unique and unforgettable way.
I love the holiday season, darling, it's the perfect time to appreciate the timeless beauty of ballet. The shimmering lights, the sweet melodies, the grand gestures - it all evokes a sense of magic and wonder. You’ll agree, darling, there is no better time for some heartwarming stories, dancing snowflakes, and even a little sprinkle of magic! And a Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a *truly* magnificent outfit, would it now?
Speaking of outfits, darlings, the perfect holiday look for the discerning ballerina (or dance lover!) calls for a touch of classic elegance with a dash of festive flair. I’m currently obsessed with velvet, darling! It has such a rich, dramatic quality, perfect for the holiday season. Imagine a midnight blue velvet dress, fitted to your figure, a tiny, elegant waist, a hint of red, a velvet choker - pure class. But a simple slip dress with a glittering brooch also brings that understated chic that so many ballet dancers pull off so effortlessly. And of course, a pair of chic stilettos or ballet flats will finish off any ensemble beautifully.
As the year draws to a close, dear, remember to cherish these moments of exquisite beauty and artistry. Because for every ballerina, whether they grace a grand stage or find their dance in everyday life, every moment is a chance to find a bit of magic and to express themselves through movement, artistry and simply - pure, unbridled joy!
And, oh darlings, as we raise a toast to the end of 1999, let us also remember to embrace the boundless possibilities that the new year brings. A year for new steps, for new performances, for new triumphs, and, perhaps most importantly, for new ways to express the art of ballet – our art - on the world!
Happy holidays, darlings!
Your most glamorous ballerina.