AI Ballet Review 381

Darling, Happy New Year! Can you believe it's 2000 already? Time just flies, doesn't it? It feels like only yesterday we were all in tutus, mesmerising audiences with our ethereal leaps and delicate footwork. But enough about the past, let's talk about the future, shall we? This year promises to be a glittering whirlwind of ballet, dance, and art! From the exquisite Bolshoi to the edgy creations of Merce Cunningham, this season promises to tantalise and inspire.

Darling, how fabulous is it to see the Bolshoi back on form? After a whirlwind of controversy and renovations, they have returned to their rightful place at the forefront of international ballet. Their recent revival of Giselle has been utterly sublime, showcasing both the technical mastery and the soul of the dancers. The ethereal fragility of Olga Smirnova's Giselle contrasted beautifully with the steely strength of her Albrecht, Denis Rodkin. The ensemble, as always, were simply exquisite. Each dancer possessed a fire in their eyes and a lightness on their feet that left the audience spellbound.

Across the Channel, the Royal Ballet is, as always, maintaining its reputation for impeccable standards. The annual Nutcracker has been a spectacular triumph, a truly immersive and magical experience. Darcey Bussell was as delightful as ever, embodying the warmth and joy of the Sugar Plum Fairy. However, let's not forget the brilliance of the young talents - their enthusiasm and passion made every pirouette and arabesque an absolute joy to watch. It's truly exhilarating to see new stars rising in the dance world! But even the most established institutions like the Royal Ballet understand the importance of keeping things fresh. They have just announced an exciting new collaboration with avant-garde choreographer, Wayne McGregor. It's guaranteed to cause a stir, but isn't that what keeps ballet alive? Pushing boundaries and constantly challenging expectations? I can't wait to see the results!

New York City Ballet - Modern Dance With a Twist Across the Atlantic, New York City Ballet has been embracing the new century with a flurry of new work, with particular emphasis on emerging contemporary choreographers. It's delightful to see the likes of Justin Peck and Christopher Wheeldon - oh how I adore him - pushing the boundaries of ballet while still retaining the elegance and fluidity we all know and love. It's quite fascinating how these artists find inspiration in pop culture, from contemporary art installations to vintage fashion!

The American Ballet Theatre - A Powerhouse of Performance Meanwhile, the American Ballet Theatre, with its iconic powerhouse presence, never disappoints. Their current season has been particularly captivating with several repertory classics being staged with a newfound vitality and intensity. The opening night was a resounding success with 'Swan Lake', with Misty Copeland giving a truly electrifying performance. But I was also mesmerised by the masterful choreography of Alexei Ratmansky - his 'Concerto DSCH' has brought a thrilling, modern edge to this esteemed company. It's simply an unparalleled display of talent.

A Word on Choreographers Darling, there are just so many fantastic choreographers out there! Wayne McGregor continues to push the boundaries, always offering innovative works with an undeniably strong physicality and often quite theatrical style. While Christopher Wheeldon’s works possess such lyrical grace and beauty, with his attention to detail, the movements feel absolutely effortless. But it's the emerging talents that have really captured my attention lately - let’s give a standing ovation to the likes of Pontus Lidberg and the captivatingly eccentric, Alexander Ekman - they are keeping things interesting with their cutting-edge, often provocative interpretations.

From Paris to Beijing Now darling, ballet isn’t just limited to Europe and North America. Across the globe, new and vibrant talent is taking the stage by storm! I have been utterly mesmerised by the sheer athleticism and breathtaking technique of the Shanghai Ballet – a new generation of Chinese dancers is leaving a lasting impression with their dazzling precision and captivating artistry. In Paris, we have the exquisite Parisian Opera Ballet – the company is an exquisite showcase for dancers and has really brought a captivating blend of the classic and the modern to their programming.

While ballet has certainly come a long way in the 21st Century. But there are some timeless values, some irreplaceable elements that remain true – the grace, the precision, the utter power of human expression!

And yes, our ballet shoes and tutus may feel a little different this year with a slight move towards a new millennium style. We see a lot more body conscious lines with emphasis on the hips, and more dramatic silhouettes. It’s as though fashion and ballet are becoming completely inseparable - just imagine the couture dreams of Valentino interpreted through the beautiful curves and jumps of a grand pas de deux!

The world of ballet is filled with drama and intrigue - who’s moving up in the ranks? Who’s getting rave reviews and which company is attracting all the most celebrated choreographers? So as we step into this new century, embrace all things ballet - I can’t wait to share my own discoveries with you. And who knows, maybe we’ll even meet at the Royal Opera House, sipping champagne in the chandelier-lit lobby, after a breathtaking performance?