The World of Dance: April 2000
Darling, it's been a simply *divine* month for ballet, haven't you just felt it in the air? As I flit between rehearsals for the new season, there's a distinct whiff of tulle and the most divine, exciting *frisson* - that telltale feeling you get when something utterly spectacular is about to take flight. And take flight it has, haven't we had the most fabulous performances across the globe, from the intimate studios of New York to the grandest opera houses of Paris?
Firstly, let's *swoon* over the darling, the sublime, **American Ballet Theatre** at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York! Now, this is an occasion, dears, that needs a *magnifique* cocktail to really savour. A complete run-through of *Giselle*, with a magnificent display of both grace and power from the dancers. I'm just a *tad* envious of that gorgeous, emerald-green tutu worn by the *sooo* lovely Misty Copeland in the final act - a vision of tragic grace, you simply *cannot* take your eyes off her, the dear darling! Of course, her Prince, the gorgeous, perfectly-built David Hallberg, brings a dashing masculinity to the role, his leaps and landings making hearts *flutter*. Simply perfection! It's almost worth flying over the Atlantic just to see them, don't you think?
Speaking of breathtaking spectacles, darlings, a trip to the **Paris Opera Ballet** at the Palais Garnier was an utter *delectation*! It was a veritable assault on the senses, darling - that opulent, decadent setting alone is worth the journey, and let's not even *think* about the divine choreography! Oh my goodness, I had to wipe away a tear, such poignant storytelling, I was simply *moved*. Their *La Bayadère* was positively electrifying, such passion! Especially those breathtaking *pas de deux* moments - I simply cannot rave enough about the divine couple, Laetitia Pujol and Nicolas Le Riche, they embody elegance, strength and the most breathtaking, romantic chemistry. Their flawless execution and *en pointe* poise made my *petits points* simply *sparkle*!
I also must share a particularly enchanting evening with the **English National Ballet**, their stunning performance of *Swan Lake* had my head spinning! The stunning artistry and drama were utterly captivating. In particular, that chilling, icy portrayal of the Black Swan, executed to such heartbreaking, *intense* perfection by the sensational Daria Klimentova. What a stunning transformation from her sweet, fragile White Swan! She made every feathered flick and sinuous movement a breathtaking highlight of the evening! Such artistry, you see, can simply not be described, darlings - it must be experienced! Don't you *adore* a good goose-bump inducing *performance*?
While we're in London, let's raise a *toast* to the **Royal Ballet**, our dear *beloveds*, whose recent showing of **Christopher Wheeldon**'s **"The Winter's Tale"** was *simply* unforgettable. Such wit, elegance, and beautifully poetic moments woven into the heart of Shakespearean storytelling! My absolute *fête*, darling, was the stunning and utterly bewitching portrayal of Hermione by the beautiful, ethereal Alina Cojocaru, her exquisite grace truly embodies the soul of Shakespeare's tale, and her powerful emotion resonated throughout the theater. Wheeldon, as usual, presents such *daring* innovation and beauty - that iconic final scene was a moment of pure artistry and theatrical brilliance, *divine*, darling!
Let's skip across to the shimmering shores of **New York City Ballet** and revel in the magic of their latest, *"Tchaikovsky's Passion." ** This *divine* collaboration with the **Juilliard School Orchestra** was utterly spellbinding, a veritable musical journey with a distinctly modern and sensual twist. The daringly theatrical costumes and lighting designed by **James Ingalls**, gave this production a truly striking aesthetic. **Balanchine's* iconic *"Serenade"* provided a delicious blend of **"A Choreographer's Holiday"* - simply a sublime homage to *classic* ballet, beautifully executed with a youthful, vibrant energy. I found myself captivated by the youthful dynamism of **Jo-Ellen Mills** who moved with such fluidity and captivatingly, she was a delight!
Then, darlings, my journey to **Germany**, a breathtakingly intimate affair - I visited the **Stuttgart Ballet** for a stunning interpretation of **"Onegin"**. This iconic production with its starkly emotive ballet had my *inner drama queen* gasping. The exquisite artistry of the dancers was particularly poignant. My, that captivating romance was *sooooo* *touching* and perfectly embodied by **Adina Camilli** who truly captured the heart of **Tatyana's** longing and the raw desperation she experiences. The power, darling, of this production lies within its incredible emotional depth.
And last but certainly not *least*, I must share my delight with the breathtaking performances at the **Hamburg Ballet** - such daring, *avant-garde* and innovative work, darling. It’s truly exhilarating. Their interpretation of *"Le Sacre du Printemps"* had the audience rapt with the dancers performing as a veritable army of *mythological* beings, all fueled by that visceral energy which the piece evokes. Oh, such **modern**, passionate brilliance, it leaves you wanting to shout *"Bravo!"* The choreography and movements were absolutely astounding. *Just imagine*, darlings, such **fierce**, rhythmic movements with powerful musical accompaniment and an energy that was positively *electrifying* - it truly pushed the boundaries of classical ballet to its ultimate heights, *truly*!
Oh, darling, such *fetes* - my ballet *diary* overflows with these captivating performances! As I pen these words, a vision of swirling skirts and those magnificent, graceful leaps lingers. There's just nothing more beautiful than the raw energy, beauty, and dedication these divine *ballerinas* exhibit - such raw artistry and captivating grace - they truly enchant my soul!
However, the ballet world, just like fashion, darlings, *thrives* on change and evolution. As the stage lights fade, my anticipation builds, just thinking of the **new and divine** offerings that *Spring* will unveil. With a simple *flip* of the calendar, the excitement of **summer season* beckons with its unique allure, and a whisper of *delectable* costumes! Perhaps I will unveil something new then? Just imagine! The divine delights of ballet will soon have us enthralled once again!