The Art of Flight, February 2001
The March Agenda: Ballet & Beyond
Darling, it’s March, the month where everything feels newly sprightly and fresh, much like a newborn cygnet! A new season calls for new excitement, and darling, trust me, the ballet world is just bursting at the seams with thrilling new productions, a fabulous whirlwind of artistic expression and technical brilliance! As I shimmy onto my platform shoes and pack my little Dior handbag (oh, it's the perfect size for my beloved dance journal), let’s dive into the kaleidoscopic world of March’s captivating performances! The Bolshoi’s Swan Song Now, you all know darling, that nothing gets my blood racing faster than a classic ballet performed by a true master! This month, the legendary Bolshoi is breathing life back into Tchaikovsky’s immortal masterpiece, *Swan Lake.* I hear whispers of dazzling technical artistry from a truly incredible roster of ballerinas, each adding her own unique flair to the role of Odette and Odile. Rumour has it that the costumes this year are truly something special! Feather-light and dazzlingly opulent, all done up in shimmering crystal details that simply glow beneath the stage lights. Yes, darling, if you are *anywhere near* Moscow, you mustn’t miss this. And remember my tip: get there early! Not only for the performance, but the glorious spectacle that is a pre-show ballet-goers’ congregation! Those elegant outfits, darling, always have me swooning! Parisian Panache & Whimsical Wonder Now, who *doesn’t* love Paris, especially in the springtime? As the wind whips through the Champs-Élysées, Paris is alight with its signature *je ne sais quoi*. This month, darling, the city will be hosting a ballet double-whammy, a feast for the senses: the breathtaking Paris Opera Ballet in a dazzling interpretation of Stravinsky’s *Rite of Spring,* and then, a new creation by the one and only Maurice Béjart, who truly needs no introduction! Now, darling, we’ve heard it whispered that *Dérive* (oh, such an exquisite name!) is a whimsical spectacle of dance, inspired by a truly unusual source: the Parisian street! Imagine, a contemporary ballet based on urban movements, all against the backdrop of the City of Lights! I can practically smell the *perfume* of creativity in the air! The premiere of *Dérive* will surely become *the* hot ticket for those looking for a touch of modern elegance in a ballet. Oh, it will be a delight! *Très chic,* darling, just like Parisian fashion! Across the Atlantic And speaking of hot tickets! Across the Atlantic, in a little corner of the world known as New York City, the New York City Ballet will be dazzling with a brand new take on Balanchine's beloved *Agon*. This production promises to be all things *modern* with a touch of the neoclassical - sharp, sharp, *sharp*, like a ballerina’s *développé à la seconde.* But that's not all, darlings, they’ll also be bringing us the electrifying **Four Temperaments** alongside the iconic **Serenade.** You simply cannot miss these beauties! And if you are lucky, darling, you might even be able to score some fabulous, original dance pieces by Jerome Robbins – darling, simply unforgettable! If you haven't booked your tickets, grab them right now, you simply mustn’t miss these, darling. The Ballet of The Big Screen For those of us who are just too *tired* to actually physically venture out to a theatre, (I *understand,* darling! sometimes our dear *danseuse* needs a rest!) a little something for the screen! The Royal Ballet, *always* a delight, will be taking us all to their home, the beautiful Royal Opera House, with their screening of **The Winter’s Tale.** I do adore this classic! With the stunning choreography and costumes, set in this beautifully rendered theatrical world, and all the grand Shakespearean drama – well, you know how I adore a little theatricality darling! If you need a bit of elegant escapism at home, do find time for a *cozy evening* with a box of fine chocolates and the Royal Ballet's digital ballet night! *Just wonderful* for a lazy afternoon in, I must say. London’s Dance Delights But, my love, London itself is buzzing with excitement this month! And what's a better way to spend a dreary English afternoon, darling, than indulging in a *ballet feast?* The London Symphony Orchestra, known for their electrifying performances, will be performing Tchaikovsky’s *Sleeping Beauty* - now, don’t be fooled darling, it’s not just an orchestra - it's truly a beautiful combination of dancers and music. It’s not just the choreography that thrills, darling, it's how the dance itself merges with the musical score! Simply spectacular! And of course, darling, it will feature that iconic music box song *the* classic Sleeping Beauty music - it will be magical, truly magical! A Touch of Flamenco Flair Oh, if the classical, refined beauty of ballet is simply not doing it for you, darling, then we must consider *a little something spicy*! Let me introduce you to the captivating world of flamenco. If you want to *swoon* over passionate movement, raw emotion, and captivating *flair* then the heart-stopping performances of *A Night of Flamenco* in London are sure to set your soul alight. These dancers will *leave you breathless,* darling, with their expressive grace and pure artistic fire! Don't just sit back and watch; you can *feel the pulse of Spain* in every *zapateo*. If you’ve never experienced flamenco darling, *do make time for this! * Stepping Beyond the Ballet World Darling, the world of art and performance has always inspired us ballet dancers! It's truly something magical how different art forms intertwine, influencing each other, just as we dancers take inspiration from artists, musicians, and all the *extraordinary* things around us! The Tate Modern, one of my favourite places to enjoy art, is showing a fascinating exhibit exploring the influence of dance on visual arts. With sculptures and paintings exploring movement, body and expression - this show will *truly transport* you darling! You'll find yourself admiring how art mirrors our passion for dancing! Dancing Into The Springtime There you have it, darlings! March is a time for blossoming beauty, both on the stage and in the *vibrant world of art* surrounding us. Whether you're yearning for classical ballet or a touch of something more *avant-garde*, there's something special in this season’s dance calendar for every *danseur,* no matter where your tastes lie! And now, darling, I must away, a dress fitting awaits!Stay Radiant, My Loves!
Yours in Art & Fashion,
Camille