Darlings, it’s May, and the world is blooming. The cherry blossoms are a vision of perfection, a symphony in pink, as are the blooms at my favourite boutiques - what are you thinking for your next couture purchase? After all, the arrival of spring marks a perfect excuse for a complete wardrobe refresh and one can never have too many chic frocks and dazzling accessories - one can always justify an expense on something frivolous. After all, I say - I have my routines and this little number here is just the ticket - the very 'Je Ne Sais Quois' I’ve been looking for - perfect to match my blush coloured Chanel flats - You all know I just adore ballet flats – darling – it’s not all about the pointy toe when it comes to our shoes! Comfort is king!
But speaking of performance – there have been some incredible events on the international ballet scene recently. Oh, it was simply heavenly to finally take in the Paris Opera Ballet’s stunning production of Giselle – did you see the costumes, simply divine - and I mean what can I say about the costumes other than this is a dance company with simply superb, dazzlingly perfect dancers who take the stage and deliver excellence as standard - so professional, almost impossibly so! A must see performance for every ballet fan on the planet.
And now – my latest - a recent visit to see The Bolshoi. My darlings, it is simply divine - they never fail to amaze. There was a certain buzz in the air, something a little electric - and with good reason - they presented the brand new production of Sleeping Beauty - oh how I longed for this – an utter ballet classic brought back with all the grandeur and excitement that one would expect! And oh darling – the ballerina dancing the role of Aurora? - Stunning!
There was something so ethereal about the role that she danced. The stage lighting, the setting – every detail of the staging and choreography combined to create a performance that left me breathless, utterly mesmerized.
But the highlight of my trip? A backstage tour. The atmosphere there, just as electrifying as the performance!
Then there was the English National Ballet’s brand new production of 'Cinderella' which just swept all before it. - The sets and the costuming? A delight! I heard they wanted the production to feel like a ’real’ fairy tale and they have really outdone themselves on this, - they were exquisite, opulent and perfectly realised on the stage and of course I do love me a beautiful Cinderella ballet! Just think - a magical slipper, dancing until midnight! I dream in these images, darling.
Then there’s been some new blood, some real talent appearing in the ballet world of late – not a bad thing. After all, there are plenty of places to visit for dancers as they come into their own. My current favourite? London. Such excitement here! From The Royal Ballet and The English National Ballet. To Sadler’s Wells - such incredible young talent – truly exhilarating and inspiring! And there are some young ballet dancers from around the world – some from the Royal Ballet – who have given the critics and us all – a real buzz!
Of course – the more I go out and see what other ballerinas are doing – and you should get out and go see the shows for yourselves! A lot of you darlings just stay in the city - but don't forget - all over the world there are fabulous places to catch a show or ballet – The National Ballet of Canada – have put together a beautiful programme of dance and then we have some really wonderful, classical dancers working with smaller ballet companies such as English Youth Ballet – but they have such an impact and some really beautiful ballet companies performing on the circuit and it really is all about a new energy, fresh enthusiasm - they don't disappoint – a truly brilliant show - so inspiring – so young, so energetic!
My latest obsession? The costumes! They are everything these days darling - they're becoming an art form all of their own. This year the Bolshoi, the Paris Opera and then English National Ballet with 'Cinderella', - they all absolutely knocked it out of the park – you'd be hard pressed to find better costumes and staging anywhere else in the ballet world. All were just beautiful. In fact they were such a masterpiece and it seems that costume designers have caught the attention of the most famous of fashion houses. The French in particular - they love it all! Chanel and Dior in particular are looking to them and there have been some really fabulous collaboration. Just last year it was Balmain and then there’s something absolutely sensational happening this year between Dior and the Paris Opera, I do adore fashion houses such as this. Just such style. The designs! Exquisite and innovative. The latest collection, an absolute masterpiece!
Speaking of masterpieces. Did you catch ' Swan Lake’ on TV in the US - the Russian ballerina did it in pink! I can't even! It’s such an icon in the ballet world, everyone’s always saying "Well, the perfect white tutu!"
There was a bit of buzz last year because the Royal Opera House's costumes were on display in Harrods - and of course, everybody's looking at it! It's all very much about 'Look at us. The designers in the world are really starting to embrace a little ballet!' The ballet and fashion worlds are starting to collide – it's the big new collaboration. What will next season bring?
I recently took in a show from Matthew Bourne's new interpretation of 'Sleeping Beauty'. As you can imagine I have always loved the show. It's one of the classics - and his take was pure delight, with new interpretation! – This is an iconic dance production.
My advice? Don’t take your love of dance too seriously - but don’t underestimate it. Embrace the art. Embrace the beauty, and indulge your dreams - after all – I am off now - time for a pilates class and a long bath. Then - another ballet. This is what I do best, darlings.
*But – Don't think it's just about fashion, you may want to pick up a dance magazine and study up on some of these upcoming artists to see if there is an up-and-coming talent in your town!
*This season I have seen dancers I have never seen before - these young artists are so brilliant! And they are so dedicated and their passion for their craft – simply inspiring - they truly make the dance scene incredibly exciting and I am delighted by it. It feels as if a new generation has finally found its voice. I have never seen so much talent and such incredible artistry.
* Here are some of my very best picks for the season - if you're interested in a bit of ballet theatre - take my tips - but I do hope you discover some dancers for yourselves and have as much joy in dance as I do. * Paris Opera Ballet. Don't miss this. It's divine and always superb, simply brilliant! And this season the programme - outstanding, as always - It has some amazing dance talent and there’s a brand new production. Don’t miss the stage design on this – a really amazing design, I think you will really enjoy it!
* Don’t miss ' Sleeping Beauty'. As I mentioned the Bolshoi have a wonderful new version and if you want to get the most from a show and to experience something totally thrilling, it is one of the greatest - the production is an exquisite creation – this is how you make an evening an extraordinary experience!
* For something more classical there’s ‘ Swan Lake’. This year I think is a must see as the choreography is absolutely gorgeous – the Bolshoi do a pretty great version as does English National Ballet, they always get the balance of classic and new just right, I would be lying if I said they hadn't grown on me over the past decade. And they are also playing it for longer than the Bolshoi so there are plenty of chances to grab your ticket – book now if you can – so easy with all the technology today - everything from a smart phone. I have used apps. Really useful, if a little scary! - You can just click and book - no problem! But just be warned the shows always sell out and so to be sure you will be there, go ahead, book now.
*I think The English Youth Ballet should get a little nod, there’s some seriously talented artists working on their productions and a beautiful dance, one you will love. This company should really take a bow.
*If you're in England and love all things dance – don’t miss the Sadler’s Wells programme for the year! The dance that's in there! Wonderful choreography - so diverse - from so many places in the world – but all so artistic, you will fall in love with the performances - it is always so fresh, always inspiring and simply magnificent. If I were you I would book tickets now for their gala evenings. You really should go. I'm really glad I saw it - so good! And not for the fainthearted, it will have you dancing in your seats.
*The Bolshoi will continue with their programme and I urge you to take a trip to see the beauty that the Bolshoi gives us. Take the trip, you’ll not regret it, a once in a lifetime experience, maybe even a romance – anything is possible!
I have a really exciting and inspiring spring and summer in mind so I do hope to see you at a ballet show. I love ballet, as I love all that comes with this wonderful, beautiful art form but mostly, I do just love to dress up and see the world’s very best ballerinas show us how it’s done!
It’s May. Now’s the time for dreams, dreams of grandeur and dance!