December, Darling!
Oh, December! The month of twinkling lights, frosty mornings, and that glorious feeling of cozying up in a cashmere wrap, a steaming cup of something delicious, and a *ballet* magazine in hand. Of course, what's December without a flurry of exciting premieres, captivating revivals, and those utterly mesmerising performances that leave one breathless and yearning for more. This December, the ballet world is positively crackling with anticipation, and I'm thrilled to bring you all the chicest and most captivating happenings. Let's take a spin through the season, shall we?
Royal Ballet, London
My dearest London darlings, where else to start but our very own Royal Ballet. They're celebrating the season with a triple bill: **The Winter's Tale** choreographed by the incomparable Wayne McGregor (oh, his artistry!), a new ballet called **Within Without**, and a dazzling revival of **La Sylphide**. Now, I've been lucky enough to witness McGregor's breathtaking choreography for years, and "The Winter's Tale" promises a mystical journey through a Shakespearean world, bringing the iconic characters of Leontes and Perdita to life in a dazzling ballet language. I have no doubt the ensemble's costumes (are they feathers? Are they lace? We simply must see!), combined with McGregor's signature athleticism, will leave us wanting to stand on our toes, twirling and twirling.
**Within Without**, created by rising star Alexander Ekman, is poised to be quite the exciting venture. The combination of wit, playfulness, and technical prowess that is Ekman's signature? Imagine! Imagine that, my dears! I predict it'll be the toast of the season! Now, who hasn't fallen under the spell of the magical, elusive Sylphide, dancing on air in a diaphanous white dress? **La Sylphide**, a jewel in the classical repertoire, will see the most beloved dancers of the company gracing the stage, leaving the audience entranced and wishing the final curtain would never fall. Darling, this December promises to be the *ultimate* Royal Ballet treat.
New York City Ballet, New York, New York
Across the pond, my New York loves are preparing for a whirlwind season of dance at the New York City Ballet. The company is offering a mix of iconic ballets and contemporary delights. Of course, every December they must present **George Balanchine's** legendary "Nutcracker," the enchanting ballet that brings Christmas magic to the stage. With a new year fast approaching, the NYCB presents the bold and brilliant **Jerome Robbins's** "Fancy Free," an invigorating snapshot of post-war New York. But oh, dears, here's the highlight, the reason to purchase your tickets, to dress in your best finery, and dance the night away with your friends: **Justin Peck's** "The Most Incredible Thing," is back by popular demand, and if the response to its last premiere is any indication, you'll need to snatch tickets faster than a foudre royal.
Ballet National de Marseille, France
Darling, it’s not just about the established big players! While New York and London steal the limelight, there is an extraordinary ballet company hidden in a stunning corner of the Mediterranean. The Ballet National de Marseille, led by the formidable, artistic visionary **Emio Greco**, has just presented an extraordinary program that speaks volumes of this daring company. **"Tulips,"** choreographed by the iconoclastic, **Anna Teresa de Keersmaeker,** is described as a “visually stunning ode to the feminine.” Oh! The anticipation!
Royal Opera House, London
Now, a special occasion wouldn't be complete without an unforgettable theatrical experience, and there's nothing that sets the mood quite like a grand ballet. This December, the Royal Opera House is holding its breath as it prepares for the eagerly anticipated performance of **“Giselle,”** the ultimate ballet, a tale of unrequited love, heartbreak, and an uncanny love transcending death itself. Oh darling! One must go simply to see **Svetlana Zakharova,** the Bolshoi superstar, take to the stage, to watch the audience breathlessly devour every movement as if entranced by an ethereal fairy. The costumes, the score by **Adolphe Adam** — utterly captivating!
National Ballet of Canada, Toronto
Speaking of grand occasions, over in Toronto, the National Ballet of Canada has something extraordinary up its sleeve. It’s the world premiere of **"The Sleeping Beauty,** " but not just *any* Sleeping Beauty! We are treated to a bold, utterly captivating production, created by **Karen Kain**, the legendary Canadian dancer who retired from the stage but remains one of the brightest stars of ballet. Expect a stunning visual spectacle as the beautiful Princess Aurora’s slumbering kingdom awakens in this unforgettable interpretation. And oh, I hear that the final act is truly divine, featuring **Chan Hon Goh** a dancer whose artistry captivates, soaring high into the air like a magical sylph, bringing tears to our eyes!
Across the Continent
Of course, our global tour must go on, and December offers a rich landscape of delightful performances from Paris to Berlin, New York, and Tokyo. There’s a veritable feast of ballet to be savoured from the Bolshoi’s grandest productions of classical classics, to the exquisite contemporary works presented by the Paris Opera Ballet. This December, the world becomes a giant, interconnected stage. So let's raise a toast to these dance giants, to those who strive to bring elegance, passion, and magic to every performance, every single night!
December’s Dazzling Dance Delights
- American Ballet Theatre, New York, NY is opening their winter season with the exquisite ballet **"The Sleeping Beauty"**, an unparalleled classic that offers audiences an opportunity to get lost in its rich narrative, its opulent sets, and of course, a dance sequence to make you gasp. You have until January, darling!
- The Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, with its breathtaking splendour and history, promises to be *the* event of December! The highlight? Their revival of **"Swan Lake,"** the iconic love story. Oh darling, there is nothing like it on this Earth, nothing! You might see this exquisite story performed all over the globe, but nowhere will the grandeur, the spectacle of Russian ballet truly take hold of your heart quite like in Moscow! Grab those tickets and fly off for a whirlwind ballet adventure!
December: Where Style & Ballet Meet
Dearest, it’s not just the performances we must savor this season; we are surrounded by dance-inspired trends everywhere. Fashion has always been deeply entwined with ballet, with its fluid lines and dynamic movements informing silhouettes. And this December, it's a case of **“the more twirling, the better!”** From voluminous skirts, reminiscent of a whirling ballerina’s skirt, to feather embellishments that bring to mind a graceful bird taking flight, there's something so graceful about these stylish odes to ballet! So put on your pointe shoes and take a bow!
As we embark on December, let's remember that the most beautiful things in life often come in small packages, a quiet moment in a hushed theatre, the breathtaking movements of a single dancer under a spotlight. Let us allow ourselves to be moved, to be inspired, and let’s dance our way into this magical month!
Until next month, my darlings.