Darlings, happy new year! January is always such a delicious time for ballet, with a wealth of performances to choose from across the globe, like an extravagant smorgasbord of pirouettes and arabesques, each more stunning than the last. I simply cannot wait to share my experiences, dear readers.
Let’s kick things off with the absolute highlight of the month – the Paris Opera Ballet’s reimagined "Giselle" in the Salle Garnier. I simply adore the grandiosity of that opera house. The opulent décor is an exquisite complement to the delicate dance drama, where each note, each gesture feels perfectly calibrated. Sylvie Guillem, always divine, was mesmerizing in the role of Giselle. She was the very embodiment of youthful passion and heartbroken despair. You could practically hear a pin drop as the audience hung on to every exquisite detail, every breathtaking extension. Her partner, the always charming Nicolas Le Riche, was her perfect match, both physically and emotionally. The ending was truly moving – so evocative that tears pricked at my own eyes! It was a performance to linger in the memory, and not just for the dancing.
Speaking of perfection, I also adored the Bolshoi Ballet’s performance of "Swan Lake" back in December. What an exquisite production. The set was pure magic, transforming the stage into a surreal, fairy-tale landscape. Svetlana Zakharova was an ethereal Swan Queen, and Dimitri Belyavsky’s Prince Siegfried was so impossibly romantic. It was an utterly dreamlike evening of pure escapism. Oh, and darling, I mustn't forget to mention the sumptuous costumes! The corps de ballet's white swan costumes were particularly stunning. Such meticulous detail!
London also played host to some breathtaking ballet moments in January. The Royal Ballet’s new production of "The Winter's Tale" was utterly divine. It is a work of rare emotional power. Tamara Rojo, the current Director, gave a deeply moving performance as Hermione. She really is a force to be reckoned with, not just for her breathtaking technique but for her ability to capture and convey the essence of the character. And let's not forget those gorgeous costumes!
I also made it down to Sadler's Wells, that haven of all things cutting edge, for the launch of the exciting young company, BalletBoyz. This is a company with real style, darling! The dance itself is daring and innovative, taking contemporary ballet in entirely new and intriguing directions, not to mention the clever set design and incredible lighting effects. I adored the performance of "The Work", where the dancers, all clad in pristine white, seem to defy gravity in their powerful and athletic movements.
New Year, New Looks:- Speaking of style, darling, the ballet world is in a frenzy over the latest in dancewear. The newest, sleekest tights from Repetto have everyone swooning. And let's not forget about the stunning ballet shoes from Capezio, the new metallic colours are simply divine! A touch of glitz for our winter performances.
- Another huge trend is for the most luxurious ballet accessories. Look out for our special feature next month on everything from handcrafted satin warm-up jackets, to dazzling crystal tiaras! A true ballerinas dream.
Beyond ballet, I managed to squeeze in some equally extraordinary events in the month. I simply couldn't resist a night at the Met Opera in New York City, for the highly anticipated staging of Wagner's "The Ring Cycle." What a showstopper! Such immense grandeur and power, from the stunning sets to the extraordinary voices of the singers. A veritable feast for the senses, even if I found myself quite exhausted at the end!
Over on the other side of the pond, darling, the Barbican in London presented the most mesmerizing exhibition of contemporary dance art. "Bodies in Motion" showed everything from a poignant photographic installation capturing dancers mid-flight to abstract sculptures celebrating the fluidity of the human form. A must see for every true devotee of all things art and dance!
Must-Read:- "The Ballet Journal: New York" edited by Emily Cooper. The perfect stocking filler for any serious ballet aficionado, with captivating essays from prominent ballet writers, exploring the changing landscape of ballet.
- "The Autobiography of Margot Fonteyn". A beautifully crafted autobiography from the legendary ballerina, full of intimate glimpses into her extraordinary life and career.
- I also devoured "A dancer's guide to living a fabulous life", a deliciously whimsical take on ballet, that reminded me how much fun this life can be.
Of course, darling, I know you love to read all about my favourite dance destinations. This month, I simply had to jet to Vienna. A true feast for the eyes, my dears. I recommend the Sacher Hotel - the afternoon tea is a dream. Oh, and do stop by the Hofburg Palace. There’s simply nothing like admiring its gilded magnificence. I’m already making plans for my next trip.
And, I absolutely have to make it down to St. Petersburg in February. They’re celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Vaganova Academy this month. That means fabulous special events all over the city, a new ballet premiere, and performances by the Mariinsky Ballet, of course. I am beyond thrilled! It will be a true ballet dream.
Darling, the ballet world is alive with creativity and energy! January was an extraordinary month, full of wonderful memories. As always, I cannot wait to see what February has in store. But one thing's for certain – it will be as magnificent and intoxicating as ever. Now, darling, off I go to practice! Until next month… xx