AI Ballet Review 413

SEPTEMBER - The Season of New Beginnings

Darling, I do hope you’ve all been enjoying the late summer warmth. September, of course, means a new season - not just the shift from sundresses to velvet-lined coats (my favourites!) but also the grand reopening of theatres and opera houses worldwide. Oh, to be twirling on stage in that celestial light - divine! I’ve been flitting around, attending premières and breathtaking productions across the globe, and let me tell you, it's been an absolute whirlwind!

A real treat this season is the resurgence of Giselle. I'm eternally smitten with this romantic ballet; it has this almost poetic quality that's utterly intoxicating. The new staging at the Royal Opera House is quite brilliant, with a subtle but exquisite colour palette of twilight hues and delicate silver, reminiscent of moonlight, that really emphasizes the drama of the story. The performance I saw was a treat. There’s an amazing newcomer called Alina - she moves with such incredible lightness and emotion. Her leaps are graceful yet forceful; it’s like watching a feather in a tempest, a lovely contradiction! The audience went absolutely wild, giving her a standing ovation that went on forever.

Now, onto some contemporary pieces that really sparkled. My trip to New York for the Fall season was an utter delight - the city never ceases to amaze me! I was simply captivated by a mesmerizing production of The Dreamers at the New York City Ballet, by the one and only Benjamin Millepied. He always brings a touch of something otherworldly to his work. He’s a master of layering movement, light, and shadow, creating these incredible textures that just mesmerize you. This piece featured beautifully textured, fluid costumes, like an artfully draped dream; it’s a captivating display of a symphony of silks and velvets in tones of rose gold and amethyst. Oh, how I adored it!

Over in Paris, at the Palais Garnier, a certain famous someone had a chance to indulge in my personal passion for art. My love, darling, the most recent rendition of La Bayadère was an exquisite feast for the senses. They fused traditional elements of the ballet with the most stunning projections of renowned artworks that seamlessly flowed and transitioned. Imagine! A canvas of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, melting into Klimt’s "The Kiss", all as a ballerina's silken form graces the stage. It was almost transcendental; I could've just lost myself in that mesmerizing tapestry of art and movement.

The highlight of my trip was an exclusive look at A Shadowed Dance, by the captivating and enigmatic Japanese choreographer, Miyamoto, at the Théâtre du Châtelet. Imagine a darkly seductive world. That is what Miyamoto conjured in this masterpiece, which is as haunting as it is mesmerizing. It’s a ballet for the modern age, dark and mysterious, with an eerie grace, drawing you into this beautiful, shadowy, underworld. I had the opportunity to speak with the talented dancer, Yuji, afterward, and he shared insights into the inspiration behind the piece. He said, “My aim was to challenge tradition, to delve into the unspoken shadows of the human soul”. How wonderfully cryptic and inspiring, is it not? Oh, darling, you simply must see this if you can.

I had a lovely opportunity to take a whirlwind trip through Germany, too, a real pleasure, of course, for the beer, but I did manage to catch a splendid performance of Swan Lake at the famed Bavarian State Opera House, in Munich. It’s a classic that truly stands the test of time, no? The company is known for their precise technique and classical form, so they made the traditional choreography come alive. The costumes were breathtaking; they shimmered under the stage lighting with a sheen of pearlescent embroidery. Oh my! Truly captivating. It reminded me why I adore the ballet; the beauty, the discipline, the sheer dedication of the artists - it truly moves the soul!

But the highlight of my September was a breathtaking production in Moscow! Now, we've all seen Sleeping Beauty many times, but this production at the Bolshoi truly redefined what we thought we knew. The costumes were an explosion of colours and textures, a carnival of feathers and silks. The finale was particularly spectacular; I’d never witnessed such breathtaking energy! You'd think they’d have been tired after three hours on stage, but not a bit. There's a dedication among those Russian dancers that’s awe-inspiring.

Of course, every seasoned ballerina knows there's something utterly captivating about the beauty of dance. But let me share something that went beyond mere performance - it touched my soul. I was lucky enough to see The Dancing Ghosts of Sarajevo in a poignant new production in Geneva. It's a documentary, a meditation on dance and hope after the horrors of war. The show combined moving testimonies from Bosnian people who lived through the horrors of the siege with captivating dance sequences from Ballet performers from around the world. It left me utterly speechless; a powerful message of resilience and the beauty that even war can’t erase.

Let me give you a glimpse into the shows that are definitely on my list for next month - The Rite of Spring, in Paris. And, my dear, I will be attending a special gala, where the ever-so-talented Misty Copeland will be performing! Can you believe it? It’s an honour to watch a true icon of our time. You can be sure I will share my impressions with you next month.

Now, until we meet again next month, remember to always embrace the beauty around you. Whether it’s the art you find in nature or the grace of movement, there’s a rhythm of life waiting to be discovered.

Yours in Dance,

Natalia

September's Fashion Finds

Of course, my lovelies, the stage demands perfection and what could be more perfect than a little black dress? But let’s be bold and add a pop of magenta to a beautiful silk chiffon wrap dress. I paired it with sleek satin pumps and a dash of sparkling diamante earrings for a glamorous night at the theatre. It's just the thing for a performance that promises both beauty and excitement, just like a ballet! Speaking of captivating colours, I’m obsessed with a beautiful blush silk jacket, trimmed with lace, perfect for chilly theatre nights.

Speaking of textures, it's time to embrace the season with plush velvet for an after-show dinner. I've discovered this exquisite burgundy velvet jacket, the colour of rich wine, paired it with black leather trousers and shimmering silk blouse. A sleek pair of high heels adds just the right amount of effortless elegance. The key to mastering autumn style? Finding the perfect balance between richness and a touch of playfulness. Remember, you are your own masterpiece. So, dress up and shine!

A Whimsical World of Art and Beauty

Before I let you fly off to the world of fashion, let me indulge you with my latest artistic obsessions. Oh, darling, you simply must see the new exhibition at the Louvre in Paris, “Dreams and Visions in Art”, a showcase of works that capture the fantastical, the mysterious and the utterly alluring. My dear, if you haven't visited the Museo del Prado in Madrid yet, I encourage you to take a trip. Their recent collection of “The Dance of the Seasons”, is just simply breathtaking. I adore the playfulness of the colours, the way it brings to life the beauty of nature through art.

And to end this month’s note, dear readers, I urge you to explore the hidden gems in your local art galleries. There are so many exciting independent artists working today. Just the other week I discovered an artist in the heart of Chelsea in New York, called John Smith (not the famous actor! ). He uses the most magnificent shades of blue, reminiscent of the ocean’s depth. His paintings made me want to leap into the canvas!

I leave you now, with a final word of encouragement. This is a time to celebrate the power of art, to let your creativity flourish. And dear ones, remember to keep those dancing shoes handy. Life is a ballet - let’s all embrace the beauty of each and every step.