Darling, December is upon us! It's a month for swirling snowflakes, cozy nights in by the fire, and a glorious dose of glittering performances that warm the soul. This season's ballets and dance extravaganzas have truly surpassed expectations, and I'm thrilled to share my observations from my travels across the globe.
New York City Ballet's winter programme truly sparkles, dear. The iconic "Nutcracker" has, as ever, been a dazzling spectacle! I especially enjoyed the mischievous spirit brought to Drosselmeyer by the delightful, talented Daniel Ulbricht. And the costumes? Heavenly, utterly divine! The exquisite detail on Clara's gown - such elegance and grace, a true testament to the artistry of **Karinska. It's truly a magical show, perfect for ushering in the holiday spirit.
Now, I simply must mention Ballet de l'OpÊra de Paris in their rendition of "La Bayadère" at the Palais Garnier. Oh, darling, this ballet transported me! The intricate choreography, the swirling drama of Nikiya's love and sacrifice - breathtaking. The highlight? Marie-Agnès Gillot's performance as Nikiya - absolutely divine. She moved with a passion and an ethereal quality that left the audience breathless. The costumes were so lavishly opulent, fit for a Maharaja's court, and the final scene? Well, it brought tears to my eyes, simply exquisite.
Travelling a bit further, I found myself swept up in the vibrant energy of **Rio de Janeiro. The Cia. de Dança do Rio truly embodies the fiery spirit of this city! "Carnaval Brasileiro" was a riot of colour and sound, celebrating the exuberance of their culture through energetic rhythms and acrobatic movements. Such joy, such passion - a celebration for the soul, dear. You feel it, you see it, and you leave the theatre brimming with good cheer. Itâs no wonder everyone I met told me to pack my glitziest sequins - even for a visit to the museum. They were right!
Now, dear readers, no dance enthusiast could possibly miss a visit to the Bolshoi. Their production of "Swan Lake" this December has left me mesmerized. The legendary ballerina Svetlana Zakharova, well, she was simply perfection. She exudes elegance and control in both the ethereal Swan Queen and the fierce, yet alluring Black Swan roles. It was captivating, I swear, my breath was stolen! The entire company was, of course, magnificent. I wouldn't be surprised if this was their most anticipated production of the year. And can we talk about the set? Oh darling, simply magical! The lake scenes, the glittering castle - truly evocative of the timeless romance of this story. You just can't beat it.
Finally, darling, we mustn't forget London! I recently enjoyed the dazzling **Royal Balletâs production of "Giselle". It's a classic, and the talent here truly makes it sing. Darcey Bussell, with her strength, elegance, and ethereal beauty, is a joy to watch. And who can forget the incredible âmad sceneâ? You've never felt so heartbroken! The choreography for the Wilis, those ghostly women of the woods? Simply breathtaking. A perfect end to a truly magical season.
Now, dear reader, here's a peek at what you simply mustnât miss! Some insider tips from yours truly:
- In London, donât miss Matthew Bourneâs production of "Sleeping Beauty" â itâs going to be absolutely iconic, you can tell! Heâs put his own spin on this fairytale with dark elegance, and everyoneâs raving about the costumes. Itâs an intriguing alternative to the traditional narrative.
- Back in the United States, Merce Cunninghamâs âBalletsâ at **New York Live Arts is a must-see for contemporary dance fans. It promises to be a spectacular show and features pieces he choreographed decades ago, with modern twists and a sense of urgency that leaves you completely captivated.
- And if youâre craving something more experimental, consider a trip to Berlin. The Sasha Waltz & Guests are putting on "KĂśrper" which explores movement with innovative forms. They challenge you and leave you questioning what is considered "dance", a thrilling experience for an open mind.
Itâs an incredible time for dance. So gather your friends, dear, put on your favourite evening dress (mine is an exquisite ruby red number, designed exclusively for me, of course!), and make the most of these breathtaking experiences. Let's raise a glass to this truly enchanting month!