Darling, let's start this New Year with a twirl and a whisper of silk! My toes are tingling with anticipation, the champagne flutes are clinking and I'm just dying to share my escapades in the world of ballet. What an absolutely divine month it has been, overflowing with artistic delights and decadent performances that have had my heart soaring!
First, let's paint the stage with some of the most opulent and captivating shows I've seen. Paris, oh, Paris, you always know how to dazzle. The **Paris Opera Ballet** had me completely spellbound with their production of "La Bayadere." Imagine a sea of sapphires and diamonds, a dazzling array of exotic costumes that could only be described as *tout simplement incroyable*, and a story that just melts your heart. And speaking of melting, I practically disintegrated watching **Sylvie Guillem** in "The Rite of Spring." My darling, this was not just a performance, it was an exorcism! It's no wonder that the legendary Diaghilev himself called it "a symphony of horrors" - I found myself both horrified and enchanted in equal measure. Truly divine, the exquisite Ms. Guillem simply transcends time with her powerful presence and sheer mastery.
Then there's the divine **Royal Ballet** in London, who truly surpassed themselves with their revival of "Romeo and Juliet." It was like watching a Shakespearean masterpiece come to life. The tenderness and passion between Juliet ( **Darcey Bussell** - a goddess!) and Romeo (**Jonathan Cope** – simply exquisite), were enough to leave the most stoic heart yearning for a little bit of forbidden romance. I adore those tender moments where the stage was bathed in moonlight - just pure enchantment, darlings!
Meanwhile, in New York, it was a whirlwind of colour and emotions with the **New York City Ballet**. Oh my dear, what an incredible spectacle! Their annual **Nutcracker** performance always leaves me utterly enthralled. I mean, who doesn't love a good sugarplum fairy? But it was **"Agon"** by George Balanchine that truly stole my heart. The geometric patterns, the crisp movements - it felt like an elegant ballet puzzle, captivating my every sense. I was truly transported to another dimension with this stunning display of dance and choreography.
Now, darling, no ballet journey would be complete without venturing into the realms of neo-classical and contemporary ballet. Oh, the exhilarating twists and turns! Let's start with the utterly mesmerizing "Ballet Preljocaj" in Avignon. The artistic director, **Angelin Preljocaj**, is a true innovator and a total visionary. His new piece, "Empty Moves", explores the idea of dance as a language of its own, communicating complex emotions without relying on traditional story narratives. And the costumes, darling, just heavenly - an artful blend of sheer and bold lines that perfectly encapsulated the essence of the performance.
And I can't forget the mesmerizing **Nederlands Dans Theater** in The Hague! They were a breathtaking display of power and athleticism with their production of "Monochrome", where the stage, quite literally, exploded into life, accompanied by a soundscape that seemed to pulse through my very soul. But let's be honest, darling, we all know it was "Scène de Ballet" by Jerome Robbins that sent shivers down our spines! With its seductive use of red and black costumes and an intensity that was both alluring and dangerous, it's an enduring piece of dance history that had us all on the edge of our seats. And speaking of enduring - did anyone see the **Mark Morris Dance Group**? I simply adore Mark Morris, his creations are a delightful combination of classical grace and playful wit, always sprinkled with a touch of mischief that never fails to entertain. He certainly knows how to make his dancers move, doesn't he?
Speaking of movements, I couldn't resist making my own foray onto the stage. You know I wouldn't have missed the chance to participate in the **International Ballet Festival in Monte Carlo**. It was divine! Being surrounded by dancers from all over the world, a feast of culture and dance styles – simply exhilarating! My friend, **Tamara Rojo**, who, I'm thrilled to tell you, will be performing "Swan Lake" next month - what a magnificent ballerina! She is one of the most accomplished dancers in the world, and I just adore the way she approaches each performance with such emotional depth and artistry. Oh, to be so free and graceful as she! But the star of the show had to be **"The Art of the Duet"**. What an extraordinary showcase of the human connection expressed through dance, darling! The intimacy and raw emotion between each couple just sent shivers down my spine - you know I nearly wept during one of those beautiful interludes.
But my dear, this is just a tiny taste of all that January has offered! There's still so much more to say, but it wouldn't be truly divine unless you had a few discoveries of your own, wouldn't it? So put on your fanciest ball gown, polish those ruby slippers and prepare for another month of magic, grace, and all the beauty that ballet has to offer! Remember, darling, we live in a world of dreams, so let's keep those delicate feet on tip-toe, hearts dancing, and eyes sparkling. After all, life's too short for anything but the most exquisite performances!