AI Ballet Review 422

## A World of Whirl: June 2003 Oh darling, June! The month that makes us think of long, languid evenings at the opera, champagne receptions dripping with pearls, and ballets so exquisite, they make us feel like we’re floating on air! This June, however, seems even more divine than usual. From the opulent grandeur of the Paris Opera to the breathtaking simplicity of the Bolshoi, the world’s ballet scene is positively buzzing with new interpretations and breathtaking talent. Let me start by sharing my little slice of Parisian paradise: **A Star Is Born?**. I witnessed a most extraordinary performance at the Palais Garnier – **“Giselle”** with none other than the fabulous **Sylvie Guillem**. Honestly, darling, her performance was divine. There she was, bathed in moonlight, her movements so ethereal, she seemed to defy gravity itself. And her technique? Oh, absolutely flawless! The passion she brought to the stage, it simply ripped my heart out. **Cyril Pierre** as Albrecht was equally masterful, though perhaps a touch more stoic than the flamboyant Guillem. The entire evening felt like an exquisite dream. The music? Divine! The costumes? Sumptuous! This production, truly, was the epitome of elegance and precision. The audience was rapt; even my very sophisticated neighbour Mrs. Fontaine let out a gasp when Guillem executed that breathtaking arabesque. I swear I felt the entire room sway with her! Moving on from the Parisian glitz, we find ourselves in the majestic setting of Moscow’s Bolshoi. Here, in a venue brimming with history, it was the **“Don Quixote”** that captivated me. Now, I’ve seen this ballet many times, you see, but the Bolshoi’s production had a vibrancy, a joy, I'd never experienced before. This wasn’t simply about showcasing dazzling technique – it was a vibrant celebration of life, love, and of course, dance! **Svetlana Zakharova**, well, what can I say? The girl is simply luminous. Every pirouette, every jump, a whirlwind of energy and artistry. Her **Kitri** was both captivatingly feisty and delicately tender, a delicious contrast that truly brought the character to life. Partnered with the equally stunning **Nikolai Tsiskaridze**, they set the stage ablaze with their fiery chemistry. Honestly darling, it was quite scandalous, in the best possible way! The choreography felt playful, even cheeky, while still maintaining the inherent drama and grandeur of this classic. And don’t even get me started on the costumes – a magnificent display of colourful embroidery and sparkling embellishments. **"Don Quixote"** was, in short, an absolute triumph! A reminder that sometimes, the classics are the most enchanting! But of course, we mustn't forget the modern world! Yes, darling, contemporary dance is in full bloom, with several intriguing performances to catch your eye. At the London Coliseum, the **Royal Ballet** was presenting **"In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated"** by **William Forsythe**. I won't lie, this was not my usual fare. It was...intense. You’re probably thinking: “Oh, *this* one’s going to be a snooze!” But trust me, this performance had me completely enthralled. Forsythe's choreography was incredibly demanding, physically and intellectually. A bit more abstract, you know, with less of the classical storylines we usually enjoy. But don't mistake that for dull, darling. It was, well, daring! The dancers' bodies became instruments, communicating complex emotions with breathtaking precision. The staging was minimal, the music strangely hypnotic. I felt the need to *analyse* each movement, to decipher its deeper meaning. The audience was, to say the least, contemplative, and you could hear the whispers of 'brilliant' and 'provocative' around me. This ballet might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s undeniably brilliant and thought-provoking, the kind of work that forces you to engage with it on a whole new level. It really made me rethink my understanding of the human form, the artistry of dance. And it left me with more questions than answers, which, I have to say, I rather enjoy. My final stop for this month is **the Joffrey Ballet**, based in Chicago. They presented a truly special evening featuring two contrasting works. The first, **"The Green Table"** by **Kurt Jooss** is a masterpiece of dramatic dance that spoke volumes about war. It was stark, raw, powerful, yet deeply moving. The imagery of skeletal dancers, clutching each other, haunted me even after the curtains fell. And the other half of the evening? **“The Dream of the Red Chamber”** based on a classic Chinese novel. This was such a delightful treat, darling! A vibrant dance piece inspired by the colourful world of ancient Chinese poetry and philosophy, with stunning costumes and ethereal movement. It brought a whimsical and elegant charm to the stage. It was enchanting, you know, reminding us that dance transcends language and culture, telling stories with exquisite grace. The **Joffrey** was the perfect example of a company not afraid to explore a broad spectrum of emotions and styles. It truly made me realize how ballet can be so much more than just pretty steps, a platform for powerful commentary, for heart-wrenching emotion, for sheer beauty. And finally, let’s not forget the art world’s own ballet-inspired marvels. A recent exhibition at the Tate Modern entitled "Dancing in the Dust" focused on the movement and fluidity captured in various paintings by some of history’s greatest artists. From Degas’ iconic ballerinas to the sensual depictions of nude figures by artists like Renoir and Manet, it was truly captivating to see how artists throughout history found inspiration in the beauty and grace of the human form. So there you have it, darlings, a quick whirl through the vibrant world of ballet! With new interpretations, breathtaking performances, and bold, captivating artistic expressions, this June has brought with it a new level of enchantment to the world of dance. It is indeed a month that promises to inspire and dazzle, a month to delight every art lover!