Oh darlings, what a glorious month it's been! It seems the whole world has been caught up in a whirlwind of tutus and tiaras. Let's take a whirl through some of the most enchanting performances that have graced our stages from the City of Lights to the bright lights of Broadway.
The Parisian Pas de Deux:
Firstly, we must sashay over to Paris, that timeless cradle of elegance. I was utterly bewitched by the breathtaking rendition of Giselle at the Opéra Garnier. The Bolshoi's Svetlana Zakharova is a revelation; her effortless grace, her heartbreaking fragility, brought tears to even the most cynical of eyes. And darling, I practically swooned over her partner, the lithe and commanding David Hallberg. They were simply magical together.
The Metropolitan's Magical Marathon:
Next stop: New York City! This month, the Metropolitan Opera House was positively shimmering. I caught two dazzling productions that left me gasping.
- First, the exquisite "Swan Lake." Misty Copeland - well, what can I say? She embodies every single inch of the White Swan's tragic innocence and then, bam, the Black Swan's deliciously wicked defiance. I think my jaw dropped during her iconic 32 fouettes, pure perfection!
- Then, I witnessed the exquisite "Romeo and Juliet" with the glorious dancers of the American Ballet Theatre. The intensity of their pas de deux was truly electrifying, a storm of emotions and physical beauty, a modern love story told with a breathtaking elegance.
Across the Pond, a Masterpiece:
Now, London, darling, you never disappoint. The Royal Ballet's latest production of "Sleeping Beauty" was a pure delight. The set design was utterly breathtaking; it transported me to a fairytale realm, and darling, let's not even mention the costumes, the shimmering silks, the exquisite velvets, and those tiaras! As for the performance itself, Natalia Osipova was the embodiment of Princess Aurora. Her elegance, her delicate strength, she just captivated everyone. And when she waltzed with the handsome Carlos Acosta as Prince Desire, the entire audience erupted with applause. Oh, the sheer magic!
Beyond the Ballet:
The world of performance has extended beyond the velvet curtain of the grand theatres. I, darling, simply must tell you about my adventure in Berlin. "Anatomy of a Solo," the newest creation by the audacious Sasha Waltz, is everything you wouldn't expect. It's a raw and unflinching portrayal of the female form, of its strength, vulnerability, and fierce independence. You simply must see it! The power and grace in Sasha Waltz’s movements were mesmerizing, defying conventions while pushing the boundaries of modern dance.
London Calling:
I've just had a fabulous lunch at the Cafe Royal and popped into the "Ballet at the Barbican." You just wouldn't believe the array of shows! And the Barbican is such a perfect setting, that raw brick, industrial space with just enough polish to keep it chic, perfect for contemporary and experimental work. They are doing a mini season of “New Dance Week” and one of the stand-outs has been “Dust,” a truly poetic meditation on time and mortality, all performed with a very haunting soundtrack of ghostly vocal soundscapes and minimalist lighting. The young dancers were extraordinary.
Beyond the Stage:
Now, darlings, it wouldn't be a true ballet roundup without mentioning some of the extraordinary exhibitions happening right now that capture the grace and beauty of ballet. The "Degas & The Dance" at the Tate Modern is a must-see. I fell head over heels for Degas’ sculptures, the way they captured the dynamic energy and movement of the ballet. It's almost as if you can feel the rush of the dancers' steps, and then those pastels of dancers stretching, their graceful movements, so expressive! And for something completely different, “The Dance” exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum was utterly fascinating. From stunning costumes of the ballerinas of the 19th Century to beautiful photos by the famous photographer Baron Adolph de Meyer who took these extraordinary images of Isadora Duncan. It’s definitely not a museum for those who only appreciate the perfectly coiffed and the traditional.
A Ballet Dream in the City:
I've even had a delightful morning with my daughter, little Sophie, watching a free performance at Somerset House by the “Ballet on the Lake,” a company that is working with young students. It was such a refreshing performance, so alive with youthful exuberance. And their choice of “Sleeping Beauty,” that quintessential ballet, was simply perfect.
And of course, darling, I've been treating myself to a new pair of custom-made pointe shoes! I have to admit, a pair of exquisitely- crafted, brand-new pointe shoes is a bit of an extravagance, but they're a necessary investment. The Ballet Shoes by "Atelier Dupont," the crème de la crème! It’s a joy just to look at them, a work of art!
So there you have it, darlings, a glimpse of the vibrant world of ballet this month, from the opulent stages of the grand theaters to the thriving world of dance and the stunning art exhibitions around the world. There's something truly captivating in every pirouette, every leap. Ballet is truly an art form that captivates the soul. Remember, darlings, life's too short for boring shoes. Keep dancing, and until next time, adieu!