The Ballerina's Diary: January 2004
Darling, oh darling, can you believe it's January already? Where does the time go? As the world spins around, and we're all dashing from one glittering event to the next, I can’t help but feel the urge to put pen to paper and share some of my adventures in the whirlwind world of ballet.
Speaking of dazzling, I absolutely had to see the **Royal Ballet's** glittering production of **The Nutcracker** at the **Royal Opera House** in London. The festive magic of the ballet simply never fades, especially in this sumptuous rendition. Darlings, I was entranced by the dancing snowflakes and the sugar plum fairies, but honestly, the **Tchaikovsky** score was just divine – pure bliss. It was an utterly charming affair and just the tonic to brighten the post-Christmas blues.
My next stop was **Paris**, for a tête-à-tête with **The Paris Opera Ballet** and their staging of **Swan Lake**. The classic ballet, you say? Yes, darling, but always captivating! The stunning costumes by **Christian Lacroix**, with their gorgeous palette of whites and blacks, were a treat for the eyes. And speaking of treat, how divine was **Sylvie Guillem's** Odette? Her movements, ethereal and delicate, like the fluttering of a feather, and then, oh my, those dramatic black swan pirouettes! Simply perfection. But what really took my breath away was the breathtaking ensemble. There was such beautiful uniformity in their movements; they moved with the grace and precision of a single entity.
Now, while Paris is known for its impeccable taste and refined sophistication, my darlings, there’s an element of the wild, the untamed, and the avant-garde in **Berlin** - which perfectly reflected the city itself. I found myself immersed in a **contemporary ballet** called **Flux** at the **Berlin State Opera**. It was, well, challenging. A tad experimental, you might say. However, I found the energy infectious and the performers’ athleticism quite remarkable. Not your typical story ballet, but absolutely thrilling and very, very modern. Let's say, definitely a performance for the more daring among us!
No matter how daring and exciting, a ballet enthusiast like me can’t be without a dash of romance, and that brought me to **New York City**, specifically to see the **American Ballet Theatre’s** production of **Giselle**. You all know I adore a classic romance, and this one didn't disappoint. It was truly the most romantic performance of the season. It is a story that continues to enchant generation after generation. **Ethan Stiefel’s** Albrecht, the charming and, alas, duplicitous hunter, stole my heart (or at least left me with a twinge of longing). And then, darling, **Gelsey Kirkland's** Giselle... just magnificent. A complete transformation from the fragile innocent to the passionate, vengeful wilis! Pure dramatic genius. Simply breath-taking. She completely possessed the role!
After a whirlwind tour of major ballets around the world, I was in dire need of some indulgence, and what better way to pamper oneself than a trip to **Milan** to catch a **La Scala** performance. I opted for their staging of **Romeo and Juliet**. The sheer grandeur and dramatic flourish of the whole performance - absolutely divine. Prokofiev’s** score, full of drama and emotion, beautifully accentuated every nuanced gesture, and the costumes were lavish, decadent. The final pas de deux had the whole theater mesmerized. A love story that always touches the heart!
But enough about performances, darlings. One must also address the **rising stars of the ballet world**, those young dancers whose talent shines bright like a new diamond in the sky. I've had my eye on several upcoming dancers, and one that caught my eye was the **exquisite young dancer, Marie Dubois.** She's in the **Dutch National Ballet**, and let me tell you, this darling has an exceptional grace. I saw her in their production of **Sleeping Beauty** and was completely captivated. Her Aurora was pure magic, an absolute delight to watch. The sheer confidence with which she carried herself in such a difficult role is a sign of a truly gifted dancer. And then, her feet, oh, her feet! Simply flawless!
And while we're on the subject of emerging talent, a **ballet class** that left me absolutely smitten was **Dance in the City** in **London’s Soho district.** The studios are all housed in an exquisite art deco building, and I felt completely at home. But even more important is the vibrant atmosphere, filled with diverse and passionate dancers who are eager to learn. You truly feel the shared joy of movement and passion for the art form. Oh, and darling, don’t forget their exquisite ballet shoes shop downstairs, oh my!
Speaking of ballet shops, you simply must see the **stunning selection of new balletwear** for this spring season. Forget those mundane pink leotards, darlings, the latest collections are all about exquisite silhouettes, vibrant colours, and stunning textures. Some of my favorites are the new line by **Ballet Diva** (that sleek, figure-hugging silhouette, divine!), and the wonderfully whimsical creations of **Belle de Jour**. You know me, darling, I can’t resist a splash of colour, so the gorgeous shades of emerald and sapphire, and those luxurious fabrics! Oh my, they make my heart flutter just thinking about them!
To end on a final note of excitement, this coming year marks the return of the **"Dance on Screen"** season at **The National Film Theatre in London**, which always features some fascinating documentaries and ballets from around the world. Don't miss this chance to indulge your inner ballet devotee, darling!
So there you have it, my dear friends, a taste of the dance world. It’s an adventure, a passion, a way of life! And as always, remember to keep an eye on my next entry, where we’ll be taking a look at some upcoming fashion shows with a delightful ballet twist! Until then, my loves, keep your tutus tight and your movements fluid!
Adieu for now,
Your very own,
Xanthe.