AI Ballet Review 431

## Darling, It's Ballet Time! March is upon us, and the air is positively humming with excitement, just like the thrum of a cello string! Oh, the joy! My dear darlings, we're diving headfirst into the vibrant world of dance, where the beauty of form and the exquisite artistry of the human body is brought to life. This month, my calendar overflows with breathtaking performances – I just had to share the very best of the ballet and performing arts world with you all! **Paris: The City of Love... and Swan Lakes** My journey began, as it always seems to, in the divine city of Paris. This month, I found myself utterly captivated by the ethereal beauty of the Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris's production of "Swan Lake". The Bolshoi may be known for its "Swan Lake," but this interpretation is something entirely different! It's just breathtaking! It’s romanticism unleashed. From the hauntingly beautiful choreography, which practically flows like liquid, to the elegant costumes, and let’s not forget, those incredibly talented dancers – it's pure perfection, my dears. They truly captured the very essence of Tchaikovsky's immortal masterpiece! I especially loved how they incorporated a modern twist with the choreography of the swan's final waltz; the light, yet precise movements were so hauntingly beautiful it sent a chill down my spine! I felt as though I were swept up in the story's drama, and you can imagine my delight when I managed to score an exclusive backstage glimpse! Ah, the dancers – they’re like little swan goddesses, their movement and expression perfectly intertwined. The way their costumes floated so effortlessly during the choreography left me speechless. If only we could capture the essence of that magic in this little review! **London: An Enchanting Evening at Covent Garden** From the City of Lights, I then jetted off to London, the city of fog, charm and, of course, exceptional ballet! My darlings, this time the stage at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden was transformed into a vibrant Arabian landscape. For “The Sleeping Beauty,” designer John Macfarlane created sets with intricate swirling patterns, and an utterly mesmerizing play of light. You have no idea, my dear, the breathtaking beauty! Each act transformed the stage, leading the eye deeper into the fairytale. This particular production had the beautiful Russian dancer Natalia Osipova in the lead role - quite simply radiant! Now, a little tip for you darlings, if you ever find yourselves lucky enough to be seated in the Royal Opera House's circle seats (which are surprisingly very affordable!), make sure to take a moment and take in the opulent details of the theatre’s grand décor, all beautifully illuminated. Even on nights when you’re not seeing ballet, the sheer architectural splendor of this historical theatre is worth every penny. **A Whirlwind of Elegance: New York, Milan, and More! ** I wasn't finished yet! I then journeyed on, feeling as excited as a ballerina twirling onto the stage! Next stop, New York, where I witnessed a truly spectacular evening with the American Ballet Theatre at Lincoln Center. Their contemporary rendition of "Giselle," re-imagined by Alexei Ratmansky for a modern audience, is not to be missed. There’s just something so deliciously dramatic about this version – the dark intensity is so intriguing, even the costumes are just beautiful! I felt the raw emotion of the performance so intensely - I don’t think I’ve ever been so moved. Then it was Milan. My dear darlings, it’s simply a fashionista's paradise – it’s full of sparkle, glamor, and of course, dancing! The Teatro alla Scala - now that is a treat for the senses. As a passionate fan, I absolutely adored “La Traviata," the drama, the costumes, the passionate melodies and of course, the beautifully orchestrated dance, so evocative, you could simply be transported right into the performance! And from the fashion capital, I went straight on to Tokyo for the ever-wonderful, Tatsuki Company, known for their incredible, avant-garde modern choreography, using Japanese dance styles to create some truly unforgettable visual and emotional impact. But my lovelies, I didn't stop there. I also enjoyed some beautiful, smaller performances, showcasing some incredibly talented individuals who were equally mesmerizing to watch! Just in time, my dear! These dancers are the future of ballet - they move with such power and finesse, and a natural elegance I found inspiring, they captured my heart, and I’m sure yours too. Just as important are the smaller independent studios, ballet schools, and performance spaces popping up all over the globe. These vibrant spaces are the perfect haven to watch the next generation of dancers truly bloom into the world, with a passion, joy, and sheer technical prowess that makes it all feel so effortless and full of grace, they really capture your attention and steal the show! Here's a little sneak peek at a few of the most intriguing, and very important, moments from the month's performances. **Rising Stars** The ballet world has many budding stars that will have a big future - this month, there were some really lovely performances, so here are just a few who caught my eye. * The delightful young soloist with the San Francisco Ballet, Amelia Jordan. She possesses an amazing technical ability and radiates an ethereal elegance. * From the world of Contemporary Dance, the exciting, strong, and absolutely charismatic, Christopher Marquez! He is the new Artistic Director of The New York Dance Theatre and his choreographic creativity is inspiring. He is just one of many incredible young dance professionals shaking up the current contemporary dance scene and really bringing fresh new ideas to life. **A new Ballet? Darling!** My dears, I just have to share the joy. I found myself captivated by a performance that reminded me of how captivating a beautiful ballet can be – and no, I am not talking about a new production of Swan Lake, though of course that is always an option - I mean a ballet created entirely anew from the ground up! * I was so excited to watch the premier of "Nocturne," a collaboration between the visionary choreographer Twyla Tharp and the composer Philip Glass. It is a unique blend of the contemporary with the classic balletic aesthetic. Just a beautiful combination of the familiar with a bit of unpredictable twist, with a truly innovative, yet moving style that was really something special. I feel confident it will be a hit for years to come. **Beyond the Dance: Fashion's Inspiration** My dears, we cannot ignore the incredible link between ballet and fashion - a love affair that continues to capture the imagination and to influence trends throughout the world. Just take a look at the newest Haute Couture shows in Paris! Designers have been using ballet-inspired silhouettes for a while now - the sheer lightness, the elegant drapery, and the fluid movements in the way garments move over the body in beautiful patterns. And let's not forget, the power of tulle, the beauty of delicate and vibrant color, the flowing movements of the dresses – it's simply captivating. * This season I especially loved the Chanel Haute Couture show - Karl Lagerfeld simply outdid himself with his beautiful homages to the history of the ballet! It’s simply wonderful. **Dance and Theatre in Perfect Harmony ** Of course, there’s always the beautiful overlap of theatre, dance and art! The sheer theatrical elegance, and beauty of ballet’s performances makes it the perfect art form to combine with many other artistic avenues. This month I discovered the beautiful collaboration of two incredibly talented artists - and this collaboration is definitely a MUST see. * The London theatre production of "Peter Pan" by the award-winning, British choreographer Matthew Bourne, is something very special, It takes a classic fairy tale and brings it to life on stage. The magical combination of ballet, music and storytelling – it’s something incredibly unique, that has the potential to transport you to another world! I simply had to see it twice. **Final Curtain Call** March has been such a whirlwind, my dears. The sheer passion that shines through in each and every performance has me simply brimming with enthusiasm. Whether you're a devoted aficionado or simply fascinated by the art of movement, there’s truly something special for everyone to discover in the wonderful world of ballet and dance! As the month winds down, I hope to have filled your days with the same passion and beauty that these shows filled mine. And, my lovelies, let's raise a glass to the ongoing, delicate and enduring power of the ballet – a gift to us all.