Oh darling! June is here!
Just as the Parisian streets come alive with blooms and sunshine, the world of ballet bursts with vibrant colours and new interpretations. Let's take a twirl through the season's highlights, shall we?
My darling, it simply had to be Paris that set the tone for this glorious June. I am absolutely positively swooning over Angelin Preljocaj's stunning revival of Le Sacre du Printemps at the Théâtre de la Ville. Such intensity, such visceral beauty! Those rhythmic and powerful movements in that minimalist setting - utterly mesmerising. It was a complete tour de force. As if the dancers were inhabiting the music itself. Imagine, darling, the choreography is entirely new, paying homage to Stravinsky’s masterpiece in a totally modern way. My darling, this was a ballet for the ages! I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Then of course there was New York, where the ethereal beauty of Natalia Osipova took my breath away. I confess, darlings, I was a little apprehensive about a reworking of Giselle. It is such a beloved ballet classic, after all. But she just danced the living daylights out of it! The ethereal delicacy with which she interprets this role is beyond exquisite, the anguish she conveys when she loses her mind and that final scene of sublime tragedy... truly heart-wrenching! And that incredible final leap as her life ebbs away. Oh, darlings, just utter perfection!
Speaking of Osipova, she was also dazzling in London in a production of Sergei Polunin's new work, Le Corsaire. I'm a great admirer of his bold artistic choices, my dears, and this work truly was something special. I just adored the way the entire production was a veritable feast for the eyes – a symphony of colour, exquisite costumes, and intricate, passionate choreography. And, as a seasoned dancer myself, let me tell you – it's a technically demanding performance that simply demanded an absolute show-stopping performance and Natalia was on fire. It was all about grace and elegance... simply unforgettable!
On the subject of elegance, darlings, can we talk about the new Misty Copeland film Turning Point. A must-see for every budding ballerina out there! It documents her rise to fame in such a moving and inspiring way. And her story is a real triumph - she wasn’t a natural dancer! A former model with no dance background, Misty worked hard to make her dreams a reality, proving that with hard work and perseverance anything is possible! My darlings, a must-see!
It's not all sweaty and balletic you know! In a whimsical and stylish change of pace, darling, my favourite performance this month has been the magnificent Cirkus Cirkör's Without Strings in Stockholm. Now this truly is an innovative and audacious spectacle of aerial artistry, acrobatic skills, and jaw-droppingly theatrical theatrics! I was simply enchanted by its powerful exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and transformation. Such incredible strength and beauty in each artist - so captivating! You know what, darlings, it was even a touch controversial as they tackle themes of gender, societal expectations, and self-expression with great daring, boldness and raw emotion. It was as if they were spinning a very complex narrative with each twist and turn of their bodies high above us in the air! Oh darling, just divine!
And a Little Gossip
Did you hear, my darlings, the rumour mill is a-churning! The world of ballet has been all abuzz, my darling! The whispers I'm hearing is that Rudolf Nureyev's legendary performance at the Paris Opera in Giselle is set for a stunning new production! The casting is already causing much speculation in the ballet world, my darling. Some say it will be the magnificent Sylvie Guillem taking on Giselle, and then the rumour is Tamara Rojo has been tipped for the role! This would be a breathtaking pairing and quite the triumph, indeed! Imagine, two such stunningly talented ballerinas. I’m so excited for this performance that I’ve booked tickets to see it a dozen times already! My darlings, it’s going to be explosive!
But enough with gossip and back to the stunning work itself. There is nothing I adore more, darlings, than a breathtaking new dance work. My dears, if you are planning on visiting the Royal Ballet in London this month, be sure to check out Wayne McGregor’s newest piece - Atlas, my darling! I’m sure you’ll simply love it - a captivating modern ballet exploration of the power and strength of the human form in motion.
Upcoming Shows to Put In Your DiaryIf you are lucky enough to have a trip to New York coming up my dears, make a note to check out The New York City Ballet's performance of Balanchine's Jewels, in all it’s dazzling glory.
- Now this is a truly spectacular production and it will simply enchant and enthral you, my darlings.
- A triple bill masterpiece exploring a range of musical styles – the elegant and intricate "Emeralds," the radiant "Rubies," and the elegant "Diamonds". It’s a show of remarkable artistry that has captured audiences’ hearts since its debut so make sure you pencil this in for the highlight of your New York City trip!
Of course, dear darlings, there are simply so many more shows to explore in this magnificent ballet season. If you need a helping hand to make a decision - just drop me a line and I’m happy to help my stylish darling friends.
A month like this demands some very stylish outfits, darlings, Don’t forget, dear, there are only a few weeks of spring left. We need to soak up every gorgeous sunbeam and stylish summer moment while we can! I hope to see you all at a show soon! Take care, darling and see you next month!