Darlings! September already! Where has the summer gone? Honestly, it's all a blur of dazzling performances and glamorous soirées. My diary is bursting with snippets of breathtaking ballet, from the vibrant colours of Tokyo to the elegant opulence of Paris. Of course, London never disappoints. There's a reason we are the centre of the world, you know.
I confess, my darlings, I am quite partial to a splash of the dramatic. And this month, we've certainly had our fill of it. The Bolshoi has been thrilling audiences in Moscow with their latest production of "Swan Lake." I adore the tragic, eternal love story and this production, oh darling, it simply drips with romance. Natalia Osipova, a truly magnificent ballerina, embodies the duality of Odette and Odile with a mesmerising fluidity. And the choreography, simply exquisite! You have to experience it to truly grasp the full glory. I'm told, even Putin has been enjoying himself there, can you imagine!
The Paris Opera, my absolute favourite spot for a ballet fix, had a particularly delightful surprise in store for us. A newly commissioned piece by Benjamin Millepied, entitled "Reflections." Modern and bold, with breathtaking sets and costumes by the wonderful Rei Kawakubo, it felt like a dance interpretation of a vintage Japanese anime film. The dancers, oh they were divine, floating through the air like exquisite butterflies, it was almost impossible to tear my eyes away. Honestly, the performance stayed with me for days. Absolutely divine!
And then, there's the joy of discovering fresh talent. Over in London, the Royal Ballet staged a new production of "Cinderella," a darling piece, a real delight. I have to say, my dear, I was simply enchanted by the portrayal of Cinderella, by young Miss Amelia Watson, such poise and such brilliance, you simply cannot take your eyes off her! Her every gesture is perfection, her elegance a joy to behold. She's one to watch for sure, this is her moment! She danced with such passion and such depth. Even I, seasoned ballet fan that I am, had a tear or two welling in my eyes at the final pas de deux. The choreography was simply beautiful, and the set was utterly magical, truly fit for a fairytale.
Speaking of enchanting settings, have you all been to see "Giselle" at the English National Ballet? The costumes, the setting, it was like stepping right into a bygone era. The company did a beautiful job of weaving in a delicate story of a doomed romance and the supernatural world of the Wilis, leaving you both captivated and slightly spooked. I particularly adored the choreography of the "Wilis," their movements truly eerie and mesmerising, beautifully orchestrated! But alas, the final scene left me utterly heartbroken.
A quick stop back to London for a delicious lunch at The Ivy and a little spot of window shopping in Mayfair before catching a "Swan Lake" at the English National Ballet. It's the traditional ballet that always delights and satisfies. A beautiful production, my dears, showcasing the versatility of the English National Ballet and a truly enchanting performance from the corps de ballet.
I found myself transported to a land of exquisite artistry and emotion, lost in a world of fleeting beauty. But this season, darling, we must be thinking about the future of ballet. It was exciting, this month, to see some truly unique voices being celebrated. I'm talking about the rise of independent, non-traditional dance companies, showcasing cutting-edge and challenging work.
Now, this is a hot topic, and there is plenty of chatter about it at our darling ballet school. Let's start with the extraordinary performance "Under the Skin," by a newly formed group called the "The Third Wave". It's not your classic ballet, oh no! It's a whirlwind of movement, a symphony of energy, featuring avant-garde choreography, pushing the boundaries, challenging convention. They dared to question the very essence of the art form. My dear, it's brave, daring and, some might say, utterly thrilling! It was an explosion of sound and colour, truly shocking in the most delightful way. The group was raw and bold, yet so precise and polished in their execution, they defied every expectation and, frankly, my dear, it left me gasping for breath.
Then, of course, we had the "Dancescape Festival" in Amsterdam. My dear, it was such a whirlwind, a delightful concoction of emerging talent from across Europe, an intoxicating blend of ballet, modern dance, contemporary styles, even a dash of circus arts thrown in for good measure. A complete sensory experience, leaving me mesmerised. And I must say, I spotted some real stars of the future - their choreographic vision and artistry were absolutely spellbinding, so captivating. You mark my words, these young dancers are on the rise, my dears.
My September ballet adventures brought me from the elegance of traditional forms to the excitement of avant-garde artistry, from the exquisite beauty of classic pieces to the exhilarating innovation of contemporary works. But what I adore most, darlings, is the feeling of being a part of this exquisite community, where artistry and talent come together to create a captivating experience that I, quite frankly, cannot live without. It truly feeds the soul, and as we gracefully step into autumn, I cannot wait to see what new delights are waiting for me.
This Month's Ballet GemsHere are some ballet highlights that you simply cannot miss this month:
- The Bolshoi's "Swan Lake" in Moscow - The breathtaking rendition of the tragic love story featuring the enchanting Natalia Osipova
- "Reflections" by Benjamin Millepied at the Paris Opera - Modern and daring, a visually stunning fusion of ballet and Japanese art. A feast for the eyes and soul!
- "Cinderella" at the Royal Ballet in London - Experience the enchanting charm of young talent Amelia Watson in a classic production with delightful magic and intricate choreography.
- "Giselle" at the English National Ballet - Be swept away by the poignant beauty of a doomed romance and the captivating performance of the eerie "Wilis." Prepare to be enthralled and heartbroken.
- "Under the Skin" by "The Third Wave" in London - A bold, daring, and truly breathtaking experience of cutting-edge contemporary choreography. It's not your traditional ballet, but it is utterly electrifying.
- Dancescape Festival in Amsterdam - An exhilarating journey of European talent. Prepare for a whirlwind of movement, styles, and innovative choreography from up-and-coming artists.
My dears, the life of a ballerina is full of dedication and glamour. This month I've been absolutely spoiled. I just had the most divine luncheon with Dame Margot Fonteyn, and let me tell you, the woman is still utterly radiant, a timeless beauty. I couldn't resist asking for advice. She confided in me the importance of resilience. This truly resonated with me. Ballet, darling, requires not only talent and hard work but also an immense capacity to persevere and adapt, to overcome even the most difficult challenges. Just like those dancers pushing boundaries at "Dancescape Festival"!
Another pearl of wisdom I was blessed to hear? A touch of humour is absolutely essential! She shared a delightful anecdote from a time she was dancing "Giselle," telling me how she forgot the next step and had to simply wing it! Thankfully, it turned out quite well and the audience never even noticed! Now, that is truly the grace and elegance of a ballet legend!
I am now en route to Rome to attend the grand gala, "A Night of Dance". You will not believe the outfits. I’ve had my wardrobe designed specifically for the event! Can't reveal what it is yet, of course! A secret, just between you and me, darling. But trust me, it's spectacular, quite an homage to the beauty and elegance of Rome! And you know, dear, I have been training harder than ever to make the most of it!
Until next month, my darlings, enjoy the dazzling performances and revel in the magic of the ballet. And remember, darling, with passion, elegance, and a touch of joie de vivre, we can all find a bit of ballerina within ourselves!