September, darling, is simply the most divine time of the year! The air crackles with the promise of autumn, the colours are just starting to shift to warm, buttery hues, and the world of ballet is bursting with exhilarating new productions and thrilling revivals. Let's just say, darlings, my dance card is absolutely overflowing, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Firstly, darling, you absolutely *must* catch the **Royal Ballet**'s production of **Swan Lake**. Oh, the drama, the intrigue, the aching beauty! The dancers, simply flawless - they practically soar over the stage with such effortless grace, each turn, each arabesque is a masterpiece of elegance. The new Odette/Odile is simply exquisite - a vision of vulnerability and grace. And the corps de ballet? Well, let's just say it's a sheer joy to witness their synchronized movements.
Speaking of London, **The Royal Opera House** has also been serving up some absolutely **delicious** treats. I had the utter pleasure of watching a revival of **The Sleeping Beauty**, and, my darlings, I can't even begin to express how absolutely enchanted I was. The music is exquisite, the costumes breathtaking, and the dancing - oh, the dancing! It’s practically like watching a fairy tale unfold on stage. Each dancer brings such a depth of emotion and physical grace, you truly lose yourself in their performances.
And let's not forget **New York**, the capital of, dare I say it, cool. It's always exciting to see the **New York City Ballet** bring something fresh and thrilling to the table, and their **Fall For Dance Festival** certainly doesn’t disappoint. A wonderful mix of established companies and rising stars, it’s a testament to the sheer range and talent that exists in the world of ballet.
If you find yourself in the **City of Angels** (Los Angeles, of course!), I'd urge you to see the **American Ballet Theatre** in their exquisite production of **Giselle**. This is simply a must-see for anyone who enjoys a captivating drama and an emotional story. And with a phenomenal cast of leading dancers and a dazzling set design, you won't be disappointed.
Beyond the established giants of the ballet world, there are some absolute gems shimmering on the smaller stages around the globe, darlings.
- The Danish Royal Ballet in Copenhagen always delivers with captivating, innovative performances that blend contemporary and classical elements, and this month, their **new work by choreographer Wayne McGregor**, featuring the stunning and artistic **Mariinsky Ballet’s Diana Vishneva**, is one I *simply* must get to!
- Nederlands Dans Theater in The Hague continues to push the boundaries of dance, and their upcoming piece exploring the evolution of our world is said to be an absolute *must-see*.
- The stunning, innovative creations by the Ballet Preljocaj in France are something *extraordinary*, so chic and contemporary, and their piece based on a poem by Baudelaire this month sounds like a complete *masterpiece*.
- I hear **Stuttgart Ballet**, led by the ever so divine **Reid Anderson**, is on fire with a beautiful new interpretation of **Swan Lake**! They just *know* how to put a sophisticated twist on classics!
- And last but not least, a definite highlight for me - the annual **Ballet International Festival** in **Montreal** promises to showcase the world's best. The **competition** alone is something spectacular. I must be there to witness all the excitement and support the young dancers taking the world by storm!
My darling friends, if you're anything like me, the world of ballet holds an almost sacred magic. It's about much more than simply watching beautiful bodies move on stage. It’s about art, about human expression, about capturing the essence of emotion and the joy of physical prowess in a way that's truly exhilarating.
As I say, this September is a whirlwind of exciting performances. My dance card is full, my diary overflowing, and my heart - well, it's simply filled with anticipation, darling, for what’s to come in the wonderful world of dance!