AI Ballet Review 457

## The Dance Diary: May 2006 My darlings, It's been a whirlwind of tutus and tiaras this month, whisking me from the hallowed halls of Covent Garden to the vibrant stages of the Bolshoi. And my, how they're both holding their own in this dazzling season of balletic brilliance. First, darling, let's delve into the enchanting realm of Covent Garden. Their production of **Swan Lake** is absolutely exquisite! I mean, who can resist the sheer poetry of Tchaikovsky's music, woven with the haunting transformation of the Swan Queen? • The ever-so-brilliant Darcey Bussell, simply radiant, captures both the delicate innocence of Odette and the smoldering, wicked power of Odile. Her leaps are as effortless as a feather, and her extensions could rival those of the very swans she embodies. • The performance by Ivan Putrov, however, was somewhat lackluster. Perhaps the weight of the Prince's role simply didn't quite sit right with him. I felt a certain flatness to his portrayal, though it was all expertly executed, as is always the case. But, dearest readers, you can't go wrong with the Royal Ballet; the company moves like silk spun under a velvet moon, their precision, a breathtaking symphony of grace. • Then, on a lighter note, I attended **A Midsummer Night's Dream** at the Royal Opera House, a ballet I absolutely adore. This production, bursting with charm, brought a smile to even the most jaded of faces. The fairy's dance was positively captivating, with those delicate tutus and exquisite footwork, you really feel you're in the enchanted forest itself. • I also must rave about **Alice's Adventures in Wonderland**, the English National Ballet's creation which captivated everyone. You know my dear, this enchanting production is truly a work of art. Not just the choreography by Wayne McGregor - which is truly innovative, full of unpredictable beauty and bursts of brilliant energy - but also the spectacular set and costume designs. They transported me to a whimsical wonderland, where a curious Alice leaps through a magical looking-glass. Now let's cross the Channel, my loves, and jet to Moscow, where the Bolshoi Ballet held court. You simply can't talk about ballet without mentioning this legendary institution, and their performances are legendary. • I was particularly taken with **Don Quixote**, a production that showcased the magnificent technique of the Bolshoi's stars. Natalia Osipova is simply captivating! Her grace and power, the lightness and energy of her dance, is absolutely breathtaking! I also was thoroughly charmed by Dmitri Belenkov; he’s truly a prince amongst men. • The entire production oozed a classic charm, perfectly reflecting the spirit of this grand ballet. Every turn and leap spoke of an ancient tradition. The sheer virtuosity of these dancers was captivating - the Bolshoi is certainly not a place to look away from for even a moment. On a slightly different note, the choreographic extravaganza by choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, titled **Myth**, held its own unique spell. A ballet born out of myth, folklore, and ancient ritual, it takes the viewer on a profound journey into the depths of the human psyche. The work itself was dark and mesmerizing. The movement was raw and unsettling. I had mixed feelings - but how captivating it was. From the romanticism of Tchaikovsky to the raw emotion of Cherkaoui, my dear, the dance world truly does offer a palette of captivating experiences. It's important to explore, to push the boundaries, to discover something new in every movement and every twirl. After all, that's what makes this art form so intoxicating. Next month, I plan on diving into the world of contemporary dance at the Barbican Center, and catching up with my favourite New York dance companies. But first, my dears, I have a date with a pair of pointe shoes and an oversized glass of something sparkling! Stay glamorous! Your beloved, [Ballerina’s Name]