Oh, darlings! The air is positively electric with excitement this month. From the stately halls of Covent Garden to the vibrant pulse of New York, the dance world is positively bursting with brilliance. As always, it's my divine duty to report on the absolute must-sees, the gems that truly glitter. So, put on your highest heels, pour yourself a glass of something bubbly, and settle in for a delightful journey through the most breathtaking performances this October.
The Royal Ballet, London: Swan Lake, a timeless classic
Oh my, what can one say about this iconic masterpiece? Swan Lake at Covent Garden is simply breathtaking. Of course, the story itself, that heart-wrenching tale of love, betrayal, and swan-like transformation, is eternally compelling. But what truly takes my breath away is the exquisite artistry on stage. I adored Alina Cojocaru's Odette/Odile. Her technical precision is phenomenal, and her portrayal of the dual roles, the innocent, pure swan and the seductive, mischievous Black Swan, is utterly mesmerizing. Alina's performance is so utterly compelling, one feels transported to another world. It is quite a magical feeling, dear friends. The corps de ballet, in their perfectly synchronized movements, weave their own story of the lake, creating a mesmerizing symphony of movement. Their swan costumes, so elegant and fluid, add to the enchantment. I must also commend the exquisite work of the Royal Ballet orchestra under the baton of their very talented conductor. The music is quite simply exquisite and the perfect accompaniment to this most stunning production. If you’re a lover of the classic ballets, do try to see it at the Royal Opera House if you can.
New York City Ballet, The Diamond Project: Sparkling gems
A veritable explosion of color and brilliance, that's what you can expect from The Diamond Project at New York City Ballet! The project features brand new works by some of the most acclaimed contemporary choreographers. I just adore a bit of cutting edge choreography, darling! These pieces are a breath of fresh air, challenging traditional notions of ballet while pushing the boundaries of creativity. Of course, I couldn't resist getting my fill of the ballets featuring the dynamic Ashley Bouder and Joaquin de Luz. Now, Ashley, well, she is such an absolute stunner! A vibrant and expressive dancer with such effortless grace and Joaquin’s athleticism is captivating. A true star on the rise. The whole experience left me positively glowing!
If you're craving something new, exciting, and truly avant-garde, then this show is an absolute must-see!
San Francisco Ballet: The Rite of Spring: A Masterpiece Resurrected
I must confess, darlings, "The Rite of Spring" is a ballet that truly does have the power to move you, even to shock you! You have to see this spectacular performance, just be sure to keep a hankie handy! It's an explosive cocktail of raw emotion, primal energy, and powerful dance that leaves you absolutely spellbound. This revival of Stravinsky's masterwork is truly something else! The intensity of the dancers is astounding and I applaud them, darling!
This performance has just the right amount of "je ne sais quoi." Just perfection!
Miami City Ballet: A Midsummer Night's Dream: Enchantment under the Stars
Escape to the magical world of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream! Miami City Ballet has woven their artistry onto the stage, captivating audiences with a production filled with humor, grace, and of course, those ever so magical fairy tale characters, darling! I felt transported to the moonlit forest of Oberon, Titania, and all their playful creatures. The dancing is truly ethereal. This performance had me swooning, not just for the dreamy choreography but also for the gorgeous costumes designed for this production, especially those frothy fairies with their delicate wings. They simply radiated enchantment.
A peek behind the scenes, darlings:
- I simply have to tell you, I’m such a huge fan of Sylvie Guillem. This incredibly talented dancer and she is one of the world’s most accomplished. She has announced her retirement, and the dance world is in mourning. To celebrate her remarkable career, the Bolshoi Theatre hosted a "Guillem's Gala," featuring legendary dancers of her generation. A star studded affair, I am sure!
- The ballet world is buzzing about a fascinating new exhibition. "Ballet in Vogue: Portraits from the Dance Collection by Cecil Beaton" has just opened in London's V&A. The collection features a fascinating, almost nostalgic glimpse of a bygone era in ballet with some utterly iconic photos and I must have one or two. The show really makes you want to take up vintage ballet! Don't forget, darlings, my little trick of wearing silk satin with sequins in my dance classes really captures the vintage style.
- And last, but not least! An exciting premiere: The New York Times’ dance critic Alastair Macaulay was the focus of “Alastair’s Diary.” It's not often that you see dance criticism turned into a captivating stage show, but here it is! The dance company "Ballet Beyond Words" premiered its new dance production featuring excerpts from Macaulay's blog - the world of ballet revealed.
A Danceable Autumn
October is always a time for new beginnings, dear friends! Whether you're starting new ballet classes, exploring new studios, or venturing out to discover some exquisite performance, I hope you embrace this vibrant, dance-filled month with as much joy as I do! Remember, darlings, a bit of magic is waiting for you on the stage! I’m off to grab my ballet shoes. This dance lover’s season is officially on.