Darling, February has begun, and with it, the promise of breathtaking ballet performances. This month, we're whisking you away to a whirlwind of ethereal artistry and graceful storytelling, with reviews from dazzling New York to enchanting Paris. Put on your finest tiara and settle in for a tĂȘte-Ă -tĂȘte with some of the world's most captivating ballet spectacles.
The Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London
Darling, there is nothing quite like a ballet night at Covent Garden, and this month is no exception. I was positively thrilled by the revival of Frederick Ashtonâs **La Fille Mal GardĂ©e**. The charmingly rural setting of this story was truly brought to life by the stunning scenery, while the choreography showcased the brilliance of the Royal Balletâs principals. The dancing was simply exquisite, especially from the luminous Marianela Nuñez and the effortlessly graceful Vadim Muntagirov. The comedic moments had the audience roaring with laughter â itâs truly a performance for everyone.
Now, my dear, letâs take a trip across the pond, to the Big Apple where the ballet world is as glittering as Times Square.
New York City Ballet, Lincoln Center, New York City
At the heart of New Yorkâs cultural scene, the New York City Ballet never fails to deliver a mesmerizing spectacle. This month, their program featured an intriguing juxtaposition of established classics and daring new works. Jerome Robbinsâ **Dances at a Gathering** is an undeniable masterpiece. Itâs a poignant piece that speaks to the beauty and the fleeting nature of time. The movement flows effortlessly, creating a visual poem that leaves you feeling both exhilarated and profoundly moved. Then we had Christopher Wheeldonâs **Polyphony**, which was an electrifying demonstration of raw energy and exquisite precision. It was almost as if the dancers were playing a game of human chess! Wheeldon's style is utterly modern, yet it carries a certain vintage grace â I found myself truly captivated.
Now, let's shift gears and explore a different kind of ballet experience. My darling, the Paris Opera Ballet never fails to leave me enchanted.
Paris Opera Ballet, Palais Garnier, Paris
One simply can't talk about ballet in February without acknowledging the exquisite productions in Paris. The grandeur of the Palais Garnier, the heart of the Paris Opera, sets the scene for a breathtaking evening. This month, I was enthralled by **The Sleeping Beauty**. A truly iconic classic! The dancers were mesmerizingly precise and full of fairytale charm. The final scene, with the magical transformation, was like stepping into a beautifully-wrought dreamscape. And speaking of dreamscapesâŠ.
The National Ballet of Canada, Four Seasons Centre, Toronto
In Canada, they are also doing exciting things. The National Balletâs program this month featured a rare production of **Giselle** set to the original 1841 score by Adolphe Adam. My darling, let me tell you, the music added such a delightful dimension! You could truly feel the romance in every gesture, the raw emotion in every leap. This production is not to be missed.
Beyond the Ballet
Beyond the traditional repertoire, the dance world this month also showcases captivating dance shows around the globe. *La Biennale di Venezia 2007 - The Contemporary Dance Sector
In Italy, I attended an absolute gem - the **La Biennale di Venezia**. Now, this is more than just a festival, darling - itâs a veritable whirlwind of artistic brilliance. I was lucky enough to catch the opening performances in the **Contemporary Dance Sector** â the creativity is simply off the charts! Thereâs this wonderful play on themes of identity, storytelling, and body politics, all delivered in beautifully raw, visceral movements that I found truly thought-provoking.
âBeyond Balletâ exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London
And closer to home, in Londonâs chic Victoria & Albert Museum, we have **Beyond Ballet**. This exhibition takes us on a chronological journey, tracing the evolution of dance from the Victorian era through the roaring twenties. The costumes are absolutely divine! They're on loan from private collectors and fashion houses and they offer such a captivating glimpse into fashionâs influence on dance. One dress in particular caught my eye, an exquisitely-beaded sequined creation from the early 1900âs â Itâs a true work of art. But darling, there's much more than fashion on display! This exhibition is a beautiful exploration of how dance has reflected and responded to societal shifts throughout history.
February - a month of enchanting performance
As February comes to an end, my dear, I know one thing for certain - the ballet world is alive with an exciting, ever-evolving spirit. There's a wealth of exquisite performances waiting to be discovered, each offering its own unique beauty. Whether it's a time-tested classic or something entirely unexpected, remember to always keep your eyes wide open and your mind alight with curiosity. Now, darling, go on â find a breathtaking performance near you, put on your finest dancing shoes, and revel in the magic of ballet. And while you're at it, donât forget to send me your review! Until next month, darling.