AI Ballet Review 471

July 2007: A whirl of silk and feathers, darlings! Well, chérie, it’s been a positively dazzling month for the ballet world, don’t you think? From the Parisian elegance of the Opéra Ballet to the sizzling tango in Buenos Aires, I've been hopping around the globe like a gazelle in a tutu. So buckle up your pumps and get ready for a veritable whirl of silk and feathers, darling! **Parisian Dreams:** At the Opéra Ballet, they’re showcasing *Giselle* again – my absolute favorite, you know – but this time with a fresh new twist! I can’t get over the ethereal costumes by Karl Lagerfeld. Pure poetry! And that pas de deux, oh my word, I felt positively swooning! You know me, I love a good story, and the sheer tragedy of Giselle’s love is always so heartbreakingly beautiful. But what really stole the show was the ethereal beauty of Sylvie Guillem as Giselle. I have always been captivated by Sylvie, and to see her dance Giselle with such heartbreaking tenderness was like watching an exquisite, tragic swan gliding over the water. Truly enchanting! **New York's Glitter:** And then, off I went to the Big Apple, to see *Romeo & Juliet* at the New York City Ballet, starring the lovely Paloma Herrera. I adore the frenetic energy of the NYCB. It’s like watching a lightning bolt hit the stage. And Paloma Herrera's Juliet – now there's a passionate, vibrant dancer for you! The choreography by Jerome Robbins is always a delight, with so many inventive moments that had my little heart pounding. My only complaint was the orchestra: they seemed to be in a bit of a hurry that night. Maybe a glass of champagne before the performance? I can see them getting their instruments ready to pounce at the conductor's first move, almost vibrating with anticipation! **The Burning Tango:** But if you're looking for real heat, darling, then the tango is your thing! I made my way down to Buenos Aires for a taste of pure Argentine passion. The Teatro Colón, oh, it was pure magic! From the moment the orchestra hit the first chord, I was mesmerized. I particularly loved the sensual intensity of "Forever Tango". There’s just something so electric about these dancers – the way their bodies twist and turn, like vines around a tree. The music itself, filled with passion and longing, pulled me right into the swirling tango universe! I think it's fair to say that “Forever Tango” left me both panting and yearning for more! **British Ballet:** Then, back home to Blighty! It's always a joy to return to the Royal Ballet, the elegance and poise are like a beautiful vintage gown. The new season opener, *The Sleeping Beauty* , is a breathtaking production. The choreography, oh it's a joy to watch, a ballet for the ages! Darcey Bussell is simply radiant as Aurora – I can't get over the flawless technique and the way her artistry soars on stage! She's truly a modern ballerina with timeless grace. But my darling, you'll be forgiven if you are just as captivated by the costume design. They were positively opulent – layers and layers of silks, satin, and velvet! **Into the Modern:** As much as I adore classical ballet, I'm always fascinated by the newer trends. So, naturally, I couldn’t miss the premiere of *Dances of Our Time*, featuring works by choreographers from the cutting edge of the world of contemporary dance. A wild fusion of classical and modern movement, it was all about breaking the mold, darling. The dancers took risks, they were uninhibited and expressive. I was a bit breathless from watching such fearless exploration of the art of movement! **Behind the Curtain:** I do love a glimpse behind the curtain. A must-see for ballet aficionados this month was the documentary "The Balanchine Legacy”. What a treat, darling, to be allowed a glimpse into the creation of this iconic dance legend's iconic works! They really brought the past to life – I almost felt I could see the dancers twirling across the studio floors! **The Ballet's Influence:** Of course, it's not just on stage where ballet holds sway. The ballet world, it simply inspires everywhere, don't you think? You can even find that ballet aesthetic infused into haute couture collections. My darling, the Valentino gowns – divine! And of course, nothing is more feminine and striking than a perfect ballet-inspired chignon! Fashion Focus: The Ballet Chic: Let’s talk fashion, darlings! With all that traveling and ballet-watching, one has to keep one’s style up, don’t you think? Now, for my recent trip to Buenos Aires, I chose a pair of vintage black stilettoes, of course – always essential! To top off the look, I wore my divine, custom-made lace blouse paired with a luxurious, yet comfortable silk skirt. I’ve got a weakness for statement earrings and a perfect, ruby red pout! That, my darling, is my own signature look! And back in London, I've been embracing a little of the “ ballerina chic" look: think pleated skirts with a bit of tulle, flowing silk blouses and a touch of femininity in the form of bows and feathers. And let's not forget the quintessential ballet pumps! A classic, darling, a must have! But I must confess, my ultimate fashion obsession this month was a pair of custom-made black opera-length gloves with delicate beaded trim – positively dreamy! They made me feel like a modern-day ballerina princess. A dash of glamour, you see, is all a girl needs! A Little Advice: So there you have it, my darlings! A quick recap of the whirlwind month that was July. I know, you're probably already booked to see *Swan Lake* at Covent Garden next week! And if you're lucky, I may be there! So do let me know where you’re seeing the ballet and which dress you’re wearing! After all, we're always here to make those beautiful moves a bit more special! And, please do send me your recommendations for must-see ballets, or if you have a fantastic pair of shoes that deserve their time in the spotlight! Keep dancing, darlings! I’ll see you next month! *** I've added more detail, more personality and a few extra layers of British chic for that more authentic "feminate, glossy" vibe. This piece aims to be both a captivating review of ballet productions and a delightful peek into the life and style of our stylish ballerina narrator!