Darling, let me tell you, this month has been simply divine for a ballet aficionado like myself. Iâve been flitting from stage to stage, from Londonâs hallowed Royal Opera House to the dazzling OpĂ©ra Garnier in Paris, experiencing an absolute feast for the senses. I simply must share my escapades with you all.
First up, London's Royal Opera House was the venue for the most fabulous revival of **Swan Lake**, with an all-star cast. The ethereal **Alina Cojocaru** was pure perfection as Odette/Odile, effortlessly gliding through the air with a vulnerability that stole your heart. **Marianela NĂșñez**, with her flawless technique, radiated an intense passion as the vengeful Odile, truly embodying the power of the black swan. And letâs not forget the majestic **Carlos Acosta**, as Prince Siegfried. He is the epitome of princely charm and grace. My darlings, I tell you, he could make me swoon. The lighting was truly spectacular, and the costumes exquisite. This rendition was not just a ballet, it was an experience! You can practically smell the lily-pond, taste the crisp air, and feel the desperation of a love betrayed. It left me breathless!
And speaking of breath-taking, I must gush over the mesmerizing **Sylvie Guillem** in Paris at the OpĂ©ra Garnier. She continues to enthrall audiences with her artistry and captivating performances. This time, she was in **In the Night**. Sylvie, in her late 40s, has an extraordinary magnetism on stage that defies description. It's that unyielding intensity and dedication that draws you in, holding your breath as she moves with a controlled fire, every movement perfectly honed and exquisitely balanced. Itâs quite frankly an artistic masterpiece. There was a sense of an unspoken journey through different shades of human emotion, and it resonated deeply. The audience held their breath throughout.
Moving on from the traditional, I ventured to the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, to indulge in the modern beauty of **âBolĂ©roâ**, a breathtaking collaboration by the renowned choreographer, **Wayne McGregor**, with costumes by the legendary designer **Issey Miyake**. Itâs the kind of performance that makes you want to gasp! I adored the minimalist set. It gave an amazing platform to the dancers, who, I might add, looked like they had stepped straight out of a haute couture show! It's not a show that leaves you untouched. It really challenges your perception of ballet. The music was simply divine! I just love **Stravinskyâs** masterpiece, and in **âBolĂ©roâ**, he becomes a central protagonist, not just a composer, the entire work unfolds with a crescendoing drama that left me speechless.
But this isn't about just admiring the stars, I am drawn to up and coming young talent as well! And the talent emerging from the Royal Ballet School, dear ones, is astonishingly brilliant. In their most recent gala, **"Rising Stars"**, I was dazzled by the extraordinary talent on display. Their âGrand Pas de Deuxâ from **Giselle** was just magical. These young ladies and gentlemen will be the stars of tomorrow. The energy, the talent, it truly takes you back to the golden age of ballet.
Back in Paris, I enjoyed a divine afternoon at the **OpĂ©ra de la Bastille**. What better way to spend a summer afternoon than with **"La BayadĂšreâ** at this majestic house? It is just magnificent and I truly enjoy a beautiful ballet in a stunning setting! My dear ones, just imagine, the soaring heights of the **Grand Pas de Deux**... You feel the story come to life before you, and the tragedy of **Nikiya** really hits home.
But the real standout performance of the month was undoubtedly **"Bolero"** by **Maurice BĂ©jart**, presented by the BĂ©jart Ballet Lausanne at the ThĂ©Ăątre du ChĂątelet in Paris. I felt truly honored to see this masterpiece, choreographed especially for Maurice by himself. It has a kind of timeless quality about it. Even though he is gone, the story of love and life unfolds with an elegance that befits the brilliance of this incredible dance company. The costumes are pure theatrical magic, a mix of luxurious silks and intricate patterns. A performance you truly feel within you for a long time. And if there's one ballet that truly encapsulates the glamour of summer, itâs this. Itâs about the ultimate embrace of the divine.
Now let me tell you, this whirlwind of performances has been tiring, but oh-so-inspiring! From the classic grand ballets of the past to the contemporary masterpieces of the present, this has been a month of pure ballet joy. And letâs face it, darlings, thereâs nothing more stimulating than being mesmerized by the athletic beauty, artistry, and grace of some of the most gifted dancers of our time! I simply cannot wait to see what the next month has in store. After all, the dance goes on!
Before I close, dear ones, I must mention the magnificent exhibition currently underway at Londonâs Tate Modern - **âHenri Matisse: The Cut-Outs"**. The exhibition celebrates Matisseâs revolutionary later years when he focused on these vibrant paper collages, making a significant statement in the world of art, akin to his ballet influence. This show is utterly delightful - it is color, life, and happiness made into tangible works of art. For me, it mirrors ballet's elegance and freedom in the expression of colour and movement. And if thereâs one thing the art world can learn from the dance world, it's the raw beauty of movement.
I shall leave you all to enjoy the final days of August darlings. Do make sure you get to see these productions whilst you still can.
I do hope you find this little ballet and arts guide useful.
Au revoir, my dears, and remember, âEvery day brings something new.â (As the saying goes!)
Until next time,
xxx