June's Choreographic Delights: A Ballerina's Diary
Darling, it's June already! The sun is finally shining, the air is buzzing with anticipation, and London is awash with the most divine fashion â it's simply a dream! Of course, a discerning ballerina's heart isn't solely dedicated to haute couture, no darling, there are masterpieces of a different kind that demand our attention: the exquisite, the intricate, the sheer brilliance of ballet. Let me share with you some of the most stunning choreographic offerings that have swept across the stage in the past month, making my heart pirouette with joy and my mind dance with appreciation.
First stop, the Royal Opera House, darling. What a treat! The Royal Balletâs latest production, "Giselle", was simply divine. We all know it's a classic, but the company has injected a new energy into the work, a subtle refinement that made the story both haunting and deeply moving. The choreography is, of course, exquisite. I must say that Alice Coppâs Giselle, so tragically vulnerable, completely broke my heart, and her partnering with the noble and tormented Albrecht (a wonderfully charismatic Marianela Nuñez) was simply perfection. Oh, and those ethereal Wilis! So captivating, I could have watched them drift across the stage for eternity.
The entire production felt deeply moving and beautifully staged with sets and costumes designed by Carolyn Brown that felt very classical with just a touch of modernity. The entire theatre was captivated - such an unforgettable evening.
Speaking of captivating, darling, I simply had to tell you about my visit to Paris for the "Bolshoi Ballet at the Opera Garnier" season. Let me tell you, this was a truly iconic moment. It was quite simply the Bolshoi at their finest. As the grand curtain rose on the stage of the magnificent Opéra Garnier, the breathtaking sets and dazzling costumes gave a true feel of being transported back to another time and place. It felt almost sacrilegious to watch something so exquisite but so thrilling!
The company danced flawlessly, their athleticism and power mesmerizing but it was the dancers' raw emotion that made this evening unforgettable. For me the highlights were the divine Ekaterina Krysanova as Juliet and the strong, passionate and powerful David Hallberg as Romeo in the âRomeo and Julietâ. Then we were transported to a darker more mystical realm by Olga Smirnova as a fierce and enchanting Giselle in âGiselle.â
And letâs not forget the sheer joy of seeing such exquisite dancers up close and personal in the "Bolshoi Gala" at the Opera Garnier! What an unforgettable evening - I had front-row seats, darling, and the energy and raw talent of the Bolshoi was intoxicating. To see these iconic dancers in such a dazzling, intimate setting â just unforgettable! I must say the evening culminated in a magical performance by the phenomenal and beautiful Natalia Osipova who gave a simply divine solo in a wonderful modern piece by Yuri Possokhov.
And while we are in France, I simply had to tell you about "L'Ătoile", a production I recently saw at OpĂ©ra Bastille. Oh, itâs a work I just couldnât tear myself away from - a beautifully danced production that reminded me of how captivating ballet can be when done well. I do adore how the work brings in the use of contemporary elements while keeping it classy, delicate, and light. Of course, the company danced beautifully and the sets, the costumes, even the lighting - so perfectly executed - and the use of live music always makes everything seem even more special. The whole evening was an aesthetic treat and had my mind reeling long after the final curtain had fallen!
But itâs not all grand European theatres and staggering classical ballets that deserve a place in this diary, no darling. There is a plethora of wonderful performances to be found just a short distance from my Covent Garden apartment.
One afternoon, I took a stroll along the river Thames to find myself captivated at Sadler's Wells by a wonderfully intimate and beautifully-choreographed "Le Sacre du Printemps." It was choreographed by the delightful Akram Khan, who is quickly becoming one of my favorite contemporary choreographers - such powerful energy in his pieces and this production didnât disappoint! It had everything a dancer needs: technical mastery, passion, and sheer power.
And let me not forget, my dear, that gem of a production at The Place, where I saw "Dances on a Small Stage", an afternoon filled with such elegant and charming ballets that just made my heart sing. A lovely evening of intimate performances with so many new and diverse choreographers, who had all worked with incredible talent and grace.
Speaking of new and diverse talents, you simply must see the choreographer's and dancerâs talent of the next generation at the Royal Ballet School's summer performances! I managed to secure tickets at the last minute. It is simply a must for any discerning dancer! To see these students perform with such a beautiful level of artistry was just remarkable! So many talented dancers and such wonderfully refreshing choreography. The highlight for me was seeing the school's student choreographers take to the stage - such brave and imaginative talent â it was like seeing the future of ballet taking flight!
Then I must confess I felt obligated to see the very avant garde "Royal Balletâs âThe Rite of Spring",â in a performance that, Iâll admit, left me a tad puzzled - an interpretation by Wayne McGregor in his iconic and much talked about piece that, Iâll admit, didn't fully resonate with me. Some call it an innovative, modern masterpiece, but I found myself preferring the sheer elegance of Nijinskyâs original. However, the company's ability to dance these contemporary works with such strength and clarity of purpose did leave me quite impressed - the commitment from the dancers and choreographers is clearly evident!
There has been so much wonderful dance to be seen in June - it's been simply overwhelming! Oh, I am not going to lie - I did make a slight faux pas - I managed to book tickets to see âDon Quixoteâ at the English National Ballet, for a date that simply slipped my mind - oh dear! Well, let's say that when it comes to keeping my dance diary in order, itâs not always as impressive as the grand performances that inspire it.
But you know whatâs next, my darling! I shall have a little catch-up session with "Birmingham Royal Ballet at the Sadlerâs Wellsâ next week with the beautiful, and ever-so-charming, Carlos Acosta as Don Quixote! Now, thatâs a ballet spectacle I certainly will not miss! So there we are darling â my Juneâs Ballet diary - what a joy!
Now let's all hope Julyâs diary is just as thrilling, but perhaps with a slightly slower pace so I donât lose my way again - darling!
Yours with the lightest of footsteps,
[Your Name]
(Ballerina and, if you like, your own job title)