The July Edit: Dance Delights Around the Globe
Darling, July is upon us, and oh, how the dance world is simmering with exciting productions! It's a season for balletic brilliance, fiery flamenco, and theatrical wonders. Let's slip on our most exquisite ensembles and delve into the highlights of this glorious month, shall we?
London Calling: Where Elegance Meets Edge
The Royal Ballet's summer season, my dear, is a true feast for the eyes. I must confess, I was particularly enthralled by their revival of **The Sleeping Beauty**. The opulent sets, shimmering costumes, and the graceful athleticism of the dancers were simply breathtaking. Natalia Osipova's Aurora was ethereal, a delicate bloom amidst a riot of colour. The final pas de deux was pure magic, her every movement like spun sugar. And of course, who can forget the captivating performance of Carlos Acosta, his regal Prince Florimund truly bewitching!
If you're in the mood for a dash of modernism, The Royal Ballet's **Wayne McGregor's 'Infra'** will leave you spellbound. The abstract choreography and striking lighting effects are pure visual delight, demanding attention and stirring something deeply profound within. The athleticism of the dancers, their incredible leaps and sinuous movements, leave you utterly captivated.
And while I wouldn't miss out on a *Swan Lake*, you simply must also take a peek at **Royal Ballet's 'Manon'**, an achingly beautiful story of love and deceit. The music, oh darling, is simply divine! And Tamara Rojo, radiant in every way, embodies the duality of Manon with such raw emotion. Truly, a performance to leave you pondering long after the curtain falls.
Paris: Passion and Fire
A trip to Paris wouldn't be complete without an encounter with the enchanting art of flamenco! At the **Théâtre du Châtelet**, the legendary **Sara Baras** and her company mesmerized me with their fiery passion and rhythmic energy. Each flick of the wrist, each stamp of the foot, and each swirling skirt was an explosion of emotion, a captivating and visceral experience.
The **Opéra de Paris** also wows this month with **Giselle**. The ballet is such a classic, and in Paris, they elevate it to another level with exquisitely detailed costumes and sets that transport you back in time. But, it’s the passion and nuanced performance that really elevate this production - they leave you speechless. My favourite is the 'mad scene' in Act II, the agony and anguish is just heartbreaking.
Across the Pond: New York's Dance Gems
New York City Ballet is always at the top of its game, but their **Summer Season** is truly special this year. Their **Jerome Robbins' 'Dances at a Gathering' ** is a perfect blend of classical grace and modern fluidity. The way the dancers navigate the intricate choreography, so fluidly, so confidently, is simply inspiring. And the score, a delight to the ears! It’s pure bliss.
But if you prefer a good dose of humor and quirky delight, then **The Metropolitan Opera's ‘The Merry Widow’** is just your cup of tea! A sparkling tale of love and betrayal set against a backdrop of lavish balls and Parisian society, it’s the perfect antidote to life’s dreary moments. Prepare for lots of laughter, romance and dazzling costumes! And don't miss out on the gorgeous chorus dancers, my dears, their movements are divine.
Dancing to a Different Beat
Stepping away from the classical realm, we have **Pilobolus** who never cease to amaze with their innovative, contortionist dance theatre performances. Their **"Shadowland" ** at the **Baryshnikov Arts Center** is captivating! A mesmerizing combination of dance, shadow play, and storytelling. It’s visually stunning and emotionally resonant. Each performance is like a little masterpiece - you’ll feel completely immersed and enthralled.
The dance world truly blossoms this summer, my dears. From traditional ballets to modern interpretations and daring performances, there's something for everyone. It’s a symphony of movement, emotion, and spectacle, a joyous reminder of the sheer beauty and power of dance.
For a little extra extravagance…
After enjoying a captivating performance, nothing says "refined elegance" quite like a post-theatre supper at a beautifully decorated restaurant. Here are my top picks:
- London: The Ivy - quintessential London, where classic meets glamorous.
- Paris: La Mère Germaine - an iconic brasserie, a charming reminder of Parisian chic.
- New York: The Polo Bar - a touch of old world charm, ideal for soaking in the post-theatre ambience.
A touch of ballet magic at home:
- For a delightful read: "The Art of the Dance" by Mary Santoro - a collection of elegant photographs and insightful prose about the world of dance.
- To add a touch of glamour: "La Scala's" ballerina perfume, its subtle scent evokes the enchanting atmosphere of the theatre.
Darling, let's dance our way through this extraordinary summer. With so many performances captivating our hearts and captivating our eyes, this summer is guaranteed to be a memorable one.
Yours truly,
[Your stylish ballerina name]