Darling, oh darling, August has arrived, and with it, a flurry of dance productions around the globe! You'd think the summer heat would melt our tutus, but it's actually sparked a season of incredible performances that have truly taken my breath away. Let's have a little chinwag about them, shall we? A London Symphony: Royal Ballet's "The Sleeping Beauty" You know, I can never get enough of "The Sleeping Beauty," and the Royal Ballet's recent production in the grand old Covent Garden was utterly divine. My darlings, you really should have been there, the atmosphere was electric. It felt like stepping into a fairy tale, with its glorious sets and dazzling costumes. But oh, the dancing, a pure ballet ballet feast. Mariana Ricci was absolutely radiant as Aurora, her delicate leaps and effortlessly graceful extensions left the entire audience enraptured. And the Prince! I felt like I was witnessing a modern day prince charming - he had such an undeniable stage presence! Oh, it was quite a night of pure magic! Parisian Glamour: The Bolshoi's "Giselle" Let's just say that I was absolutely spoiled for choice this month, because the Bolshoi Ballet landed in Paris, performing none other than "Giselle" - the quintessential Romantic ballet! This production was quite the talking point with its dramatic lighting and passionate choreography, giving a fresh new interpretation to this classic story. And dearie me, Natalia Osipova's performance as Giselle simply left me breathless! The sheer emotional intensity in every pirouette and grand jeté was simply remarkable, and let me tell you, I wept like a little baby at the end, she was simply spellbinding. This ballet is truly a testament to the artistry and emotion that Russian dance holds. Barcelona's Blaze: “The Rite of Spring” Speaking of emotions, let’s journey to sunny Spain! It was absolutely essential for me to take a trip down to Barcelona and watch the exquisite National Dance Company of Spain present “The Rite of Spring.” The ballet’s stark yet captivating choreography – inspired by ancient rituals and human sacrifice– brought an exhilarating raw intensity to Igor Stravinsky’s music, completely drawing me into its wild and hypnotic atmosphere. And let’s not forget about the costumes – those were sensational. I felt a pang of envy! The Stars of the International Stage: Dance on Screen Of course, let’s not forget the magic of ballet that brings the world to us! A truly modern form of enjoyment that makes dance accessible to anyone with a screen. Now, you see darling, even though my dear love for attending live performances knows no bounds, I can’t travel everywhere. And so, my darling friend, this month's recommendation is “Dance on Screen.” What a wonderful opportunity to see incredible performers like Misty Copeland in “The Black Swan,” or even the enchanting Diana Vishneva! It’s simply wonderful! Something Different: A Dance Performance that Challenges Convention Of course, I can't speak about ballet in August without mentioning something a bit different, a little off the beaten track! Let me tell you, it’s been exciting watching modern ballet break away from tradition. I was particularly drawn to a show I saw in the bustling West End where I encountered the wonderful "Physical Graffiti” – an eclectic, genre-bending work exploring urban life in its myriad forms. It’s so captivating because it embraces diverse dance forms with vibrant energy. There's even street dance intertwined with classical ballet. My darling, it was like a riot of modernity – oh, so very interesting! A Celebration of Beauty: "La Sylphide" in Stockholm A new season in Stockholm was a necessity. A lovely long weekend exploring all that Stockholm has to offer. I just knew I had to see "La Sylphide" performed at the Royal Swedish Ballet, and I can’t tell you just how special this production was. It brought out a pure beauty and serenity that’s almost mystical. This is the magic of classic ballet at its best – it leaves you wanting more! The Enduring Power of Dance Whether it’s a classical production or a modern piece, a dance show always captures my soul, and I feel it captures the spirit of so many others. From its ability to transport us to another place or its simple joy to make us feel completely alive – that's why dance, in all its forms, continues to captivate us season after season. As I watch the sun set on this remarkable August month, I’m already yearning for more ballet, a world of enchantment that always promises new and unforgettable experiences. Till next month my darling, I leave you with a dance in your step.
