Oh, darling! May! The month that kicks off the most exciting ballet season. A whirl of feathers and tutus! With all the glittering events, it's been a right old dash about the globe for me. But donât worry, darlings, I'm ready to share all the juicy deets. From the opulence of the Bolshoi to the cutting edge of contemporary in New York, here's my take on what truly sent my heart fluttering this month. A Russian Affair: Moscow's Splendor Let's face it, there's nothing like a good old fashioned Russian ballet, and the Bolshoi, as ever, did not disappoint. Imagine this: velvet drapes, glistening chandeliers, the hushed anticipation of the crowd, then the magnificent **"Swan Lake"**. They say it was a revival but frankly, this wasnât just dancing, it was drama on pointe. The ethereal grace of Oksana Skorik, the dramatic force of David HallbergâŠwell, letâs just say I practically wept into my diamantĂ©-studded clutch. It was breathtakingly beautiful, like stepping into a fairytale. They were really doing the âfloating swanâ thing in the third act and, my darling, I nearly burst with joy!
But the Russians were not just playing it safe, darlings. They took a gamble with **âThe Bright Streamâ** by Dmitri Shostakovich. Itâs a daring piece with this wild, frenetic energy - a dance through Soviet life with all its drama, humour and longing. I know some found it a little messy, but the powerhouse choreography by Alexei Ratmansky just drew me in. Thereâs something so thrilling about the way he pushed those beautiful dancers to the limit, and they responded with every fibre of their being! Parisian Elegance and American Fire Then I was off to Paris, darling, the City of Lights! Thereâs this wonderful sense of artistry that's just infused into everything there. **The Paris Opera Ballet**, they just have such incredible classical technique - everything so clean and precise. Their performance of **âGiselleâ** had such a romantic edge - I loved the haunting use of light and shadow that they employed. It truly brought this tragic story to life. It was so captivating. But for a change of pace, I found myself in New York. The **New York City Ballet** has this amazing mix of modern and traditional which keeps you guessing. They were doing a new work by Christopher Wheeldon - **âAfter the Rainâ** . My dear, the emotions! It really got me thinking, the idea of lost love and remembering. The music was absolutely exquisite, so mournful and lovely. And Don't Forget The Dance Companies We Shouldn't Forget Then we have **The Royal Ballet**, always a favourite. A little more subdued, maybe, but **"La Bayadere"** was as vibrant and intricate as ever, those dancers - perfect precision! Their **"Romeo and Juliet"** however⊠well, a bit over the top, I thought, perhaps a touch too operatic. But the true highlight for me this month, darlings, was **"The Sleeping Beauty"** by the **English National Ballet.** Such dazzling sets, the costumes, darling - they were fit for a princess. The principal dancers, they were just magnetic - so incredibly powerful and graceful. It reminded me why I fell in love with ballet in the first place!
Oh darling, I nearly forgot! I took a quick trip to Copenhagen, for the **Royal Danish Ballet**âs **"The Nutcracker"** . You can't go wrong with that. They kept it sweet and magical. The beautiful dancers, such effortless flow. Their work reminded me of a sweet, delicate meringue, oh so enchanting and dreamy!
It really was an unforgettable month! But itâs time for this jetsetter to get some rest! But fear not darlings, next month promises to be even more fabulous. I can hardly wait! Stay tuned, because weâve got the hottest ballet news coming up. And as ever, darlings, you know where to find me for all the latest ballet chatter!
And, by the way, if youâre ever looking to update your wardrobe, darling, I know just the place. Oh, and do follow me on Twitter, @BallerinaBarbie - itâs a whole other world of fun and fashion!