Darling, December is here! The air is crisp, the holidays are nigh, and the world of dance is positively ablaze with festive offerings. From glittering, traditional Christmas ballets to modern interpretations pushing the boundaries of form, this month, the dance floor truly sizzles! **London: A Seasonal Feast of Delights**
The Royal Opera House has a veritable cornucopia of treats in store this December. Naturally, a classic **Nutcracker** was a must-have! This year's production, a traditional delight in a gloriously glamorous production, was simply ravishing. The choreography is crisp, the costumes exquisite - with Clara's famous red dress as dreamy as ever. It's not merely about the magic of a sugar plum dream, though. The dance company’s performances were pure joy, and their artistry simply luminous!
Meanwhile, at Sadler’s Wells, I'm delighted to report a simply dazzling premiere of **The Rite of Spring** from Rambert Dance Company. It is breathtakingly bold, daring, and oh-so modern. Choreographer Benoit Swan Pouffer takes us on a journey through primal, pagan rituals - I found myself utterly captivated! And the sheer athleticism of the dancers is almost shockingly powerful, not to mention mesmerizing. Do not miss it!
**Paris: Beyond the Beautiful**
The city of lights is all abuzz with dance, my love! **The Opéra de Paris**, always a haven for pure artistry, presented **Giselle**, a classic which never fails to inspire awe and tenderness. The performance was simply breathtaking, a feast for the senses. I was mesmerized by the elegant dancers, their every gesture a whispered poem.
**New York: A Whirlwind of Creativity**
New York, always the cutting edge, had **American Ballet Theatre**'s **The Sleeping Beauty**, a breathtakingly beautiful and enchanting production, set in a sumptuous, enchanting world that simply had me yearning for the past. A truly romantic dream. And then, **New York City Ballet**, with its spectacular presentation of **Swan Lake**, was just perfection. A feast of grace and athleticism, an unforgettable evening of balletic bliss! **Berlin: A Breath of Fresh Air**
A truly inspiring piece! The **Staatsoper Berlin** delivered a breathtaking, vibrant interpretation of **The Firebird**, featuring bold choreography, mesmerizing costumes, and absolutely extraordinary dancers who brought a vibrant energy to the stage, a thrilling and dynamic portrayal of the tale’s vibrant imagery. One could almost feel the heat from the stage!
**From My Personal Archive: Finding Inspiration**
As you all know, inspiration can be found in the most unexpected of places. This month, I am enthralled with **Mark Rothko’s** painting **"Black on Maroon." ** There's an amazing energy and power in those simple colours - truly captivating.
Speaking of inspirational things, the **Victoria and Albert Museum’s** exhibit “**Dancing for the Screen**” is a must-see! It explores the history of dance in film - and it’s oh-so stylish! From **Gene Kelly’s** grace and charm to the cutting edge of modern dance in film, it’s a beautiful journey through the cinematic dance history of the past century.
And now, my dearest darlings, let's discuss the essential ingredient for any December evening: style. To create a perfect holiday mood, a little festive sparkle is a must! I've been favouring **Alexander McQueen’s** dazzling jeweled embellishments and **Balmain’s** elegant black dresses this season. The “ **Queen of Style** ” magazine has some amazing festive inspiration, offering looks that range from chic and elegant to bold and glamorous. **From my Ballerina’s Notebook:**
For me, this season is all about joy, family, and of course, spectacular dance performances! But it's also about the details. It’s the gleam of holiday lights in your eyes, the scent of gingerbread and the sweet warmth of home. It's all the little details that make this time of year so special.
My current favourites, “ **A Little Bit of Lace**” by **Iris Apfel** and “ **The Ballerina's Handbook to Everything**” are beautifully elegant. I just know you’ll love them!
To ensure that this festive season is your most memorable yet, remember the power of elegance, style and joie de vivre! Dance into the new year, my lovelies, with a skip in your step, a twirl in your soul, and a touch of glamour that shines as bright as the holiday lights. Happy holidays!