Darling, the May bloom is upon us and as the city awakens from its winter slumber, so too does the ballet world! From the gilded halls of Paris to the electric pulse of New York, this month is bursting with breathtaking performances, artistic vision, and the sheer physical prowess that makes us swoon!
Oh, darling, a taste of Paris!
Let's start with Paris, where the air is filled with the scent of freshly-baked croissants and whispered secrets. At the Palais Garnier, I was lucky enough to catch the incomparable **Sylvie Guillem** in a reprise of **âGiselle,â** an enchanting journey of love and heartbreak. The sheer grace of her movements, a captivating mix of vulnerability and strength, sent chills down my spine! The way her body practically floats across the stage, every leap an explosion of joy, then dissolving into tragic sorrow... well, simply exquisite! The story, as timeless as it is heart-wrenching, came alive before my very eyes. You felt for the delicate Giselle, you loved her fiery passion, and you gasped as she succumbed to her tragic fate. Every nuance, every gaze, was filled with a depth that left me breathless.
Then there's the **Ballet de lâOpĂ©ra national de Parisâ** new production of **âThe Rite of Spring.â** Now, let me tell you, darling, this was a different kettle of fish entirely. A more modern interpretation of the famous Stravinsky masterpiece. Bold, raw, almost brutal in its execution. A captivating collision of angular movements and primal energy that left me utterly exhilarated.
I had a lovely tĂȘte-Ă -tĂȘte with the choreographer, **Benjamin Millepied** himself (who else!), after the performance. Oh, darling, he's quite the charmer. We talked about the evolution of ballet and how he wants to shake things up, pushing the boundaries of the genre. He is absolutely captivated by âThe Rite of Springâ and he truly infused the work with a visceral energy that made even the most experienced dance fan gasp in awe.
Across the Atlantic... New York City, New York!
Over in New York, **American Ballet Theatre** always brings it. It's been another stellar season, packed with powerhouse performances and creative innovations that had the critics swooning (just like me, of course!). The energy here is just electric, a captivating cocktail of street grit and artistic refinement.
The highlight? Definitely **Misty Copeland**'s performance in **âDon Quixote.â** Oh darling, she absolutely slayed that role! The grace and athleticism of it all was absolutely jaw-dropping, like a whirlwind of power and artistry on the stage. You really had to be there, darlings, to feel the electrifying energy. Even the prima ballerina assoluta of ABT, **Paloma Herrera** herself was captivated, and gave Misty Copeland a warm, heartfelt embrace after the show. What an extraordinary talent, Misty is! A force to be reckoned with in the ballet world!
**âAfter the Rain,â** a new piece by **Twyla Tharp**, was the perfect antidote to âDon Quixote'sâ explosive romanticism. A quieter, more introspective work that had us pondering the fragility of life, loss, and ultimately, finding beauty in the most unexpected places. This performance showcased Twyla Tharp's uncanny ability to blend the fluidity of classical ballet with a contemporary sensibility. It was a powerful testament to her artistic genius, making you question, think, and ultimately appreciate the profound simplicity of her message.
**The Metropolitan Operaâs** ballet production of **âThe Sleeping Beauty,â** a visual and auditory spectacle that was simply *magical.* I must confess, darlings, I've always loved a good fairy tale. There was something so captivating about watching those majestic ballerinas in their billowing tutus gliding effortlessly across the stage, their movements so graceful, so dreamlike... a genuine fairytale for grown-ups, that leaves you feeling as if youâve been swept up into another realm. And whatâs a ballet performance without those fabulous costumes? The glittering gold of the fairies, the royal velvet of the prince⊠a feast for the eyes and an absolute must-see!
I simply must also mention the **New York City Ballet**âs annual gala at Lincoln Center, which always seems to bring out the biggest names and the flashiest jewels! The evening started with the **Balanchine** masterpiece, **âSymphony in C.â** What elegance, darling, and pure joy it brings. Every move a stroke of genius, every turn a celebration of beauty! This truly felt like a ballet experience thatâs timeless, captivating generations of audiences for decades. The perfect way to set the tone for an evening full of unforgettable ballet moments.
I even managed to catch **the** **Alvin Ailey American Dance Theaterâs** *âRevelations,â* and what a showstopping event it was! The dance performances had the entire audience captivated, moved and invigorated by their passionate artistry and cultural significance. The stage burst into life, each movement, each twist and turn pulsating with a raw, untamed energy, reflecting a timeless story of human experience. A beautiful portrayal of resilience, celebration, and an undying hope. A moving, deeply emotional, and inspiring experience. It simply must be on every dance loverâs bucket list!
âEn pointeâ from the capital: A sneak peek into the heart of London
Of course, no roundup of the dance scene would be complete without a visit to London. The **Royal Ballet** is known for its class, elegance, and rich tradition. And I wasnât disappointed!
I took in the revival of **âManon,â** starring the dazzling **Natalia Osipova.** A classic tale of a woman who chooses love and passion over social constraints and security. Her performance was electrifying, her grace breathtakingly captivating. This was a portrayal of a woman unafraid to take her fate in her own hands. This, darling, was pure magic! Natalia is, quite frankly, a modern day legend.
Speaking of magic, I caught **âThe Sleeping Beautyâ** at the **Royal Opera House**. Oh my goodness, a sumptuous performance that truly transported me into the heart of the fairy tale! The Royal Ballet has simply perfected this classic production with their exceptional technical proficiency, a visual feast for the eyes, and the beautiful artistry of its dancers.
For something a bit more modern, the **Royal Balletâs** newest creation, âAliceâs Adventures in Wonderlandâ by **Christopher Wheeldon**, was pure delight. This, darlings, was pure imaginative genius. A captivating blend of playful movement and intricate storytelling, the choreography is a visual and imaginative spectacle, truly pushing the boundaries of classic ballet. This is one of those ballet productions that you simply have to experience to appreciate! It truly reimagines the story of Alice in Wonderland and has truly solidified Christopher Wheeldon's place as one of the greatest dance storytellers of our time.
Oh darling, I'm utterly exhausted (but absolutely enthralled) after this whirlwind tour of the global ballet scene! Each performance has left an indelible mark on my soul, reminding me of ballet's power to transport, inspire, and move us like nothing else.
With each new season comes a new crop of rising stars, exciting premieres, and the continued evolution of a timeless art form that weâve loved for centuries. From the ethereal elegance of **Svetlana Zakharova**, the fiery intensity of **Marianela Nuñez**, to the awe-inspiring strength of **Misty Copeland** and the innovative brilliance of **Christopher Wheeldon**, the dance world continues to amaze, captivating audiences with breathtaking talent, vision, and grace. This, my darlings, is the art form that continues to enchant and captivate us in all its grandeur.
May your season be filled with balletic wonders and glamorous affairs. Until next time!