Darling, what a month! July has brought us so many wonderful ballets, performances, and exhibitions that I can barely keep up. From the ethereal beauty of **Giselle** to the electrifying energy of **The Rite of Spring**, this month has truly been a feast for the senses. Let’s dive into the whirlwind of performance, shall we?
Firstly, a divine detour to **Paris** for a most coveted viewing of the **Paris Opera Ballet** at the Palais Garnier, an absolute architectural masterpiece in itself. **Giselle**, oh, that divine classic! The corps de ballet, such flawless elegance. And then, the iconic **Polina Semionova** in the lead - a stunning portrayal of the heart-broken village girl, Giselle. You could practically see her inner turmoil, a captivating emotional depth beneath her airy movements. Absolutely mesmerising, dear. You won't find a better **Giselle** anywhere. Trust me on this one.
And then, across the pond in **New York**, **The New York City Ballet** showcased their summer program. The highlight was undeniably the **Tchaikovsky** Symphony No. 4, choreographed by the incomparable **Christopher Wheeldon**. This exquisite piece had me speechless, such breathtaking beauty. Wheeldon has a knack for drawing out the full potential of the dancers. His movement, fluid, graceful, and infused with an emotion that leaves you quite simply breathless. You should have seen the way the dancers interpreted the music - sheer artistry! Every nuance was visible, every emotional shift mirrored through the delicate precision of their steps. A masterful choreography!
Meanwhile, over in **Moscow**, the **Bolshoi Ballet** surprised and thrilled us with their reinterpretation of **The Rite of Spring** by **Vaslav Nijinsky**. The drama, oh, the raw, untamed drama of the choreography! A stark departure from the usual ballet, this interpretation pushed boundaries and challenged our very perceptions. The choreography, a stunning clash of powerful movement and primal instincts, mirrored the ancient rite itself. You felt every pounding heart, every fear, and every desperate desire through the dance, truly an electrifying experience. Not for the faint-hearted, my dears, but if you want something bold and powerful, this is the ballet to experience.
However, July is not just about classical ballets. There are so many wonderful performance and exhibitions happening globally that I've been making sure to soak them all in.
- **London**: An absolutely breathtaking display of art by the renowned artist, **David Hockney**. His bold colours and innovative use of technique mesmerised me. Especially loved his landscape series – he somehow manages to capture the vibrant beauty of nature on canvas.
- **Florence** A stunning exhibition of **Renaissance Art** at the Uffizi Gallery, the museum's breathtaking grandeur itself adding a touch of magic to the masterpieces.
- **Barcelona**: I adored the vibrant street art scene in this wonderful city. It's not traditional ballet, but there is a kind of rawness, a free-flowing energy in the murals, the graffiti that reminds me of the impulsive bursts of movement in some of the modern ballets we see today.
- **Tokyo**: My foray into contemporary performance, **Butoh dance** at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space was, let's just say, an experience. Intriguing, expressive, almost surreal at times. A perfect juxtaposition to the elegance of the ballet world.
Of course, my love affair with ballet remains, it’s always where my heart is. July also saw some absolutely gorgeous performances right here in London that I was lucky enough to attend.
- At the **Royal Opera House** - a mesmerizing performance of **Swan Lake**. The principal dancer's performance, with such fluid grace and effortless jumps - an absolute delight.
- A truly captivating performance of **The Sleeping Beauty**, The **English National Ballet** brought such an intoxicating fairy tale to life with vibrant costumes and stunning sets. I especially enjoyed the charming story of the mischievous fairies, absolutely enchanting.
- And speaking of captivating, let’s not forget **Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake**, at the **Sadler’s Wells Theatre**. The sheer originality of this work, turning the traditional image of the swan on its head. I simply adored it - such daringly theatrical choreography and a thrilling new perspective on the tale. I found myself quite taken with the "swans" themselves, their movement a breathtaking mix of vulnerability and raw power. Simply unforgettable, darlings.
Of course, attending these beautiful ballets and performances means an entirely new level of preparation. The sheer joy of selecting the perfect outfit - finding the ideal dress to complement the occasion, that is the most delightful part of the experience, in my humble opinion! This July, I have been completely smitten with these trends for my post-performance outings.
- A touch of **1920s glamour**, an ode to the iconic elegance of the period. Think flowy chiffon dresses with dropped waists and delicate beaded embellishments. Just picture yourself gliding gracefully through the foyer after the final curtain, effortlessly glamorous!
- **Bohemian chic**, all about vibrant colours, statement accessories, and a touch of ethereal nonchalance. An effortless blend of femininity and free spirit – perfect for celebrating the end of a show, especially if it was something as unique and daring as **The Rite of Spring**.
- **Sleek and chic**. This has always been a go-to for a graceful post-ballet look. The simplicity of a tailored skirt with a beautifully structured blouse or a figure-hugging, chic cocktail dress - both perfectly complementing the grace of the dance.
Let’s face it, my dear, a true ballet devotee can never have too many beautiful pieces in her wardrobe. These sartorial wonders make those evening outings even more enchanting! But there is one piece, absolutely non-negotiable when it comes to the ballet – a statement piece of jewelry. And darling, nothing surpasses a classic pearl necklace for that elegant, sophisticated touch!
But enough about my fashion predilections! Back to what really matters: ballet, art, and performance. These are the passions that set my soul alight and keep me constantly inspired.
As the final curtain falls on this fantastic July, I find myself feeling immensely grateful for the wealth of talent and artistic expression that surrounds us. Every performance, every exhibition is a testament to the beauty and power of art. And my dears, we are lucky enough to witness these marvels. So let us keep dancing, keep exploring, keep discovering new forms of beauty and artistic expression!