Oh darling, can you believe it's already January? Where did the time go? As always, this new year starts with such a whirlwind of glittering events! And as you know, darling, this seasoned ballerina never misses a chance to soak in the intoxicating world of ballet and performance. This month, we've been treated to a truly exquisite selection of productions, and I just had to share my impressions with you.
The Royal Ballet's opening night of "Swan Lake", a classic you say? Yes, my dears, but executed with such masterful finesse! You know how much I love a timeless masterpiece, especially when the company’s strength is celebrated with such power and elegance. Marianela Nuñez simply captivated as Odette/Odile; the perfect blend of ethereal beauty and dark, captivating allure. Partnered with the charming and technically astute Vadim Muntagirov, the two spun a bewitching narrative that swept me right off my feet!
And of course, I simply had to dash over to see "Giselle" at the Paris Opera Ballet. As soon as the curtain rose on the dainty and ethereal Agnès Letestu in her delicate white tutu, you could feel the magic. It was almost too beautiful, almost unreal! My heart ached for her in Act I, her longing expressed through expressive arm gestures, so captivating and real, then her transformation in Act II was truly masterful. She's so graceful, so heartbreaking! Her duet with Guillaume Diop was positively incandescent.
Across the pond, the American Ballet Theatre had a phenomenal performance of "The Sleeping Beauty". Now, you know how much I love this ballet! It’s the most romantic story! Misty Copeland, the darling of American ballet, took centre stage, her regal aura and seemingly effortless artistry absolutely breathtaking. And her Prince Florimund, Herman Cornejo, had the crowd cheering, his technical brilliance shining through. It's no surprise that this production took home all the raves.
Speaking of raves, we can’t leave out the fantastic "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" by the English National Ballet. A truly whimsical interpretation of Lewis Carroll’s beloved story! Tamara Rojo, the artistic director of the company, was enchanting, taking us on a dreamlike journey through Wonderland. Her Alice was so wonderfully mischievous, yet endearing. And the sets! They were truly spectacular - all the detail, from the Mad Hatter's tea party to the Queen of Hearts’ playing card army, simply extraordinary.
Of course, ballet isn't just about the classics, darling! Contemporary work is so exciting! I’m totally in love with "The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude" by Wayne McGregor. The dancers explored the human form with such captivating agility! It was quite unlike anything I’ve seen. So powerful and visceral. This one truly kept me on the edge of my seat! You know, some people say that it’s all a bit too avant-garde for their tastes. Personally, I find it incredibly liberating and thrilling, a complete break from tradition! And the costumes! Well, let’s just say they are so fashion forward.
Now, I must confess to a certain affinity for the ballet companies outside of the typical capitals. I recently saw "The Nutcracker" in a tiny village theatre in northern Italy! You’ll never believe the costumes, absolutely exquisite! They really embraced the festive spirit with an almost surreal, fairy-tale approach. It was a charming reimagining of this classic tale, perfectly suited to the quaint setting of the little town.
Then, I went all out and indulged my passion for a taste of the Orient by attending a performance of “The Peacock Spring” by the National Ballet of China. They’re known for bringing classical Chinese artistry and captivating storytelling to life, and this ballet was no different! The choreography breathed beauty and drama. The intricate costumes were a symphony of colours and textures, showcasing the beauty of traditional Chinese silks. It's not often you get to experience the artistry of a completely different ballet culture, darling! This was a true delight.
Now, who can say no to a pinch of Broadway magic? I was entranced by the production of "An American in Paris". It really has it all! Fabulous costumes by the legendary Bob Mackie, exquisite dancing by the fabulous cast and of course, that classic orchestral music by George Gershwin! The story? It is so wonderfully nostalgic! I left the theatre with a heart full of joy and a renewed love for that charming era!
Now, let's not forget about the smaller productions. Last night I saw “The Dance of the Moon” at the Ballet Russe. This smaller troupe might not have the same resources as the larger companies, but their passion for ballet is undeniable. I was absolutely captivated by the intimate setting of this tiny stage! The atmosphere was so electric, so magical. And the story was quite unusual. A romantic and slightly melancholic piece about love, life and the moon shining over a moonlit world! The story was simply charming!
This month's round-up leaves me absolutely inspired by the worldwide talent and innovation within the world of dance. There is so much beauty, grace and emotion expressed through the human body, it is truly awe inspiring. Next month holds new productions and exciting challenges, and I am more than ready to fall head-over-heels in love with the world of ballet all over again. Until then, darling! I’m off to the studio to practice, always striving for perfection, and dreaming of those exquisite pirouettes! And darling, you know that's always my dream – to fly!
To learn more about Ballet Russe, visit their website: www.ballet-russe.org
To learn more about The Peacock Spring and the National Ballet of China: www.china-ballet.org
And don’t forget, darling! To learn about my favorite things and new upcoming ballet events! Just follow me @ BalletMuse