AI Ballet Review 530

## The Pointe of View: June 2012 Darling, June has simply been divine! From Paris to New York, the ballet world has been buzzing with premieres, revivals, and exquisite performances that have left me utterly spellbound. So put on your most fabulous frock, pour yourself a glass of something bubbly, and let's take a pirouette through the month's most captivating events... **Parisian Panache** My journey began in the City of Lights, where the air crackled with elegance and artistic fervor. **Le Grand Palais**, that magnificent glass palace, was transformed into a mesmerizing stage for **Ballet National de Marseille**, directed by the visionary **Éric Vu-An**. Their reimagining of **Giselle**, a ballet that has been done to death, was positively daring! Imagine my delight as I witnessed a haunting interpretation that questioned societal norms and gender roles. **Marion Barbeau**, a dancer who possesses a quiet, haunting beauty, was a revelation as Giselle, her fragility laced with an unexpected power. Speaking of power, the incomparable **Sylvie Guillem** graced the stage of **L'Opéra Garnier** in a stunning revival of **The Rite of Spring**. This, my dears, was an unforgettable performance. Sylvie's grace, her athleticism, her sheer artistry - she truly embodies the raw, primal energy of the work. This was a tour de force performance that left me utterly breathless. **New York, New York** Crossing the pond, the Big Apple welcomed me with open arms and a dizzying array of ballet experiences. First, a trip to the iconic **Lincoln Center**, where the **New York City Ballet** premiered **Justin Peck's** **"The Times Are Racing."** Now, I must confess, I’m not always a fan of modern choreography, but Justin Peck's work is truly innovative and inspiring. This vibrant, contemporary piece featured exquisite choreography that explored the complexity of modern life, with a breathtaking score that perfectly complemented the energy of the dancers. It was a piece that left a lasting impression, truly a masterpiece for the ages. But the pièce de résistance of my New York visit was undoubtedly the return of **Natalia Osipova** to **American Ballet Theatre**. Darling, this woman is pure magic! She danced the leading role in **Don Quixote**, and the performance was absolutely captivating. Osipova embodies the passionate and vivacious Kitri, her every movement a burst of joy and technical brilliance. It was pure joy to witness her artistry unfold on stage, her energy infectious, her technique impeccable. A true legend, an unforgettable night. **London Calling** No ballet journey would be complete without a trip to London, that glorious theatreland that offers an eclectic mix of styles and experiences. My first stop was the **Royal Opera House**, where the **Royal Ballet** celebrated the legendary choreographer **Kenneth MacMillan** with a stunning revival of **"Manon."** It was an emotionally charged production that left no dry eyes in the house. **Marianela Nuñez**, the ultimate ballerina with an elegance that is both effortless and powerful, embodied the captivatingly complex Manon, with the dashing and enigmatic Des Grieux, played with compelling passion by **Steven McRae**, who was a joy to watch. But it was at ** Sadler's Wells** where I truly discovered a gem. This quirky little theater was the setting for the vibrant **Rambert Dance Company**. Their performance of **"A Choreography for Five"**, a groundbreaking piece by **Merce Cunningham**, challenged the very essence of dance, its structure, its narrative, its conventions. I found myself captivated by its abstract beauty, by its rejection of the predictable and its embrace of the unconventional. This piece was truly avant-garde, challenging my perception of what dance could be. **A World of Dance** And beyond the glamorous capitals, I found myself immersed in the enchanting world of dance around the globe. The **Moscow State Ballet** presented an extravagant **Sleeping Beauty** in **Tokyo**, showcasing a delightful combination of technical brilliance and classic fairytale charm. In **Berlin**, **The Berlin State Ballet**, in a breathtaking production of **"The Nutcracker"**, celebrated the magic of the holiday season. The dancers, truly gifted artists, brought this cherished tale to life with elegance and grace. I even found myself in the sun-kissed shores of **Sydney**, where the **Australian Ballet** premiered **"The Little Prince."** Based on the famous story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, it was a touching, whimsical piece, featuring exquisite choreography and a charming score that perfectly captured the spirit of the timeless classic. And as my journey through the world of dance comes to a close, one thing remains crystal clear - the passion, the creativity, and the sheer beauty of ballet is a truly universal language, a source of endless fascination, inspiration, and pure artistic joy. So, darling, pick your poison! Whether it's the romantic allure of classical ballets, the invigorating thrill of contemporary pieces, or the captivating charm of regional companies, embrace the transformative power of dance and allow it to transport you to a world of beauty, wonder, and exquisite artistry. And let me know which performance steals your heart - I'm eager to hear your own *pointe of view*!