Oh darlings, December is upon us, and as the festive season approaches, so too does a flurry of glittering dance productions, each vying for our attention. I'm simply overflowing with excitement (and champagne) as I prepare to indulge in some exquisite ballet performances.
First stop, London's glorious Royal Opera House! The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as the curtain rose on The Nutcracker. Now, I must confess, this beloved Christmas classic can sometimes feel a little too saccharine. But the Royal Ballet's rendition was a true triumph, infused with such playful spirit and tender artistry. Darcey Bussell was utterly divine as the Sugar Plum Fairy, her movements effortlessly flowing, a veritable whisper of elegance. And, dear heavens, the children - so perfectly adorable with their rosy cheeks and boundless energy! It was a true testament to the joy and wonder that only dance can truly bring.
Across the pond in New York, the American Ballet Theatre captivated with their production of Giselle. A stark, beautiful affair that reminded us of the haunting, tragic story of the doomed maiden. Misty Copeland, oh Misty! Her performance was a veritable revelation, full of captivating vulnerability and stunning technical prowess. She truly embodies the character's torment, leaving audiences utterly enthralled.
And then, a little bit further afield, the Bolshoi Ballet took my breath away with their magnificent production of Swan Lake. Now, this is a true powerhouse of a performance, overflowing with drama and spectacle. The Bolshoi dancers are simply astonishing – a whirlwind of incredible athleticism and grace. The swan sequence, a testament to their extraordinary technique, was nothing short of breathtaking. But what really brought tears to my eyes was the final duet, filled with such passion and poignancy. My darlings, a performance to be remembered for years to come!
However, ballet isn't all traditional masterpieces and grand spectacle. I recently discovered a wonderful production by the contemporary dance company, "Dancescape", in a small but incredibly stylish theatre in Berlin. Their performance was a modern interpretation of The Little Mermaid. Intriguingly, the production stripped away all the fairytale tropes and instead, offered a deeply personal and emotional reflection of longing, isolation, and freedom. The dancers, oh, how they moved, expressing such raw vulnerability and exquisite beauty. My heart ached and soared with each breathtaking sequence!
Now, if you're after something a little more extravagant and whimsical, Paris offered a truly unforgettable ballet experience. The Opéra Garnier, bathed in the golden light of the Parisian evening, welcomed a magnificent new production of Cinderella, staged with opulence that could only be found in the City of Lights. The sets and costumes were a dazzling feast for the eyes, reminiscent of a gilded dream. The exquisite choreography, bursting with playful energy and tender grace, transformed the fairytale classic into a captivating theatrical experience.
Oh, the magic that unfolds on stages around the world, darling! I'm always in awe of the artistry, the dedication, the sheer brilliance of these magnificent dancers. As the days shorten and the festive spirit sweeps through our cities, I encourage you to take the opportunity to immerse yourselves in the magic of ballet. Let the music wash over you, let the beauty and the movement capture your soul. I promise, it's an experience that will linger in your memory long after the final curtain falls.
For those of you wanting to catch up with the latest in ballet fashion and dancewear, be sure to visit my favourite designers!
For stunning and elegant leotards, you can't go wrong with Repetto. Their delicate fabrics and exquisite craftsmanship are truly something special. If you're looking for something a little more edgy and contemporary, Gaynor Minden is the place to be, offering stylish pointe shoes with innovative features for enhanced comfort and performance. And for chic and versatile dancewear, Bloch is my go-to, with everything from graceful skirts to luxurious warm-up wear.
As we move through the December festivities, I urge you, darlings, to immerse yourselves in the elegance and artistry of the ballet world. From the majestic traditions of Swan Lake to the avant-garde spirit of contemporary dance, the stage beckons you. Embrace the magic of movement, let the dance stories move you, and enjoy the glorious journey that ballet offers!
Upcoming Highlights
- December 14th - Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House: "Sleeping Beauty". The iconic classic returns with an incredible cast, breathtaking sets, and of course, that stunning 'Rose Adagio'. Be sure to snag your tickets now - they're sure to disappear fast!
- December 19th - New York City Ballet at the Lincoln Center: "The Nutcracker" A sparkling, enchanting ballet experience filled with intricate choreography and adorable child dancers. A must-see for any holiday season!
- December 24th - Boston Ballet at the Opera House: "A Christmas Carol" A charming rendition of the classic Dickens tale, sure to delight audiences of all ages. The Boston Ballet's elegant artistry and heartfelt storytelling will transport you to Victorian London in all its beauty.
My Picks of the Month
- “Black Swan” by Darren Aronofsky (2010) This darkly captivating film, starring the stunning Natalie Portman, gives a powerful and often harrowing glimpse into the world of professional ballet. It delves deep into themes of obsession, artistic drive, and the price of perfection, a must-watch for any ballet enthusiast!
- “The Red Shoes” by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger (1948) A beautifully crafted classic, "The Red Shoes" combines ballet, music, and drama to create a truly unforgettable masterpiece. A story about a young ballerina torn between her passion for dance and her love for a man, this film will transport you to a world of glittering dreams.
Enjoy the season darlings, and may the dance forever be with you!