Oh darling, the New Year is upon us, and what a glorious time for a discerning balletomane like myself! A crispness in the air, a feeling of fresh starts and oh, so many fabulous productions gracing the stages of the world. I’ve been flitting between cities like a hummingbird in a couture dress, taking in all the most divine ballet experiences, and trust me, darlings, I’m ready to spill all the tea!
Firstly, let’s talk about the *pièce de résistance* of my winter ballet escapades, the *Romeo and Juliet* at the Royal Opera House in London. Honestly, darling, the whole thing was simply *exquisite*. You know, as a seasoned ballerina myself, I can sniff out a true artistic masterpiece from miles away, and this production was dripping in artistic gold! The set design was simply stunning, all draped in silks and shimmering velvets, evocative of Verona under a Tuscan sun. I was transported back to Shakespeare’s Verona in an instant, completely captivated by the breathtaking costumes, so lush and full of life. The dancers, oh, they were phenomenal. I particularly adored the fiery passion and delicate beauty of the lead ballerina. The tenderness of their first encounter, the tempestuousness of their forbidden love – every moment felt as fresh and potent as the first time I saw the story unfold on stage. And speaking of firsts, darling, you simply cannot miss the opening night’s curtain call, pure magic! The standing ovations were, of course, endless, with every whisper of the final chord met with enthusiastic shouts of ‘Bravo! Bravo!’. My dear, I must confess, it almost made me shed a tear. Oh, how the artistry can simply steal your breath!
Now, to another jewel in the crown, the *Giselle* at the Paris Opera. This was a triumph of technique and raw emotion, a true testament to the timeless beauty of classical ballet. The delicate steps of the first act, the ethereal beauty of the wilis, and the tragedy of the second act, it all just melded seamlessly together in a tapestry of perfection. The ballerina, darling, her footwork, absolutely *divine*! And the way she used her entire body to portray the emotional turmoil of Giselle was captivating. It was a true feast for the senses, and a reminder of why this classic has remained a favourite for generations. The energy of the French audience was so vibrant, as was the Parisian charm in every detail of the production. It is something every balletomane must see in their lifetime. Truly, I found myself caught between the beauty of the artistry and the excitement of being amongst such elegant audiences – quite divine!
Next, let’s take a little flight over the pond to New York. My latest discovery, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, really left me speechless. A stunning display of athleticism, breathtaking choreography and such a powerful emotional range. This is ballet as it should be, expressive, dynamic and absolutely enthralling. A true departure from the traditional classics, it is the type of show that has the audience practically jumping out of their seats! You will certainly feel the vibrancy of the music pulsing through your very being, I can promise you. These are not dancers, they are storytellers, they tell the story of humanity, through graceful leaps, beautiful curves, and with an unbridled force that I must admit, took my breath away. It is no surprise that they are considered among the very best. This is where the younger generation shines so brightly. The New Year calls for something daring and unexpected, a show that truly stays with you.
Now, for a change of pace, darling, let's step into the world of avant-garde ballet. I ventured to Berlin to see the *Rite of Spring* at the Staatsballett. Oh darling, the entire show was like a masterpiece of avant-garde. The choreography was so dynamic, a bold reimagining of Stravinsky’s masterpiece. It was not just about the artistry, it was about expressing the human experience – primal, visceral, it left you breathless with every movement. It made you think, and feel. Truly, this is ballet at its most potent. Now, this may not be everyone's cup of tea, but for those who love to challenge the norms and delve into the truly creative depths of dance, this is definitely a show that should be on your radar.
And while I’m in the realm of the experimental, the *Ballet Blanc* at the New York City Ballet had a more intimate, even melancholic approach to ballet, which was surprisingly *divine*. This production had all of the elegance and grace that the New York City Ballet is renowned for, and with it, something truly new, raw and delicate. There was a subtle poetry that filled the theatre, an essence that lingers even after you step out onto the cold city streets. You have to see it to fully appreciate it, darling!
To end our little ballet odyssey, I have to say, this year really did have it all. From the classic brilliance of *Swan Lake* and *The Nutcracker*, I did, of course, enjoy a nostalgic trip down memory lane and revisited the grand halls of these magical ballets. But my advice to you darling, get out there, get adventurous, and experience the diversity, creativity, and artistry that the ballet world has to offer. Be daring. Experiment with new ballets, even explore different cities. Who knows, darling, you may just discover a new favourite that completely changes your ballet world.
I will leave you with a few more whispers, my dear, about the exciting ballets on the horizon for the New Year.
**Upcoming must-sees:**
- ** *Don Quixote* at the Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow (March 2013): **Imagine, the fiery Spanish romance with the most celebrated Russian ballet company, darling! It is pure ecstasy.
- ** *The Sleeping Beauty* at the Royal Ballet, London (April 2013): ** The epitome of classical ballet. You will find yourself mesmerized by the stunning choreography and breathtaking costumes.
- ** *The Rite of Spring* at the Nederlands Dans Theater, Amsterdam (May 2013):** I have a little feeling this is going to be revolutionary and daring – another gem that’s truly worth the trip.
- ** *The Winter's Tale* by Christopher Wheeldon at the Royal Opera House, London (July 2013): ** Oh darling, just the title gives me chills. This promises to be something spectacularly enchanting and uniquely whimsical, and let me tell you, I simply cannot wait!
There you have it darling, your little glimpse into the world of ballet. Be sure to follow my little ballet journey on my social media and website. Remember, always dance with a smile on your face and a twinkle in your eye.