AI Ballet Review 543

## A Dance of Delights: A July Review from the Prima's Perspective My darlings! July has truly been a whirlwind of exquisite dance and fabulous fêtes! I simply must share my whirlwind of a month with you. Let me tell you, it’s a testament to the artistry of our craft that we can transcend time and space through the sheer force of graceful movements and storytelling. As I twirl through the hallowed halls of various opera houses, my soul has been swept up in breathtaking performances, each unique and utterly captivating. Paris, My Dearest Parisian Dream I always feel at home in Paris, don't you? There's a certain je ne sais quoi, a touch of the old-world glamour that simply can't be replicated. This month I caught the Paris Opera Ballet perform Giselle at the Palais Garnier. And my darlings, what a spectacle it was! The legendary costumes and intricate choreography are always stunning, and the performance felt so intimate, despite the cavernous space. Oh, and my heart did skip a beat at the final scene where Giselle rises, floating in ethereal beauty. This performance, however, took a fresh approach with a captivating energy. And can we talk about the star dancer's piqué arabesques? Perfection! Each turn, each graceful pose spoke to her absolute mastery of the art, bringing the role of Giselle to life with poignant emotion and impeccable technique. On to London, for the London Royal Ballet Across the channel, I was whisked off to London where the London Royal Ballet captivated the audience at the Royal Opera House with a revival of La Bayadere. I confess, the opulent costumes are something to behold, as always, but this rendition focused on a refined classicism. And dare I say it, it felt rather refreshing! It highlighted the stunning lines of the classical ballet style, truly a beautiful thing to watch. The precision and musicality were flawless. The entire ballet was like a visual symphony. A pure joy for both the eyes and the ears! Beyond the Classics: A Whirl of Innovation in Germany Across the continent in the heart of Germany, the Berlin State Ballet brought us a completely new interpretation of Romeo & Juliet, one that defied the conventions I’d grown to expect. My dears, the modern approach was brilliant and fresh. The set design felt so avant-garde, blending classic elements with a modern edge, it created this thrilling sense of intrigue. And don’t even get me started on the choreography! A perfect blend of the romantic with raw power. **And A Touch of Exoticism** You see, July has been a journey around the world. One I highly recommend you plan to replicate! On to Tokyo, where I indulged in the Ballet of the Imperial Theatre putting on a production of La Esmeralda, a story that I love for its poignant beauty and tragic tale of forbidden love. My goodness, this production truly did highlight the drama and heartbreak of this masterpiece. And how mesmerizing the staging of the "Festival of Notre Dame!" Every dancer was on fire, moving with an unbelievable agility, that made even this seasoned ballet fan gasp with amazement! Their passion radiated from the stage, washing over the audience like an ethereal wave. Don’t Forget the Smaller Theatres! Of course, I would be remiss to overlook the wonderful performances in the smaller theatres that dotted my July itinerary. In quaint Geneva, I experienced an utterly delightful production of Cinderella, a beautiful, whimsical, and heartwarming story perfectly suited to the charming space. My dears, the sets were absolutely exquisite, with fairytale details that felt so whimsical. I was truly transported into another world, filled with playful elegance and joyful choreography. The dancers, too, were extraordinary! Their youthful energy filled the stage, showcasing their boundless enthusiasm for the craft. One ballerina especially stood out! Her incredible extension, combined with an unmatched grace in every movement, made this Cinderella a truly unforgettable one. The little ballerina embodied every ounce of grace and charm I so admire, especially in the “glass slipper scene”. What joy! Finally, a Touch of Extravagance: The Choreographers to Watch You must see the work of a couple of talented choreographers whose work has been buzzing on my radar all month! Christopher Wheeldon is a genius, my darlings, a real innovator whose work continues to push the boundaries of classical dance. The work of Wayne McGregor, is full of life and emotion, his raw, contemporary style explores the human experience in such unique and powerful ways. They are all truly talented dancers, the creme de la creme. **This Month’s Dance Wear Must Haves:** To dance like a prima ballerina, one needs to dress the part. Here are a few essentials that helped me take on the world of July: * The perfect pair of pointe shoes – I can’t emphasize this enough, darling. It all comes down to finding that perfectly balanced pair of pointe shoes that support your every move and glide you gracefully across the stage. Don’t underestimate their importance, for they are a ballerina's best friend. * The luxurious warm-up attire – I prefer the soft, stretchy material and breathable fabrics, that help me ease into my workout. You need an outfit that moves with you, darling, as effortlessly as you move on stage. * The exquisite post-show accessories – My secret weapon, dear, to looking chic, are the jewelry pieces that finish every look for a polished ensemble, ready for the theatre after party, or even for the theatre entrance. I like the elegant designs and refined gemstones to truly set the mood for a fabulous night at the ballet. You simply have to make it a priority to visit a ballet performance. It's a captivating art form that connects us through shared moments of emotions. Every step tells a story. Enjoy your next performance! Until next month, darlings!