AI Ballet Review 548

Darling, it's December, and that can only mean one thing - the holiday season has arrived! Oh, how I adore this time of year. The festive lights, the joyous music, and the excitement in the air is positively intoxicating. And of course, there's the spectacle of it all! From dazzling galas to whimsical nutcrackers, December is truly a feast for the senses.

This year, my travels took me from the grand theaters of Paris to the intimate stages of New York. Oh, what a joy it is to bask in the collective breath of the audience, their gasps of surprise, the whispered “Oh, shes beautiful!” or the quiet sigh of “such talent!”. I was lucky to see a number of truly extraordinary performances.

Darling, you know how much I adore Paris! The city has always been a muse for artists, and this December was no exception. The Paris Opera Ballet, under the masterful direction of Benjamin Millepied, truly outdid themselves.

• Their rendition of **The Nutcracker** was absolutely enchanting. The costumes, designed by the late Karl Lagerfeld, were simply stunning. The white tulle tutu for Clara, trimmed in sparkling crystal, was positively breath-taking! It is the perfect combination of classic ballerina style and modern elegance.
• The performance was further elevated by the incredible talent of étoile Polina Semionova, who graced the stage as Sugar Plum Fairy. Her effortless grace and lyrical movement truly captivated the audience. And, darling, did I mention her amazing legs! The way her muscles move with such fluidity, it's a truly divine spectacle.

For those seeking a more contemporary ballet experience, the **Paris Opera Ballet's modern piece, 'Momentum',** by Wayne McGregor is a must-see. It is a bold and powerful ballet, that celebrates both the athleticism and the expression of dance. Wayne has truly crafted a modern masterpiece that redefines the genre of ballet. It is quite thrilling to watch our modern ballets reach these exciting new heights!

Of course, my tour took me to New York, the city that never sleeps! Always an exciting destination for the arts, New York truly wowed me this year with several standout performances.

• At the New York City Ballet, **Balanchine’s 'Serenade' ** captivated audiences. A beautiful classical ballet performed in a fluid and romantic way. The NYCB really excel at this kind of graceful work. This ballet really allowed the ballerinas to demonstrate their incredible athleticism.
• I absolutely loved the costumes, they highlighted the female dancers in the most flattering and exquisite manner, perfectly balancing simple elegance with a modern sense of femininity. The NYCB's aesthetic really aligns with my own sense of style - think simple yet sophisticated, with a dash of daring flair. It's timeless, darling, just like the elegance of this incredible ballet.

And then, darling, I had the pleasure of seeing the world-renowned Nederlands Dans Theater. They are known for their incredibly expressive and dynamic dance style. I loved their production of **"The Rite of Spring"**. I'm so happy to see how this ballet remains relevant, and it's truly remarkable how these talented dancers can convey so much raw emotion through their movements!

For a more avant-garde experience, **the Joyce Theater in NYC has so much to offer! Their eclectic programming showcases emerging dance talent**. The Joycean aesthetic feels both modern and vintage, a perfect combination! And there is an energy in the Joyce Theater that makes every show feel so intimate and personal.

Of course, I couldn't resist a visit to the London Royal Ballet! They never disappoint.

• **"Swan Lake"** at the Royal Opera House is simply timeless. A beautifully tragic tale of love, loss, and betrayal, perfectly embodied by the exquisite dance of principal dancer Marianela Nuñez.
• I was simply mesmerized by the black swan pas de deux, such beautiful, powerful and demanding movements, the perfect way to showcase the technical skills of the ballerina. And oh darling, Marianela's pointe shoes, she looked just divine! The perfect ballerina shoes – simple but elegantly pointed, just like the sharp line of her pointed toes, a perfect example of elegance and grace in perfect harmony!
• I was also incredibly impressed by the **English National Ballet** . They presented an intriguing adaptation of **"Romeo & Juliet"**, set in the vibrant backdrop of 1920s Italy! A modern, stylish approach to a classic story, with incredibly talented dancers, making this a production I will never forget. I love seeing how classic pieces can be given a fresh spin, while maintaining the emotional depth of the original tale!

Beyond London, England was truly bustling with fantastic performances. In Birmingham, the Birmingham Royal Ballet presented a wonderfully entertaining version of **"The Sleeping Beauty"**, which captured the magic and charm of this beloved fairy tale. And darling, can you imagine the beauty of a princess ballet costume with a crown made from thousands of tiny sparkling crystals! Oh, it just made me gasp!

My dance tour continued through different corners of the world, bringing me to places such as Australia and Japan. From the stunning stages of the Sydney Opera House to the beautifully designed Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Hall, I was privileged to experience an extraordinary variety of dance experiences.

• The **Australian Ballet production of "Cinderella" ** was absolutely enchanting! I'm so happy that the classic fairy tale continues to resonate with audiences across the world! It is the ultimate feel-good ballet, with stunning choreography, exquisite costumes, and of course, a fairy tale ending!
• My trip to Japan allowed me to enjoy a wonderful performance by the **Kバレエ カンパニー**. They gave an elegant and intricate performance of **“Swan Lake”,** and they really do excel in the classical dance form.
• But what really captivated me was the **Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève’s ** presentation of **"Don Quixote". **It was such a refreshing departure from the traditional, offering a unique take on this beloved ballet.

This ballet truly captivated me! It showcased both traditional technique and contemporary choreography in such an innovative way! The costume design was something truly spectacular. It showcased the most incredible blend of bold, colorful patterns with sleek lines, evoking both Spanish tradition and a fresh and daring style! This is exactly the kind of ballet performance I live for, the type of artistic exploration that breaks the mold! It is truly inspiring to see the different ways in which talented artists and dancers interpret and push the boundaries of ballet.

Of course, it wasn’t all about ballets this December, darling! I also had a wonderful time at a few extraordinary dance shows that weren’t quite ballet, but just as enchanting.

In New York City, I attended **Pilobolus Dance Theater’s performance** at The Joyce Theater. They never cease to amaze me with their incredibly athletic and acrobatic movements. Their style of modern dance blends together humor, wit, and pure artistry. The physicality of Pilobolus is simply unparalleled, and it is just a truly joyful experience to watch the dancers work together in such perfect synergy!

Another stunning performance I saw in New York was the **"Cirque Dreams Holidaze"**. Darling, if you’ve never seen the Cirque Dreams, I urge you to treat yourself. It is the perfect blend of circuses skills and artistic storytelling. Their stage is filled with stunning acrobats, beautiful dancers, and incredibly talented performers who really leave you speechless. The festive costume designs of **"Cirque Dreams Holidaze"** were absolutely dazzling, evoking both joy and glamour.

You know me, I adore bold, expressive colors and designs that embrace a theatrical style ! I am simply a fanatic of stage design, costume design, the overall artistic direction! And "Cirque Dreams Holidaze" really has it all, from the incredibly talented cast to the spectacular staging that completely transforms the entire stage. This is truly one of the most dazzling productions you’ll ever experience.

Beyond the beautiful performances, I had the most wonderful time enjoying the holidays. Paris is an incredibly festive city in December, and New York truly embraces the holiday spirit with their charming Christmas markets, the beautifully decorated shop windows and, of course, their iconic tree at Rockefeller Center. There’s just something magical about the winter season, especially when surrounded by spectacular artistry and so many delightful people! It really is the season of giving and good cheer, a truly beautiful and inspiring time to share a little of our time and hearts with the ones we love!

As I write this from the warmth of my home, I’m already planning my next adventures! The dance world is so vast, there is so much beauty to experience! Next month I'm setting my sights on the fabulous dance scene in Moscow. You’ll have to read all about it next month, my dears!