AI Ballet Review 549

Darling, isn't it just divine that the New Year is upon us? This time of year always fills me with a delicious sense of new beginnings, of fresh starts, and oh, the possibilities! It truly is the perfect time to reflect upon the brilliance of our world of dance, with so much happening, so much to delight and inspire.

I was lucky enough to spend the holidays with family in a little villa near Nice, with the glorious French Riviera glittering like a turquoise gem below. From my perch overlooking the sapphire Mediterranean, it felt almost magical, like I could see forever, or perhaps at least see the year unfold. With that in mind, darling, let’s take a peek at what’s dancing around the globe, shall we?

Of course, any festive season must have the requisite amount of enchantment. Let’s be honest, dear, the world simply can't get enough of The Nutcracker.

• London's Royal Opera House, where the tradition of their Nutcracker is like an old friend, a comforting tradition. It never feels predictable, and each year there are new interpretations to swoon over, particularly this season when their casting was absolutely divine.
• Over in New York City, New York City Ballet are the ones doing their yearly spin on this beloved Christmas ballet. They are true show stoppers and are known for exquisite costuming, dazzling sets, and breathtaking technique. Truly, the best kind of ballet for getting you in the holiday spirit!

But let’s be a little more adventurous, shall we? There’s a little something to suit every taste for this time of year.

Paris, always so captivating, continues to enchant and inspire me this season. This time of year, the city feels alive with romance and Parisian glamour! I felt a deep yearning for a slice of French style at this time of year. So darling, here are some must-sees:

• I am absolutely dying to see Giselle at the Palais Garnier in Paris, you know, the one in the book by Gaston Leroux. (It would simply be a crime to miss it!) What could be more alluring than this hauntingly beautiful tale of love, loss, and madness set to the magnificent score of Adolphe Adam? There’s nothing more captivating than a classical masterpiece executed perfectly.
• On my list? The ever-so-chic Paris Opera Ballet who are putting on an enchanting rendition of La Bayadère. I simply adore the elegance of this ballet! It is a vision of beauty and is perfectly complemented by Paris’s beautiful art deco buildings and glittering lights. Such exquisite style!

The city lights truly shimmer this time of year!

Oh, how I’ve longed for the vibrant energy of Australia! And with so much excitement brewing for the beginning of the year, you must agree that this beautiful, vibrant country is surely a must-see for the dance enthusiast.

• The Australian Ballet will be presenting a mesmerizing production of Romeo and Juliet. Now darling, it would simply be a sacrilege to miss such a timeless love story told through the lyrical beauty of ballet.
• Across the water in New Zealand, the Royal New Zealand Ballet are showcasing The Sleeping Beauty. This truly iconic classic of the ballet world always pulls at the heartstrings, and their interpretations never disappoint.

These shows are sure to dazzle, with such brilliant choreography and storytelling.

Of course, it’s impossible to include every exciting performance taking place right now, but I’d like to mention that this year, our dance scene feels more dynamic and daring than ever.

I can feel it, darling, something incredible is about to burst forth and surprise us all! It seems there’s a growing hunger for the experimental, a sense of adventure. Here's what’s caught my eye and I believe you must watch!

• The Royal Ballet is pushing boundaries, presenting a captivating, contemporary ballet called “The Dante Project”. My love of dance truly knows no boundaries and a dance exploring Dante’s work is definitely something I must see! Oh my, just imagining a breathtaking collision of the worlds of dance and literature sends a thrill through me!
• Over in Spain, there’s the dynamic Ballet Nacional de España. With bold flamenco flourishes, their dance is undeniably passionate! I adore how it is truly one of a kind.
• There’s an emerging group from Amsterdam called the Introdans. Their unique mix of modern dance, physical theater, and innovative technology, makes me feel almost giddy! And with that adventurous energy that’s captivating, it’s something you absolutely must experience!

With this kind of exciting experimentation in motion, darling, the world of dance is truly in its prime!

Of course, this journey wouldn’t be complete without discussing the interplay of dance and fashion. Ballet and couture are the ultimate in elegant beauty, with each one complementing the other so flawlessly.

I must confess that, I've been completely charmed by the exquisite costumes of The Nutcracker at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. They just scream Christmas glamour and I must confess to daydreaming about getting my hands on a few! The elaborate fabrics, sparkling embroidery, and the intricate details just steal the show! There’s no more elegant setting to see this exquisite piece of dance, as this grand theatre has been a center of Russian ballet history, so incredibly luxurious, oh so divine.

But darling, you know I simply cannot ignore my darling friend Karl Lagerfeld, now can I? His "The Grand Palais" fashion show is always an extravaganza that I simply adore, always brimming with creative inspiration! For Fall 2013 he presented us with a breathtaking couture collection infused with the ethereal grace and beauty of ballet. This time of year, when it’s so beautifully cold, there is truly no better pairing!

There are so many dance experiences happening right now, darling, that would truly enrich the soul! With the start of a brand new year, I’m full of inspiration and ready to revel in the magnificence of dance. If this review has given you the same urge to see, hear, feel, and experience dance in a whole new light, I know we're all in for a very special year indeed.

I adore that each performance has its own special enchantment, each step a journey, and every pirouette a whispered promise of something truly wonderful.

Until next time, darling, I’ll see you out there, amongst the grace and beauty!