Darling, you know I just adore this time of year, don’t you? February, with its promise of new beginnings and, of course, all those delectable, glittering performances! The first month of the year feels like the grand finale of a lavish dance season – it's simply bursting with brilliance. From the exquisite Bolshoi to the electrifying American Ballet Theatre, this February is set to be a breathtaking spectacle, a true celebration of dance in all its exquisite forms.
From Moscow With Love
You simply can’t miss the Bolshoi in February. They’re absolutely divine, darling! This month sees a double dose of breathtaking performances that are guaranteed to leave you utterly spellbound. First, the timeless classic, Swan Lake, reimagined in a new, dramatic production that will have you questioning what you thought you knew about the ballet world. It’s not just a Swan Lake, darling, it’s the Swan Lake. The ethereal movements, the dazzling costumes, and those stunning, tragic characters – I’m still reeling from the emotional depth and sheer elegance of it all. Then there’s the premiere of their new work, The Tempest, a dazzling ballet with such an imaginative plot, a true testament to the creativity of contemporary choreographers.
A New Era for American Ballet Theatre
Of course, darling, who could ever forget the glorious American Ballet Theatre? Their February line-up is just exquisite – a celebration of both tradition and innovation. The highlight, of course, is the return of their sublime production of Giselle. This ballet is, without doubt, a masterpiece – a poignant portrayal of love, betrayal, and a spectral world of ethereal beauty. This month’s rendition will feature a stunning cast including our favourite rising star, the mesmerizing Anya Shevchenko. Anya’s performance is just captivating – her effortless elegance and captivating emotions left me wanting nothing more than to step into that mystical realm with her. It’s an emotional rollercoaster of the highest caliber.
Then there’s their revival of Jerome Robbins’ The Concert, a truly revolutionary ballet that challenges the very foundations of classic dance with its irreverent wit and playful choreography. Watching it feels like you’re privy to a fascinating conversation between modernism and traditional ballet. Just extraordinary. Don't even get me started on their contemporary dance festival, showcasing new works by rising choreographers, a platform for pushing boundaries and revealing raw talent. Absolutely riveting. I'm in awe of the incredible talent these American dancers display – it’s no wonder that ABT is always at the forefront of dance innovation. Truly thrilling!
New York City Ballet: Always Inspiring
New York City Ballet always seems to find a way to push boundaries. Their February line-up features the new work, In the Light of Other Eyes, a vibrant piece full of beautiful energy and poignant storytelling. It truly explores the human experience with breathtaking choreography. The piece feels almost as if you're caught within a dreamy narrative of desire and transformation, a real gem for the eyes and soul. They’ve also got some classic pieces returning – Stars and Stripes and Diamonds – always breathtaking performances, even for veterans of the ballet world like myself. What a delight to witness these classic works performed by such a vibrant company with a modern flair. NYC Ballet has a very special spark, don't you think, darling? They just keep getting better and better!
Onwards to The Royal
Ah, darling, what’s February without a touch of royalty? The Royal Ballet never fails to impress, and this month they’ve curated a true delight with a mix of contemporary and traditional performances. Their season opening with a revival of Frederick Ashton's The Dream, set to the music of Felix Mendelssohn and based on Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream", is simply enchanting, truly bringing to life this timeless play. The magic in the theatre was quite incredible. A little bit of fairydust is always a welcome touch.
Now, if you're searching for a unique and immersive performance, you've gotta check out their contemporary production Woolf Works. This bold ballet interprets the novels and letters of Virginia Woolf through contemporary dance. Truly breathtaking. There is something deeply intimate and poignant about seeing these stories expressed through the physical language of ballet – a real masterpiece and a perfect tribute to such a celebrated writer.
International Enchantment
Oh darling, and we simply can’t forget those captivating ballets flourishing outside of the familiar West End and Broadway! This month, we have a selection of absolute treasures – performances you can’t miss!
In Paris, we have the Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris presenting the legendary La Bayadère, a classic performance. It's filled with those opulent sets, intricate costumes, and a thrilling plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Then there is the San Francisco Ballet presenting a bold new production by Christopher Wheeldon - The American, a breathtaking contemporary piece, perfect for the modern dance enthusiast, and an exciting piece exploring modern themes and the human condition.
We’re also seeing fantastic things emerging from Australia, darling! The Australian Ballet’s performance of Cinderella is a true feast for the senses. They’ve taken a traditional tale and reimagined it with such fresh, exciting choreography. This show really is the perfect escape into the world of ballet magic, perfect for a delightful escape into a world of fairytale glamour and timeless romance.
I’m just so delighted with all of the dazzling ballet performances on offer this month, darling. From Moscow to New York, from Paris to London, February truly has a spectacular international feast of ballet. We’re seeing an explosion of creativity and talent that reminds me, once again, why I love the ballet so much.