Darling, January is always such a flurry of excitement! We all just enjoyed the holidays, we're feeling refreshed, and ready for a fresh start. There are so many wonderful ballet productions kicking off the new year, I thought you would like to hear my take. Let's just say that these performances definitely had me swirling with delight.
From Paris to the States This month began with a rather grand and sumptuous evening at the **Palais Garnier** for a rare glimpse of the **Ballet de lâOpĂ©ra National de Paris'** "Giselle". The last time I saw it here was way back when I was just a little, ambitious *petit rat* ! I just loved the original choreography by **Jean Coralli** and **Jules Perrot**, especially those iconic wispy, white tutus in the second act - I was nearly tempted to grab one and spin on stage right there! But what really caught my eye was the extraordinary artistry of **Svetlana Zakharova**. I just can't get enough of her, darling, especially her captivating ability to embody the tortured soul of Giselle with so much fragility, vulnerability, and passion. It's simply breathtaking to watch her move! I truly felt a sense of raw, unbridled energy from the stage, it truly was something to remember. I heard they also added some very dramatic stage lighting, giving it an air of otherworldliness, perfect for this haunting yet beautiful piece. But the music is of course the true star! I could have just sat there and listened to **Adolphe Adamâs** score for hours. I know we've heard this ballet a million times over the years, but for those who have yet to see it - and I really think there are a few out there, no? - I say, treat yourselves!
I had the pleasure of spending a few magical nights in New York city for a whirlwind tour of ballet delights at **New York City Ballet**, in particular their âThe Nutcrackerâ, at **Lincoln Center.** Now, this was pure Christmas magic at its finest! This classic ballet really shines when they utilize their unique take on this piece by choreographer **George Balanchine**, I really do adore its youthful energy and whimsical charm. There is a playful theatricality to it all, a joyous innocence. It always makes me feel like a child again! You really couldnât ask for a more delightful, perfectly curated âNutcrackerâ And the talented young ballerinas - they were truly superstars in the making - such confidence and brilliance at such young ages! And just watch those costumes... I simply adored them, all those rich fabrics and those dazzling colors just had my inner fashionista shouting with delight! There were some stunning performances to speak of from **Daniel Ulbricht** as Drosselmeyer and **Tyler Angle** as The Nutcracker, oh, they were just divine!
Now for something a bit more modern... **American Ballet Theatre** hosted **"The Sleeping Beauty",** but this production featured some unexpected reinterpretations that really surprised me. There are a lot of big expectations associated with this title and you simply couldn't have chosen a more talented group of dancers! The new production at the **Metropolitan Opera House**, by the renowned choreographer **Alexei Ratmansky,** definitely did give a classic piece a refreshing update. I just adored those sleek, modern costumes and the beautiful, fluid movements throughout - really just divine. You could truly feel that this new production aimed to accentuate the fluidity and lyrical beauty of **Tchaikovskyâs** music, all while respecting the original structure and form. And that breathtaking pas de deux, oh my... simply unforgettable! It left the audience breathless, I think many eyes were a bit damp! I heard from some very stylish people I know who also attended, that they were especially taken with **Misty Copeland**, the first African American Principal Dancer in ABTâs history, in her performance as Aurora. They called it a powerful performance, and a true inspiration to young dancers. If this is the direction American Ballet Theatre plans on moving, then I think we are all in for some really captivating productions.
For a totally different, fresh take on the contemporary scene, you have to check out **Nederlands Dans Theater 1** in **The Hague**, Netherlands, they had me absolutely captivated with their âThe Human Comedy,â by **Paul Lightfoot** and **Sol Leon.** My favorite parts were when the choreography became both witty and poignant. You canât help but laugh in moments of pure brilliance while at the same time feel the human spirit through these captivating stories. The way these dancers move, itâs not so much ballet as it is free-form modern dance, which I really loved. I found it really powerful and uplifting, truly a remarkable choreographic style and one that is worthy of being recognized!
I always think that ballet needs some new voices and some more artistic experimentation to challenge our conceptions of the traditional art form, so thatâs why I love venturing out to see more intimate and experimental pieces around the globe. While I found myself absolutely enthralled at **Londonâs Sadler's Wells Theatre** with the vibrant energy of **Rambert Dance Companyâs** production of **"The Murmuring" by Benoit Swan Pouffer** - a captivating mix of theatre and movement, with some striking costumes that added such drama to the overall piece, it felt incredibly fresh and really left me thinking about things afterwards. This company, it's one that I will always try to check out when they are performing, such wonderfully talented artists, each and every time!
Now, my darling, donât forget to keep a keen eye out for the following performances. Iâve heard wonderful things, but have yet to catch any of them myself...
- **The Royal Ballet** with their rendition of **"Swan Lake"** in **Londonâs Royal Opera House** always guarantees to be a beautifully rendered production - it simply has that extra sparkle that really attracts so many loyal admirers. It has all those enchanting costumes and incredible music, what's not to love?! I was sadly out of the country while this was on in November, but I know that they had a record breaking opening night, and I can't wait to hear about this latest iteration.
- Now for a true ballet jewel, **The Bolshoi Ballet**, back in **Moscow**, they will bring the powerful narrative of **"Romeo and Juliet", ** choreographed by **Yuri Grigorovich**, and starring two of my absolute favorite artists, **Svetlana Zakharova** and **Vladislav Lantratov**. Of course I know that these two artists are always magnificent but this is said to be a powerhouse combination and I've been warned that this is truly a ballet masterpiece, the choreography is exceptional and is truly captivating with powerful energy and passion - this production really does highlight these performers at their best!
Now, darling, this new year I know that we will see even more creative innovations and bold performances in the world of dance. And as always, we'll be sure to report back on all of them with all the excitement that we can muster, as these ballets make us truly twirl with delight!** And I will be on the look out for a dazzling collection of **"Les Ballet de Vogue"** - this ballet inspired fashion extravaganza that brings a new energy to high-end fashion in New York and Milan has me aching to make an appearance, all while twirling with my dearest fashion friends. Until then, happy watching, my dearest reader. And do tell me about your favorite ballet productions so far this new year. Always delighted to share the passion! **