AI Ballet Review 563

## The Pointe of View: March 2015 Darling, let’s just say March has been a *whirlwind*! From the elegance of London to the audacious fire of New York, my toes haven’t stopped tapping, and my eyes haven’t ceased being bedazzled. So grab your favorite cashmere wrap and a glass of something bubbly, because darling, we’ve got stories to tell! London: Where Elegance Reigns My first stop was the glorious Royal Opera House, where I was lucky enough to witness the revival of *Giselle*, a timeless classic I can never resist. Oh, to feel that familiar ache of passion, heartbreak, and a supernatural twist! Natalia Osipova’s portrayal of the tragic Giselle was simply heartbreaking, her vulnerability both raw and tender. I was *captivated*. It wasn't just the stunning technical prowess - it was her expressive eyes, her captivatingly fragile movements, and her quiet desperation that made her a Giselle for the ages. It was *poetry in motion*. Partnered with the impeccable David Hallberg, the dynamic between them was electric. Hallberg embodied the dashing and charming Albrecht, who brings both light and dark into Giselle’s world. Their pas de deux was sublime – the connection was so palpable, a testament to their extraordinary chemistry. They danced as if a single heartbeat propelled their every move. A symphony of emotion, every step a carefully crafted story. However, the true *gem* of the night was the corps de ballet. Oh, they were like a swirling cloud of whispers, each movement graceful and precisely honed, a perfect blend of precision and fluidity. The ethereal beauty of the wilis, their flowing white tutus against the velvet night, was breathtakingly romantic. Theirs was a performance that truly took my breath away. And just as *Giselle* had always done, it left me with a pang of melancholy sweetness. A reminder of the timeless power of true love and the inevitable bittersweet beauty of loss. New York: A Dazzling, Brazen Spirit From the elegant world of London, I found myself in the vibrant energy of New York. There’s just a different energy in the air, a palpable hunger for the *unconventional*, a craving for pushing boundaries. So of course, I had to see the much talked about revival of Balanchine’s *Agon*, a piece of *pure modern artistry*. It wasn't just a ballet, it was a conversation - about sensuality, passion, and even a hint of playfulness, all wrapped up in sleek, modern costumes that seemed to be a dance themselves. The dancing was superb, yes, but the music by Igor Stravinsky brought a whole new dimension. The rhythms were bold and electrifying. Imagine a vibrant interplay of contrasting tempos and musical textures! I could practically *taste* the emotion in every note, feel it throbbing in my soul! And the dancers! Each one possessed a fearless and electrifying energy that propelled them through intricate choreography. The piece pulsed with life. There was an unspoken sense of *dare* to their movement, a kind of rawness, like watching a raw gem come alive under the perfect light. A distinct break from traditional ballet, this was about expressing emotions through a vibrant tapestry of movement, and pushing the limits of dance itself. A delicious bite of something *wildly unexpected*. Paris: Romance Under The Eiffel Tower Oh, Paris. The City of Lights, and of course, a playground for dancers. Here, I found myself captivated by a new production of "La Sylphide". You know how we love a timeless story, right? But in this rendition, the spirit of innovation hung heavy in the air, beautifully mingling with the classic essence of the tale. From the exquisite costumes that looked like spun moonlight to the meticulously designed sets, this production exuded an *otherworldly* feel. It's no wonder that La Sylphide has captured hearts for generations. There’s just something about that enchanting dance, a sense of pure magic woven into each step. This rendition showcased the incredible talent of Marie Agnes, the embodiment of the elusive sylphide, who possessed an uncanny grace and ethereal presence. Each delicate movement radiated a fragile, haunting beauty, reminding me of a fleeting dream, leaving me wanting to linger a bit longer, to fully embrace its magic. And as if from a forgotten dream, Paul Marque was absolutely spellbinding as James, his passion both passionate and restrained, reflecting a heart torn between the mortal and the ethereal. It’s these shades of emotion that truly resonate, my dear, and pull us in. The exquisite ballet became a journey of both desire and regret. Paris. Where ballet and romance seamlessly intertwine! And Lastly... An Enchanting Experiment Of course, my journey through the world of dance wouldn’t be complete without some avant-garde delight! I ventured into a show that defied definition: an innovative piece of performance art that intertwined ballet with shadow puppets and live music. Oh, the *beauty* of seeing classic ballet movements juxtaposed against the surreal silhouettes created by the shadows was mesmerizing! The delicate ballet forms morphed into shapes that seemed to have a life of their own. A visual poem, truly. The audience was enthralled, our faces reflected in the shimmering darkness of the theatre, our eyes drinking in each new image, each bold shift in mood. It was as though a whole new world had been created on the stage before us - a universe where the tangible and the imagined danced hand in hand. A reminder that true artistry lies in bending and redefining traditional forms. A Farewell to March… As we close the doors on this beautiful and inspiring March, my dearest readers, it’s hard not to feel an undeniable surge of inspiration. The world of dance has truly painted a dazzling kaleidoscope on our souls, filled with passion, grace, and boundless beauty. I can't wait to see what awaits us next month! Now, darling, where's my champagne? The next grand adventure begins soon! Until then, remember: life, like the dance, is an endless journey of captivating moments waiting to be discovered. Let's embrace them, my dear. Let's dance!