The Season's First Bloom: August 2015
Darling, how fabulous it is to be back in the thick of things, swirling our way through August! With the theatre season truly ablaze, one might say it's time for the tutus to truly twirl, and darling, they certainly do!
This August promises an absolutely sensational smorgasbord of ballet delights, so hold on to your pom-poms, girls. From the hallowed halls of Covent Garden to the captivating new frontiers of contemporary dance, the month unfolds like a magnificent tableau vivant, each performance more mesmerising than the last.
Here, let's delve into some of the absolute highlights...
Across the PondLast month, I was in the States and simply couldn't miss out on seeing the incandescent American Ballet Theatre. In a divine celebration of dance, their August showcase in New York's Lincoln Center, a dazzling mix of established favourites and exciting premieres, proved a must-see. For a contemporary flourish, you simply couldn't resist **Justin Peck's** “In the Countenance of a Blessed Virgin,” a hauntingly beautiful composition of graceful lines, a piece that felt oh so poetic. A definite nod towards the sublime! Of course, **Jerome Robbins**' legendary **"Fancy Free"**, bursting with infectious energy and charming stories, made my toes tap with delight. Such a brilliant, effortless display of American dance! Then there's **The Prodigal Son**, a masterpiece I find incredibly touching. This timeless tale of resilience and the power of redemption, captured beautifully in the work of **Balanchine**, brought out a surprising emotional depth from the performers that had the entire audience spellbound. All this in the plush comfort of Lincoln Center; a perfect August escape, wouldn't you agree?
And now back home, the English ballet scene is just as vibrant...
An Elegant EmbraceIn London, there is of course the iconic Royal Ballet, my true artistic home, which for August, brought forth the divine "Manon", a performance truly evocative. I simply adored the lush production, a masterclass of dance and drama. From the enchanting melodies to the beautifully crafted sets, everything came together so seamlessly. Natalia Osipova was beyond exquisite, with every movement a testament to sheer grace. She made the heartbreak of the heroine simply unbearable, while Sergei Polunin exuded charm, his masculine elegance making for a compelling on-stage duo. Such a romantic performance!
If you're after a captivating display of contemporary brilliance, you simply have to head over to the **Sadler’s Wells**. This venue, oh darling, never fails to amaze me with its bold productions. Their current offering by the wonderful **Rambert Dance Company** is absolutely spellbinding. This troupe, led by the truly extraordinary **Mark Baldwin**, has captivated my heart from the moment I saw their last season's premiere. Their work "Coriolanus**" has this incredible sense of raw power mixed with delicate vulnerability; I think every contemporary dancer will want to steal some moves from it! With every performance, **Rambert** never fails to challenge convention, and their exploration of humanity’s intricate complexities is quite moving.
Across the ContinentDarling, it seems August has brought about a glorious international flurry of the ballet world! Let’s talk Paris, the epitome of Parisian elegance and charm! It is quite obvious, L'Opéra de Paris, under the creative genius of **Benjamin Millepied**, always manages to impress with its vibrant displays of dance. Their production of **Romeo & Juliet** has a distinctly modern feel and I heard it received rave reviews. The ballet world's hottest names took to the stage, and judging by the critics, it seems a divine experience, truly a whirlwind of love and drama.
Of course, it’s impossible to talk about ballet and not acknowledge **Mikhail Baryshnikov**. The legendary dancer remains the epitome of pure dance excellence. Even today, when I see the sheer brilliance of his work in a piece like **The Rite of Spring**, it leaves me simply speechless. And believe it or not, in August, this timeless masterpiece is coming alive once more on a stage in Russia, of all places. A must-see for any dance enthusiast!
An August Affair of DanceAugust is bursting at the seams with delightful and unique presentations that transcend tradition. Every performance promises a delightful journey for all of us in the world of dance, a celebration of grace, power and expression. Each show allows the audience to indulge in its beauty and emotional complexities.
Some Special Moments:- The enchanting “Don Quixote**" performance at the **Vienna State Opera** last month has everyone whispering. I must confess, my dear, that my beloved Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg has my heart in August! The exquisite dance talent and grandeur of the performances simply makes it the ultimate artistic pilgrimage.
- As you all know, I adore exploring new territories. I can't resist the vibrant artistry of the **Royal Winnipeg Ballet**, their summer offerings this August were a captivating experience of talent and precision. For my taste in a touch of theatricality, there was "A Midsummer Night's Dream" with their new dance production - delightful, isn't it? Such clever use of movement! For a touch of contemporary art, “Carmina Burana**" brought its magic to the stage. You just have to see this innovative combination of movement, light, and sound! It’s such a visual treat for the soul.
As we bask in the glow of summer’s embrace, I say let the tutus spin, the stories unfold, and the music weave its magic. Let's immerse ourselves in the vibrant world of dance that awaits.
XOXO, [Name]