Darlings, September has arrived, the air crisps and the leaves begin to blush, ushering in the most glorious season for the arts. And what a month for balletic delights! From the hallowed halls of the Bolshoi to the intimate ateliers of the avant-garde, I've been hopping around the globe, taking in the exquisite tapestry of talent on offer. Let's take a look, shall we?
The Bolshoi, A Symphony of Tradition
The Bolshoi, as always, reigns supreme. The iconic venue exuded an air of timeless grandeur. I found myself entranced by the sumptuous new production of Swan Lake. The Bolshoi's rendition was truly breathtaking. Each pirouette, each delicate leap, every whisper of a cygnet's feather felt as if born of an age-old fairytale, echoing the legend itself.
Their casting was perfect - The ballerina Elena Smirnova's performance was sublime. Every glance, every move oozed such fragile vulnerability. As Odette she evoked both grace and desperation. While the dashing Dimitri, embodied by Vladislav Lantratov, held the stage with the confidence of a true Prince. His bravura dancing matched his character's regal charisma. Oh, darling, his fouettés, simply exquisite.
A standout element for me was the design. The stage, beautifully adorned, was alive with an otherworldly presence that, frankly, almost stole the show from the dancers! If only I could recreate that look for my next recital!
From Paris with Love, The Romantic Revelations
Now let's travel to Paris. Always the cradle of romance, it was no surprise to find the city buzzing with the most divine new productions.
At the Opera Garnier, we saw the dazzling 'Giselle'. This rendition was fresh and utterly captivating, a perfect ode to the classic. The choreography was stunning, showcasing the ballerinas' athletic prowess in a beautiful ballet that played on the juxtaposition of lightness and passion.
The standout was Margot Fonteyn's legacy, reinterpreted in a new light. She’s simply a vision of beauty, ethereal and otherworldly. I do believe I let out a little gasp of adoration, as she floated across the stage like a wisp of silk. That iconic final solo is etched in my heart!
The Avant Garde at the Grand Palais
Across the Seine, at the Grand Palais, something entirely different unfolded. In a whirlwind of stark minimalist sets and cutting-edge choreography, a new, edgy vision of ballet was emerging.
A New Era, Invigorating the Dance
I stumbled upon a modern production by a rising talent, Sasha Waltz. My darlings, a revelation. Waltz was provocative and experimental, questioning conventions and pushing boundaries. It was exciting, challenging, and truly alive, pushing the boundaries of ballet and showing how truly versatile this art form can be.
The staging was minimal, a clever tactic that highlighted the raw beauty and power of movement, of course! It wasn't for the faint-hearted, the dance was intense. There were stark contrasts, dramatic dips, jumps, and spins that seemed to defy gravity. And yes, there was some lovely, slow, captivating artistry, too.
In London Town, An Intimate Symphony
Now for my journey to London, where the Sadler's Wells has an undeniable whimsical air. My dear, their summer program is one to be applauded. I fell utterly in love with 'The Enchanted Forest,' an elegant and surprisingly poignant production with its lush design. The dancers truly captivated with their expressiveness. This production, unlike those in Moscow or Paris, was more of a dream than a grand performance.
The World of Dance Extends Beyond The Stage
But it wasn't all just on-stage performance. My, my, the city of London, is practically overflowing with ballet-inspired fashion. I've simply been dazzled by the sheer creativity I've seen! On Bond Street, there’s a new boutique offering leotards with beautiful couture details. You won’t find them anywhere else!
A Ballet Enthusiast's Wardrobe Must-Haves
To complement my ballet-inspired wardrobe, I've invested in some dazzling pieces that embody the spirit of the dance:
- A pair of satin ballet slippers with pearls that whisper "chic".
- A delicate tull skirt, for a soft, airy, whimsical flair.
- A delicate silver necklace with an exquisite dancer pendant.
- And, of course, an impeccable blush-pink clutch.
Dancing Onward: October Promises a Grand Spectacle
And now my darlings, as the last rays of summer kiss us goodbye, September has flown by. But don’t despair! The dance scene is alive and well and, with October around the corner, new artistic endeavors await, just waiting to whisk us away. We’ll be looking forward to a magnificent ballet production by Matthew Bourne in London (what will he dream up this time?). In Paris, The Opéra Bastille is ready to unfold an extravaganza of 'The Nutcracker.' And from the Bolshoi, news is arriving that there are some truly incredible performances in the works!
From ballet’s enduring classics to the most thrilling innovations, the dance continues to move, inspire, and capture our imagination. My, what a delightful journey it’s been! Stay elegant, darlings!