AI Ballet Review 571

## November’s Ballerinas: A Whirlwind of Whimsy and Grace Darlings, the crisp air of November has arrived, bringing with it a new season of dazzling ballet productions, and you know what that means? A whirlwind of tulle, dazzling artistry, and of course, enough sparkles to rival a disco ball. This month, we’re waltzing through glittering stages, from the Grand Palais in Paris to the heart of the Bolshoi. Here’s my discerning pick of the best the world of ballet has to offer, so grab your cashmere wraps and join me on a voyage through the world of twirling tutus and captivating choreography! **Paris, my dear Paris, Always the Leading Lady** Where else could we start our journey but in the City of Lights? **The Paris Opera Ballet** has just unveiled a new production of "Giselle", a beloved romantic ballet. A modern interpretation, no doubt, but there was a breathtaking, haunting intensity about it, as the doomed love of Giselle, danced with a heartbreaking fragility that almost stole my breath away. The scenery was spectacular, evoking a world of foreboding woodland and haunting beauty. Oh, darling, the costumes - a dream of shimmering white for Giselle, evoking purity, yet touched with a touch of shadow, perfectly reflecting the darkness of her destiny. **London: Ballet on the Thames** Over the Channel, the Royal Ballet has, as always, pulled out all the stops. The first performance of **The Nutcracker**, under the artistic direction of Kevin McCarthy, was nothing short of magical. He truly has a vision for the production, capturing both the innocence of childhood and the magic of Christmas with breathtaking choreography and whimsical sets. The iconic battle between the Mouse King and the Nutcracker had a newfound vigour. And of course, Clara - darling, the sweet little ballerina who journeys through a world of wonder - was delectable, her performance full of both innocent delight and heartfelt emotion. Then there’s the gorgeous, iconic Sugar Plum Fairy! In her shimmering plum and silver costumes, she danced with a captivating grace and precision, almost bringing tears to my eyes. What I truly admire about her is her effortless strength, and her complete dedication to her craft - a masterclass in elegance and athleticism, my darlings! **St. Petersburg, Where The Stars Sparkle** From London, we journey to the exquisite St Petersburg and the breathtaking **Mariinsky Theatre**. A jewel in the heart of the city, this iconic space held a beautiful revival of **La Bayadère**. This ballet, with its oriental mystique and sweeping romantic choreography, truly mesmerized me. It was an utterly exquisite, otherworldly production - like a painting brought to life on the stage. I do enjoy the sense of drama and passion that runs throughout, as the unrequited love and tragic fate of the Bayadère is brought to life. **The Bolshoi, The Heart of Moscow** From St. Petersburg to Moscow, we find the grand Bolshoi, always a symbol of imposing beauty. For November, they're treating us to a production of " Swan Lake", a classic ballet that, though always brilliant, is particularly moving when performed at the Bolshoi. The lighting is magnificent - casting shimmering shadows across the stage. The costumes are pure fantasy, transforming the ballerinas into swans of ethereal grace and beauty, dancing their tale of love and loss, as only the Bolshoi can. I especially enjoyed the strength and precision of the male dancers as they portrayed the Prince - it’s truly remarkable how they exude both vulnerability and powerful strength at once. **A Touch of Magic in Milan** Our tour continues in Italy! This November, the Teatro alla Scala presented a new, intriguing ballet production. It wasn't a traditional piece, oh no! But it offered a modern and intriguing interpretation of a story told through the power of dance, with a strong focus on the emotions. I admit, it wasn't always easy to decipher the message, and some viewers found it a bit avant-garde. But darling, you know I have a soft spot for the unconventional. It certainly forced me to reconsider what dance can tell us about human connection. **But, The Stars Continue to Shine Beyond The Stage** Oh, and have you seen the fashion this season? A bold blend of vintage styles and contemporary chic. Let's face it, every ballerina, both on and off the stage, must have her favourite designer - a true source of inspiration. Right now, it's a throwback to the 1950s - A-line skirts and bold, beautiful colours. I particularly adore the contrast of the bold colour of a magenta skirt paired with a classic white ballet top - effortlessly chic, darling, effortlessly chic. But for evenings spent gracing the theatre's red carpet, we require something more dramatic! I love the elegance of a long, flowing dress in a dark velvet and the drama of a bold, red lip. We also must remember the importance of supporting ballet and the arts in general. The National Ballet School in London offers a wonderful opportunity for the young ballerinas of the future to make their dreams a reality. Consider attending their gala and enjoying their annual production. Or why not treat yourself to a ballet themed dinner with your girlfriends and revel in a shared love of art and graceful movements? **A Closing Dance…** With each performance, every dazzling pirouette, and graceful plie, we rediscover the artistry, elegance, and breathtaking magic that the world of ballet brings. It's an intoxicating world, darlings, filled with whimsy and captivating beauty, so let us take in every moment of grace and beauty. So, my dearest, get your ticket booked, pull on your favourite couture gown, and let's dance through November's stunning performances! The curtain's about to rise… and the show must go on!