June’s Dance Diary: A Whirlwind of Emotion
Dearest readers, June has always been my favorite month! It’s when London truly blossoms, the scent of jasmine and roses drifting through the air as I stroll through Hyde Park en route to rehearsal. This June was especially inspiring with so many dazzling ballet productions that graced stages across the globe, and I felt like a child again, utterly captivated by their magic. So, let’s dive in and explore the dance world from my point of view, shall we?
A Dance to Remember at the Royal Opera House
Naturally, I had to begin my June with a visit to Covent Garden, home to the Royal Opera House. The unveiling of Romeo & Juliet, the timeless masterpiece by Prokofiev, was an absolute triumph. The heart-wrenching story played out on stage like a breathtaking, vibrant painting, full of passion and longing. And oh, the choreography! Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s interpretation is so nuanced, every gesture and pirouette tells a story. The lead dancers were captivating; the poise and tenderness of Natalia Osipova as Juliet, and the exuberant strength of Vadim Muntagirov as Romeo, made this a performance that stayed with me for days.
Parisian Elegance
A short hop on the Eurostar, and I was whisked away to Paris, the city that defines elegance. My trip was punctuated by a visit to the Palais Garnier, the hauntingly beautiful opera house featured in the iconic novel Phantom of the Opera. Here, I witnessed a new production of La Bayadère by the Paris Opera Ballet. The spectacle of this ballet was beyond words, the sumptuous costumes, and the intricate stage design, were a feast for the eyes, the entire theater pulsed with life and passion. The legendary role of Nikiya, was interpreted by a breathtaking ballerina with such incredible technical ability.
A Glimpse of New York’s Ballet Scene
As a ballet lover, New York is a must. I flew in just in time for the annual gala at the American Ballet Theatre held at the Metropolitan Opera House. The glamour! The glitz! The sheer artistry on display was simply astonishing. It was a truly unforgettable night that exceeded all expectations. A special highlight for me was The Seasons, the new ballet choreographed by the incredibly talented Tiler Peck, the company’s principal dancer, and inspired by Tchaikovsky’s evocative score, each act mirrored the progression of the year – spring’s lightness, summer’s joyous energy, autumn’s melancholy, and winter’s quiet stillness. The dancers conveyed each season with exquisite precision and artistic vision.
Beyond the Traditional: Ballet Fusion
June’s ballet offerings weren't just limited to traditional productions, there was also a real thrill to be found in the exploration of new ideas and forms of dance, blurring the boundaries of what ballet could be. One particularly engaging performance took place at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London: Dust, a piece by the rising-star choreographer, Akram Khan. It’s a captivating, emotive piece, that fused contemporary dance, martial arts, and classical ballet elements, in a poignant exploration of humanity and vulnerability, accompanied by a spellbinding musical score by the talented Nitin Sawhney.
Dancing under the Stars
As June bloomed, so did the open-air ballet scene. In Paris, the Gardens of the Tuileries were transformed into a magical, open-air stage for The Sleeping Beauty performed by the étoiles of the Paris Opera Ballet. The soft Parisian evening air and the twinkling lights overhead created a breathtaking ambience. The performance itself was impeccable – every dancer moving with grace, power, and unwavering focus.
Ballet and Beyond: A Summer of Inspiration
Ballet isn’t just about pirouettes and graceful leaps. The magic lies in its power to inspire and to tell stories, to ignite emotions. The beauty of the ballet world doesn't end at the stage. Art museums are always a haven for a ballet lover. The Musée Rodin in Paris hosted a beautiful exhibition of the iconic ballet sculptures of Degas, a master of depicting dancers in their most vulnerable moments. The exhibit, called "The Ballerinas of Edgar Degas", was captivating - Degas' sculptures are not just art objects; they capture the spirit of the dancers, a testament to the dedication and skill of these remarkable artists.
The Ballet Beauty and the Ballet Style
A ballet-inspired look is always in style. This season, the key is to incorporate feminine, elegant touches to your summer wardrobe. Think airy silk dresses, ballet flats with bows and gorgeous flowy skirts. Add a touch of sophistication with a structured ballet-inspired clutch and a pearl necklace, for a chic touch, channel the spirit of the dance. I love wearing blush and pastel pink shades. And you can even get into the mood by using some lovely dance-inspired beauty products. The best fragrance for me this summer has been Dior's "J’adore", its feminine floral aroma and is the perfect scent to complement a ballerina’s style. As for makeup, I like a natural look for daytime: fresh skin, slightly flushed cheeks and a soft pink lip. For a more dramatic evening look, try a winged eyeliner and a bold red lip.
Closing Thoughts
As June dances its way out, the excitement of a new ballet season is already on the horizon. From London to New York and Paris, I’m sure that we are going to witness more magical stories and innovative movements. Until then, let us continue to celebrate this extraordinary form of art and the beauty and grace it brings into our lives. Dance on!