Dearest readers, August arrived like a grand pirouette, and, just as a seasoned ballerina never rests, neither do we. I'm sitting at my vanity table in my private dressing room in Paris, freshly showered, with the scent of bergamot and jasmine in the air, just about ready to hit the opening night gala at the Opéra Garnier for the exquisite "Le Lac des Cygnes." My sequined dress sparkles under the dazzling light of my vanity, mirroring the magic about to unfold.
Now, let's face it, ballet has a bit of a reputation for being stuffy, sometimes bordering on elitist. But this season is defying those notions. Here are some absolute highlights, darlings, and be warned, your schedules might be needing a revamp!
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London: Royal Ballet - "Giselle" - A Dance of Love and Grief.
I've seen countless "Giselle's" throughout my career, but the recent production at the Royal Opera House had an extraordinary, almost mystical energy. I mean, there is nothing more exquisite than watching Marianela Nuñez and Vadim Muntagirov bring the story of Giselle, a young woman heartbroken by the deception of a handsome but deceitful nobleman, to life. Nuñez's interpretation perfectly captures both the innocence of love and the tragic consequences of betrayal. You see the raw emotions of Giselle's betrayal and sorrow as Nuñez becomes a withering Wilis, an ethereal spirit of vengeance. Vadim, as the nobleman Albrecht, conveys a real depth of guilt, which added even more complexity to this classic tale. It's truly an emotional journey. And don't even get me started on the choreography, breathtaking and nuanced, a tapestry woven by the genius of Marius Petipa and Jean Coralli. The finale was hauntingly beautiful. The haunting air of a young life cut tragically short really did get under my skin. You could feel the tears on my lashes. Just divine.
And a word to the wise: if you can manage to secure a ticket for the final scene of the final act, you will witness the mesmerizing "The Grand Pas de Deux". The delicate footwork, precise movements, and breathtaking jumps, it is the very essence of ballet. You'll be spellbound, trust me!
- New York City: American Ballet Theatre - "The Black Swan" - From Swan Lake to Darker Delights. You can always count on the American Ballet Theatre for groundbreaking interpretations of the classics. This season their "Black Swan" had a whole new edge, and honestly, who wouldn't be tempted by a darker side? This rendition went beyond the traditional fairytale, taking us into the mind and soul of Odette/Odile. Misty Copeland, well, let's face it, she simply stole the show. Every leap, every pirouette, and every delicate turn was pure perfection. She truly embodies both the delicate innocence of the white swan and the seductive darkness of the black swan. My darlings, there were moments when I literally held my breath! But don't let me distract you, the choreography itself was revolutionary. It felt both edgy and familiar, pushing the boundaries of classical ballet while honoring its essence. I felt a jolt, and then a certain elegance, both thrilling and a little scary. The sheer power of the performance reminded me of the incredible raw emotions that ballet can conjure up, and honestly, you'll be humming that soundtrack for weeks! You just might find yourself spinning around in front of your mirror (no judgment) after you see this one.
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Moscow: The Bolshoi Theatre - "Spartacus" - Strength and Passion.
For something a bit more... masculine and fierce, there was the Bolshoi Theatre's epic "Spartacus". Oh, the intense power and breathtaking feats of physical prowess in this ballet will have you glued to your seat. This performance is not for the faint of heart! It is all about raw energy, explosive action, and the intense struggle for freedom, you almost forget you are at a ballet performance at all, you're caught up in the battle on stage. Semyon Chudin and Vladimir Shklyarov brought their A-game, their duels were pure theatre! Semyon's movements were fluid, almost serpentine, reflecting the spirit of a rebellious gladiator, while Vladimir portrayed a cunning villain with such chilling precision that I found myself actually hating his character! Talk about commitment. But while this was a performance that demonstrates athleticism, it wasn't without its moments of poignant emotion. I still remember how the story unfolded between the Roman Centurion and his captive. This story resonated so deeply, especially when the Centurion, desperate for love, embraced the forbidden path towards the freedom of his heart. There are moments that just take your breath away, leaving you in a state of quiet awe. A ballet production like this is pure magic.
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Paris: Opéra Garnier - "Le Lac des Cygnes" - A Love Story Made For A Timeless Romance.
I can't talk about ballet and summer in August without paying homage to the absolute gem that is "Le Lac des Cygnes." The Opéra Garnier brought it back for the 2016 summer season with a fresh and mesmerizing staging, the most delightful way to celebrate the beautiful, light and feminine spirit of this classic tale. I've lost count how many times I've seen "Le Lac des Cygnes" but each one brings something new and unique to the table, just as if it were my first. It was an absolute revelation seeing Aurélie Dupont and Mathieu Ganio dance this iconic love story with such grace, such an eloquent blend of power and vulnerability it is almost tangible.
The costumes alone are a work of art - whimsical tutus that danced with each graceful movement, delicate layers of silk and feathers. There was an undeniable magic in the air the entire time, as the beautiful music transported me from the bustle of Parisian streets straight to the enchanted lake, surrounded by swans.
The Grand Pas de Deux is, well, simply the most perfect ballet scene I can think of It’s the kind of beauty that can leave you breathless. I admit, I caught myself being pulled in to that world and I found myself transported into the story. It was a love story of such delicate and enchanting beauty I was swept off my feet again. You might even find yourself shedding a tear or two!
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Buenos Aires - "Tango: Fire & Passion" - A Love Letter To Tango!
Alright, darling, let's travel beyond the ballet studio and into the pulsating world of tango! Tango is a force of nature and you can always count on Buenos Aires to serve up the most intense, emotional, and passionate performances. My friends and I indulged ourselves in "Tango: Fire & Passion." From the second the orchestra struck the first chords, we were transported to the sultry and fiery heart of tango, It was an absolute sensation! The tango's energy, passion and raw sensuality is a real gift.
Let me paint you a picture: Imagine shadowy stages with intense couples, with the most mesmerizing gestures and emotion, you feel like you are right there in the tango hall with them! There's a very specific connection in a tango, it is the story of two spirits coming together, sometimes tender, sometimes forceful. Each performance was a captivating mix of grace and raw emotion!
A tango dance is pure energy, a language that speaks in powerful and seductive gestures. But tango is more than just steps and footwork, darling, it is about expression, connection, and the ability to tell a whole story through body movement and gestures. For those of you who don't think ballet has that much fire, I encourage you to check out a tango performance - you'll discover the dance language has as much intensity and sensuality as ballet. After this performance, you might just start practicing in the privacy of your own home, you know, just a little!
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Sydney Opera House: Australian Ballet "Romeo and Juliet" - Modernity With A Touch of Timelessness.
If you're looking for a classic, Shakespearean ballet experience in a modern twist, head down to the Sydney Opera House, and prepare yourself for "Romeo and Juliet." This version of Romeo and Juliet is truly a testament to the creativity and talent of Australia's Ballet company, with some amazing dancers showcasing the captivating world of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy. The choreography by Graeme Murphy brought a very contemporary and visceral feel to the play.
The performance felt bold and edgy, capturing that youthful rebellion so vivid in the story. And the Australian Ballet brought Shakespearean drama to life with such precision and emotion, I felt like I was watching it unfold on a grand stage. And you know, they didn’t even need any dialogue. You could hear each sigh and the agony in the movements! A definite must for ballet lovers who want something a little bit outside of the box. And the scenery, my darlings, was pure enchantment - the contrast of lush garden scenes, followed by scenes with darkness, it all felt very raw.
As the season unfolds, ballet offers a journey, darling. A journey to distant lands, to the heart of passion, and to stories that touch the deepest depths of human experience. These performances reminded me that, whether in London, New York, Moscow, Paris or Sydney, the world of ballet is a living language of expression that continues to speak to our hearts and move us in the most extraordinary ways. There is no more captivating or exciting form of expression and art than ballet!
My dears, until next time, be sure to stay glamorous!
XOXO,
Audrey.