December 2016: A Ballet Season of Pure Whimsy
Oh darling, you simply *must* hear about my adventures this month. Ballet! Oh, it was glorious, just divine! I started with a truly **splendid** evening at the Royal Opera House, where they had a revival of *Sleeping Beauty* - a ballet so classic that I feel it in my bones. It really felt as if the production had a touch of a fairy's magic. The costumes, the sets, and even the *pointe* work seemed to be suspended in an eternal, fantastical waltz. I particularly enjoyed the playful choreography - particularly in the "Rose Adagio" and the "Prince's Arrival" scenes. Honestly, it was *everything*. I've seen so many versions of *Sleeping Beauty* - but this felt timeless. Such artistry, you just knew they had put so much love into making it a work of absolute enchantment.
But London has been *bursting* with fantastic dance this season. The English National Ballet had me totally smitten at Sadler's Wells with *The Rite of Spring*. Oh, the visceral passion! This ballet never fails to give me chills. You see the primitive instincts and the power of creation - both frightening and strangely beautiful. You can truly feel Stravinsky's score throbbing within every single muscle and move. And the *corps de ballet*! They gave me everything - the strength, the dedication. There's no room for hesitation, they truly give every single muscle in their body. I just loved how they created a real sense of energy within the choreography.
Speaking of the energy, I went to *Romeo and Juliet* at the Bolshoi earlier this month. And *wow*. A real tour de force of the sublime. The drama in every single movement! There's a reason this story never gets old. I saw all those classic ballets so often at the school and you almost feel that you could be bored with them, but somehow the intensity never wears off. I loved seeing the male dancers with the absolute athleticism of a warrior - and then the delicate grace that just seems to come from nowhere in those long duets between Juliet and Romeo. There's just *such* power when you can really *feel* the connection - the love, the loss, the passion.
I know we're used to being seduced by a great, flamboyant costume and some glorious pointe work - but this wasn't *just* a costume and *just* a show. The dancers just pulled you in to *feel* the tragedy - to understand why love was everything for these star-crossed lovers.
Then, last week I had the *joy* of seeing Alvin Ailey's "Revelations" - that iconic, joyous masterpiece, on the stage at the American Ballet Theatre in New York. This ballet! It's simply pure pleasure! It felt as if they put all their joy into every single turn. And how the entire audience felt a *wave* of the energy of joy. Honestly darling, "Revelations" is truly an uplifting moment, an explosion of emotion - the passion, the sorrow, the love - you feel as if every aspect of humanity is on display there. Such beauty, such soul, such life!
Speaking of the soul, I loved how *La Bayadère* played out at the Paris Opera Ballet - another incredible revival, darling! Oh, it is such a romantic journey. With the vibrant sets, and the sheer brilliance of the choreography, the *corps de ballet* seemed to transport the entire audience into another world. And how utterly radiant the dancers look in their lavish, traditional costumes. This is truly the ultimate, enchanting fairytale that leaves you totally transported.
Of course, we can't forget *Giselle* which took centre stage at the Mariinsky earlier in the month. Such heartbreaking beauty in this performance - I never imagined that this ballet could *feel* so intimate! You just feel those tragic elements that give the story it's raw heart.
My little ballet diaries are already brimming with excitement for the coming year - what's *not* to love! It's truly a special time in ballet - there's a real creative buzz. I heard that the London Contemporary Dance School is preparing a spectacular dance festival - with works ranging from modern dance pieces to some stunning avant-garde interpretations - it is all about celebrating creativity, individuality. The possibilities are limitless - just *imagine* all those exquisite moments where you can connect to something far beyond your wildest dreams,
And let's not forget *my* personal excitement - I've just started rehearsals for a contemporary ballets with a famous choreographer, - and we are going to take it to Paris, New York - oh, the *joy* of performing, it really is the ultimate rush - and such a personal journey, as if your emotions become visible to the world, It just fills you up with an energy you don't really understand until you become one with the music and dance.
I also *love* this time of year, the holidays are upon us. As I put my tiara back on after the show, I feel such warmth for the magical stories of our world. A real sense of festivity with all those beautiful dancers and costumes - the *esprit de corps* that makes you want to stay forever! Oh darling - it *really* is my world. So why don't you come with me? Just pick your favourite, there are a thousand enchanting ways to celebrate the season of sparkling snowflakes and a sprinkling of magic!