AI Ballet Review 585

It's January 1st, darling, and the crisp air of a brand-new year has descended upon us, filled with the promise of new beginnings. We are all ready to leap into the year ahead, just as the graceful ballerinas leap across the stage. So let’s unleash our inner prima donnas and take a trip around the world to find the best ballet productions happening this month, shall we?
From Paris to New York, the ballet world is truly a global stage. The elegant swirls and dips of ballet tell stories with their expressive movements, and, as any ballet fan knows, each show, each performance has a different heartbeat and aura.
A Ballet Odyssey: A Look at the Season's Must-Sees
**Let’s begin our journey in Paris.** The Opéra de Paris is currently captivating audiences with a stunning rendition of the classic “Giselle.” It's just as the critics predict, full of ethereal beauty, the graceful pas de deux, and moments of heart-wrenching tragedy. As for the costumes? Divine! Think romantic tulles, elegant satin, and dramatic silks, each perfectly executed and adding that quintessential touch of Parisian flair. The energy in the theater is palpable as you watch the dancers seemingly floating across the stage. If you are in Paris, darling, you simply must see this.
**For those of us who crave a modern twist**, the National Ballet of Canada, right here in Toronto, is offering a program dedicated to contemporary choreographers. "Emergence" will have a blend of fresh, avant-garde creations. You’ll experience how ballet evolves, exploring new frontiers in storytelling and physical expression. There are no rules in this beautiful ballet world - we’re embracing individuality and letting emotions guide us on this journey.
**Oh, darling, my favorite London treasure**: The Royal Ballet, will have you swooning with its rendition of "Romeo and Juliet." The romance, the passion, the agony... this is ballet with soul! There’s a whimsical, romantic aura that simply surrounds the entire performance, especially when Juliet performs that heart-melting slow pirouette at the end of the first act! If you're looking for a touch of the traditional, then “Romeo and Juliet” is a ballet for you. It’s always enchanting, even on the tenth viewing!
**Let’s set our sights across the ocean now** – New York City is home to the breathtaking American Ballet Theatre. Their "Sleeping Beauty" is the quintessential winter fairytale. From the sparkling sets to the magnificent costumes, to the heartwarming story and the iconic dancing, you are instantly transported into another world! But darling, the real standout moment in "Sleeping Beauty" is Aurora’s magnificent wedding pas de deux. Pure magic, indeed.
**As we travel through January, another incredible performance opens in New York - **the New York City Ballet showcasing “The Nutcracker.” As a New York institution, The Nutcracker’ is a holiday classic. And I do love a classic. You’ve got the delightful children’s performance in the first act, and then a breathtaking dance spectacle when they go to the Land of Sweets. It’s an adorable story, with those amazing magical characters who truly bring the fairy tale to life. I must admit though, I do have a weakness for the Waltz of the Snowflakes - absolutely breathtaking!
**Speaking of whimsical magic and snowflakes, **if you find yourself in Moscow in the second week of January, the Bolshoi Theatre's rendition of "The Nutcracker" is absolutely must-see. It's pure enchantment, a spectacular show with magnificent costumes and the most exquisite Russian dancers - they captivate your attention with every step. It’s something you won't want to miss.
To finish off January on a high, we move on to another jewel, another fabulous city for ballet, and my absolute favorite - London. A highlight is always “The Winter’s Tale.” This contemporary reimagining of Shakespeare’s tale by Christopher Wheeldon features the magical, intricate dancing and a fascinating exploration of love, jealousy, and loss.
A Ballet Fan’s Fashion Guide to 2017
Now that we’ve explored a global ballet tour, darling, I think it's only fitting we talk about fashion, our little bit of sartorial fun and how we, the dedicated ballet enthusiast, can achieve a glamorous look. Ballet performances are just as much a social event as a cultural affair, right? Let’s elevate our elegance and celebrate this art form with a touch of sophisticated panache, darling.
This January, we are embracing timeless elegance - think sharp tailoring, feminine details, and textures that radiate luxury. A tailored black dress paired with chic stilettos and a touch of sparkly jewelry will make you look utterly refined, perfect for a night at the ballet. Don’t forget to bring a beautiful, elegant evening clutch to hold all of those essential evening items: lip gloss, powder, and my darling - you know how I feel about those miniature hand creams!
For an edgier vibe, go for a sleek jumpsuit - there are gorgeous silk blends, satin textures, and flowing fabrics in beautiful hues to perfectly complement the ethereal atmosphere of ballet. I’m in love with a gorgeous velvet jumpsuit with subtle sequins - it makes the night more luxurious, just like the show you are attending.
I absolutely adore a pop of color against a monochromatic look - so think about a stylish burgundy clutch to complete your evening attire, a fiery jewel tone which compliments every skin tone! A red lipstick with a matching red or burgundy clutch, always gives you a chic and confident feel - so perfect for an enchanting evening out!
Remember, my dear, you don’t need to go overboard with the jewelry - just a delicate pair of earrings and a bracelet, or a single statement necklace can add that perfect finishing touch to your ballet look. Just ensure it complements the attire, and the night will feel that little bit more exquisite.
Let's also embrace the beautiful tradition of the ballet-inspired dress - a black satin dress with an elegant slit and perhaps a bow accent adds elegance and sensuality. The ballet's gentle flowing tulle fabric will add the perfect ethereal look, and if you go for a sleek velvet option, you're going to create an extremely luxurious evening look.
Above all else, let’s be authentic and exude a sense of timeless femininity - embrace classic and elegant, just like the world of ballet itself! Now, darling, go out and enjoy this gorgeous month - I can’t wait to hear about what you thought of these wonderful ballets. I know they are all worth seeing, darling! Let's embrace the art of dance, of the art of storytelling, of living well, and just revel in every moment this season brings.
Till next month darling - happy dancing!
**xxx**
**XOXO**