AI Ballet Review 589

Darling, May has been a simply *divine* month for ballet. I’ve jetted around the world, from the charming cobbled streets of Prague to the glitzy glamour of the Met in New York. And oh my, have I been spoiled for choice! It seems the entire world has fallen in love with the magic of ballet. So, pour yourself a glass of something chilled, grab a plate of exquisite French pastries, and let me spill the tea on what I’ve been lucky enough to witness.

Let’s start in the breathtakingly beautiful Prague National Theatre. Now, I’ve always had a weakness for classical ballets. There’s something about the precision, the drama, the timeless quality that always leaves me in awe. So imagine my delight at witnessing “Jewels,” by Balanchine. You know, darlings, Balanchine really does transcend time. I’ve seen this ballet countless times but it always leaves me breathless. This is ballet at its absolute purest.

This production truly felt like a luxurious celebration of dance, a collection of opulent jewels. It showcased some of the company’s best talent. The emeralds in particular, choreographed by Balanchine himself, were absolutely *ravishing*! The dancers had this incredible, effortless energy that was both mesmerizing and inspiring. And speaking of emeralds, that emerald green tutu, darling, you know the one with the glittering beads - simply divine!

I particularly enjoyed the performance of a rising star from the company, Anya Petrov. The delicate strength she brings to each movement, her incredible control...simply flawless! It’s so exciting to witness a young talent like hers take to the stage with such confidence and elegance. I believe this production has really cemented her as one of the up-and-coming stars.

Honestly, if you find yourself in Prague anytime soon, it's a must-see. Trust me, it’s *quite the affair*.

Oh, how I love London! Especially when it's for the Royal Ballet, naturally! Now, I've been longing to see this production of "Mayerling" for ages, and let me tell you, it did *not* disappoint! You all know my penchant for dark and dramatic ballet. “Mayerling,” with its thrilling, passionate narrative, was right up my alley.

I have to confess, the atmosphere at the Royal Opera House is always simply thrilling, even before the curtain rises. But I'll admit, the costumes had me *mesmerised*. You see, they just *know* how to put on a show. This production oozed sophistication.

Now, about the dancing, *quelle surprise*, simply superb. I was especially enchanted by the dancing of Natalia Osipova and Vadim Muntagirov as the tragic lovers, Marie Vetsera and Crown Prince Rudolf. They moved like two beautifully entangled vines, a breathtaking study in passionate yearning and longing. Osipova's *tour de force* at the end, a display of pure, raw agony was absolutely gut wrenching. They truly brought a certain *je ne sais quoi* to their roles, a palpable energy that brought tears to my eyes, truly captivating the audience.

The production, darling, is absolutely breathtaking. If you love stories of passion and drama, with a healthy dose of darkness thrown in for good measure, do make your way to the Royal Opera House before it ends! A Whirlwind in New York City

New York! It's truly *a whirlwind* here! And not just because of the endless traffic! You see, New York's a melting pot of culture, of creativity. But even for this stylish, well-travelled soul, there's something special about seeing a production at the Metropolitan Opera House. This time around, I ventured to see "The Nutcracker." Well, *that* should give you an indication of what kind of mood I was in!

Now, darling, “The Nutcracker” is a ballet for all ages, you simply can’t go wrong. I'm talking magical set designs, enchanting costumes, and absolutely delightful music. Of course, the costumes, as always, were truly exquisite! This production truly showcased New York’s vibrant flair for storytelling! And it certainly did have the audience in its grip, mesmerized by the sugar plum fairies and enchanted by the whole spectacle.

What was truly special was the casting of a new principal dancer. The audience was on the edge of their seats waiting to see what this talented newcomer would do! And Sarah Miller brought so much grace and technical ability to her portrayal, a lovely fresh new face to be reckoned with. Oh, you see, *this* is what makes me excited about ballet, the discovery of new talent.

And let’s not forget, darling, the legendary Tchaikovsky’s score was divine as ever, beautifully orchestrated, with the familiar strains transporting me back to my own childhood fascination with the holiday classic. There’s no doubt about it, darling, "The Nutcracker" will forever hold a special place in my heart!

A trip to New York wouldn’t be complete without a performance from the American Ballet Theatre! Well, who could resist “Giselle”? Especially at Lincoln Center? Such an icon! You see, it was simply divine, my favourite version, truly, as it always manages to draw out the sheer drama in me.

Let me tell you, the atmosphere was so charged, all eyes fixed on the dancers. That haunting adagio! So evocative! It really brought out the *passion* in the audience! Of course, we had the wonderful Herman Cornejo as Albrecht! And let me tell you, he brought such fire to the role! You can't deny that certain magnetism, darling! I *adored* his interaction with Misty Copeland, particularly during the pas de deux. Their movements were truly breathtaking - grace and strength combined! It really felt as if their emotions poured into every single step, making it impossible not to get caught up in the story! Honestly, the performance moved me to tears. It was simply an unforgettable experience, darling.

The May calendar has been a whirlwind of beautiful dance, and I simply can’t wait for the upcoming productions of the summer. As I settle back into my cosy London apartment after all of this travel, darling, I find myself pondering the deeper significance of ballet. Ballet goes beyond mere spectacle, It truly is a language, a language that moves us beyond words, allowing us to experience the full spectrum of emotions.

When you witness a truly great ballet, you become entangled in its rhythm and you truly understand, feel, the human experience. As I gracefully twirl through my living room, my steps echo the beautiful grace and artistry I witnessed, reminding me of those mesmerizing performances.

My darlings, as you can probably guess, the world of dance is filled with so many fantastic opportunities. This summer, I'll be catching the latest piece from The National Ballet of Canada in Toronto - "The Dreamer," and, I hear it's an emotionally charged experience. I’ve got my eye on the San Francisco Ballet’s performance of “Sleeping Beauty,” you simply can't go wrong with a classic, darling, and the Bolshoi Theatre’s “Swan Lake”. You can already tell this summer will be a breathtaking voyage!

Well, I think it’s time to treat myself to another glass of something sparkly! I’ll leave you with a little wisdom: life should be approached with grace and a hint of *sparkle*.