AI Ballet Review 591

Darling, you wouldn't believe the whirlwind of tulle and tiaras I've been swept up in this month! The July ballet scene, as always, is a dazzling display of talent and artistry. From the grand stages of the Bolshoi to intimate studios, I've pirouetted my way across continents, soaking up the exquisite beauty of this timeless art form.

My month kicked off with a sensational production of **Swan Lake** at the **Royal Opera House** in London. Now, I've seen this ballet a dozen times, but this revival, with a truly stellar cast, left me spellbound. The exquisite choreography, particularly in the famous “White Swan” pas de deux, brought tears to my eyes. The young principal, Natalia Osipova, truly embodied the dual role of Odette and Odile. Her fluidity and expressive power, especially in the Act II Black Swan scene, was simply electrifying. The corps de ballet, their precision and uniformity mirroring the graceful wings of swans, were breathtakingly elegant. The evening, with its opulent sets and gorgeous costumes, felt like a symphony in movement.

After the majesty of London, I flew to Paris, the city that, after all, invented ballet. This month saw **Paris Opera Ballet** presenting their new production of **Cinderella**. Now, Cinderella is not my usual cup of tea – the fairytale theme can feel a bit saccharine. However, this staging, with contemporary twists on the traditional story, and an exquisite soundtrack by Prokofiev, was an absolute delight. The talented young dancer, Alice Renavand, perfectly captured the sweet vulnerability of Cinderella. Her elegance and lightness made me forget about the somewhat predictable storyline.

My journey then took me across the pond to New York City, the heart of the American dance world. Here, I felt the vibrancy and sheer dynamism that characterises American ballet. I attended a stunning performance of **Jerome Robbins' masterpiece 'The Four Seasons',** with the **New York City Ballet** at Lincoln Center. The ballets were a joy to watch – witty, intricate and breathtakingly imaginative. Robbins' work is timeless, each vignette echoing a distinct facet of Vivaldi's exquisite score.

Later in the week, I went off-Broadway to check out the smaller companies, seeking out that exciting buzz of raw talent and cutting-edge artistry. I found myself enchanted by the **Paul Taylor Dance Company**’s contemporary dance production at the **Joyce Theater**. The pieces were not easy to understand at first, with complex narratives and daring, almost unsettling movements. But as I watched, I was slowly drawn in. It felt like each dancer was baring their soul, raw and vulnerable, under the cool spotlight.

From the electric energy of New York, I traveled to Italy for some summer sun and, naturally, some exquisite ballet. My stop was Rome, the eternal city where the history of ballet runs deep. This month, **La Scala** presented a **La Bayadère** with a breathtakingly large cast. This classic Indian-themed ballet, known for its iconic 'Kingdom of the Shades' scene, was absolutely spellbinding. The sheer number of dancers swirling and swaying on stage, adorned with jewel-toned costumes and elaborate headdresses, truly felt like a feast for the senses.

I find that the summer months offer an exciting opportunity to delve deeper into the world of contemporary ballet. So, I took a break from the grand theatres and travelled to the breathtaking town of San Sebastian, in the Basque region of Spain. Here, at the **Donostia International Festival**, I experienced the innovative spirit of emerging choreographers.

• I saw a breathtaking contemporary ballet called " **El silencio del cielo**" (**The Silence of the Sky**) by Spanish choreographer **Marcos Morau**. This haunting and atmospheric piece explores themes of human vulnerability and the search for meaning in an often chaotic world. The movement, though minimalist, was profoundly emotive.
• Then, I was captivated by a production from **Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT)** featuring a powerful solo by the incredibly talented **Sharon Eyal** . The piece, with its bold and daring movements, challenged my expectations of contemporary ballet, pushing boundaries of the traditional style while retaining its graceful essence.

Ballet isn't just about the final performance, though of course, that is where the magic unfolds. For me, a real treat this month was to spend a day with the **English National Ballet** in London. This company is known for its bold interpretations of classics and exciting contemporary works. What surprised me most about these dedicated and talented dancers is how grounded they are. Behind the makeup and glittering costumes are passionate individuals who live and breathe their craft.

I sat in on one of their rehearsals for **Sleeping Beauty**. The precision of each movement was mesmerizing. Every gesture felt imbued with a life of its own. I watched with wonder as the young dancer who plays the Prince took a solo moment in front of the barre, carefully refining his elegant leaps and turns. Watching the dance from such a close-up perspective revealed the meticulous artistry that underpins the entire ballet experience.

Of course, no ballet journey would be complete without visiting the **Victoria and Albert Museum in London** to marvel at the exquisite costumes on display, the glittering fabrics and dazzling jewels. One can almost feel the ghosts of past ballerinas flitting about, as the whisper of silk and tulle tickles the air.

July has been a whirlwind, dear reader, a ballet extravaganza like no other! I am simply brimming with excitement and inspiration from the dancers I've seen, their dedication to their craft, and their incredible artistry. I urge you, darling, to seek out the stage in your own town and to embrace the enchanting world of ballet. As Coco Chanel once said, “Elegance is the art of making your life into a masterpiece.” And what could be more of a masterpiece than the dance of human bodies in all their captivating beauty?