AI Ballet Review 593

## September's Swooning Swans: A Ballerina's Diary Darling, let’s be honest, September is the time for a dramatic *change*. Summer is over, darling, and even the sun's starting to feel a little less… *dazzling*. But don’t fret, my little swans! Ballet is *back* and it's better than ever, trust me. **A whirlwind across the continent,** starting with that darling **English National Ballet**, *Swan Lake*, naturally. The season's opened with a splash and the gorgeous Natalia Osipova, **a veritable star of the show, was captivatingly divine, radiating passion and tenderness.** I couldn’t help but think *a vision of beauty, darlings, absolutely ethereal.* The male leads were… well, charming!
**But oh, how I longed for something *different*!** Luckily, Paris saved the day. A visit to the **Opèra Garnier** for their **new production of *La Bayadère*… *oh, it was breathtakingly exquisite*!** A whimsical journey through the depths of Indian romance. A cast brimming with grace and dazzling technique, their steps an elegant *tableau vivant.* The choreography was simply a visual symphony of shimmering colour and dynamic movements - a veritable treat for my weary soul, you know!
Then of course, I had to take in the **Russian ballet season.** The **Bolshoi, as always, was a tour de force, their *Giselle* being nothing short of phenomenal**! **The incredible Svetlana Zakharova's dancing was almost like a spell**, leaving you spellbound by her breathtaking technical prowess. But even **the *Don Quixote* was surprisingly divine**. *Dare I admit, darlings, the *grand allegro* was beyond impressive, and those dramatic leaps - my *word*, a visual masterpiece. The Bolshoi, in its purest form - thrilling, captivating, an utter spectacle for the eyes. It was worth every stolen moment.
**However, there's a new kind of magic brewing...** A visit to the **Netherlands Dance Theater was absolutely fascinating**. Their work is *bold*, darling. It's not the *traditional ballet*, oh no! It's challenging, pushing the boundaries of the art form and experimenting with contemporary choreography. **There were twists, turns, and stories told with every leap and every extension. ** You know I was *thoroughly impressed*. I loved seeing that youthful energy combined with a true devotion to innovation. *They’re going places, mark my words*!
Now, **nothing beats a classic, but oh, my darling, let's give some *new stars* their spotlight.** My dear friend **Anya* debuted with *The Royal Ballet* and it was *such a treat to witness the start of her brilliant journey*. The exquisite performance of *Giselle* had me spellbound. Such grace, such artistry. She truly possesses the soul of a ballerina, a true testament to the power and magic of dance!
But then there was **London's *The Royal Opera House*, oh it was so full of life, an *extravaganza*, like an opulent dream. **I’ve heard so many wonderful things about the recent ballet, *The Winter’s Tale*. The story and the music truly captured my heart. *Such beautiful and powerful imagery*. And of course, *the costumes...divine*. It was a true reminder why **The Royal Ballet is one of the leading companies in the world** and I was truly **moved by their incredible performance**.
**And speaking of grand gestures...** I was truly enthralled by the **Berlin State Ballet**'s new *Carmen*, a dramatic masterpiece and a real highlight of the month! I couldn't resist the fiery flamenco rhythms, the captivating, powerful portrayal of a passionate woman in a timeless story. You just knew it was a truly immersive performance, darling, **with all the drama and intrigue that we love about ballet.**
Oh darling, **September was a symphony of elegant moves, an *extravaganza* of graceful bodies, and truly, a wonderful reminder of the beauty that ballet brings to the world. I cannot wait to see what October holds in store, I feel a *tremendously captivating* month unfolding.** But for now, *let's savor those glorious memories*. **Of course, I always look forward to your feedback, darlings! What shows did you see? Which one captured your heart? Let's share our favorite moments of September and fuel our love for this exquisite art form together!**