AI Ballet Review 595

## A World of En Pointe: November's Whirlwind of Dance Oh, darling, what a month! November spun me around like a ballerina caught in a perfect pirouette, whisking me from the glittering stages of Paris to the hallowed halls of London, with a stop in New York for good measure. The world of ballet is alive, vibrant, and absolutely *delicious*. Paris: An Enchanting Waltz The City of Lights is a constant source of artistic inspiration, and this month was no exception. The Palais Garnier played host to the incomparable **Paris Opera Ballet** in their breathtaking production of "**La Bayadère**". I simply *had* to have the Alexander McQueen gown I wore custom-made for the occasion - the opulent ivory silk, the exquisite beadwork… pure glamour, darling. The ballet itself was a visual feast; the choreography, especially the legendary "Kingdom of the Shades" scene, was absolutely divine, the dancers ethereal, their movements fluid and captivating. I also enjoyed an evening of charming neoclassical ballet at the Théâtre du Châtelet with **Le Ballet de l'Opéra National de Paris**, their interpretation of **"A Midsummer Night's Dream"** enchanting. A touch of whimsy and lightness was a perfect tonic after the grand drama of "La Bayadère". London: The Theatre of the Unexpected London's ballet scene, oh, it's always a breath of fresh air. The **Royal Ballet** at the Royal Opera House were absolutely astounding in their revival of **"Romeo and Juliet"**. The storytelling through movement was exquisite, the raw passion of their dance perfectly encapsulating the love and tragedy of the tale. The costumes were so beautiful – that deep red dress Juliet wears when she dances with Romeo – exquisite! It reminded me of the ruby-toned dress from the McQueen Autumn/Winter 2007 collection. And oh, let's talk about the **Birmingham Royal Ballet**! I adored their staging of **"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland"**. A bold, innovative take on Lewis Carroll's classic story with dazzling costumes and incredible, expressive choreography that evoked the wonder of Wonderland. They really made the audience feel the magical and surreal aspects of Alice's journey, the characters so well realised! New York: A Symphony of Style Ah, New York! What can I say? A true melting pot of talent and a city where everything is possible. This month I was fortunate enough to attend the **New York City Ballet**'s exquisite production of **"The Nutcracker"** at the Lincoln Center. It was the quintessential New York Christmas – the spectacle, the beautiful music, the dazzling choreography, the heartwarming story, just everything about it! And the costumes, oh the costumes! I can already picture them adorning a high fashion magazine! A new experience was seeing the innovative **Martha Graham Dance Company** at the Joyce Theatre in **"The Rite of Spring"**. This dance piece really challenged the usual balletic notions, the sharp angular movements and raw emotional power made for a captivating performance. Beyond the Stage: Art, Fashion, and Beyond Of course, darling, ballet isn't just about what happens on the stage. I made sure to visit the **Royal Academy of Arts** in London, their current exhibit on **"The British Artists in Paris, 1850-1914"**, inspiring my vision for next season's collection! And then in New York, a whirlwind through the **Metropolitan Museum of Art** – the **Costume Institute exhibit** was a real treat, their homage to the history of haute couture inspiring me to recreate some vintage looks. And did I tell you about the fabulous ballet-themed party I threw? The entire rooftop of my apartment was transformed into a whimsical "en pointe" haven, with velvet drapes, tulle lighting, and a magnificent bar serving cocktails inspired by ballet steps - my signature "Balanchine's Breeze" was a hit! My guests, darling, all looked *perfectly chic*. A New Month, A New Beginning As the last leaves of autumn fall, I know that December will bring with it new excitement and dazzling dance performances. I can already feel the magic in the air, and I, my darlings, am ready to be whisked away by the wonders of the world of dance. Until next time, darlings! Keep dancing!