September, Darling!
Well, darlings, August is over, and with it, the lazy days of summer. The heat has finally broken, the air is crisp and I'm already dreaming of my first pair of knee-high boots, but don't think for a moment that my passion for the dance has dwindled. Not at all! September brings with it a fresh flurry of exciting new ballets, revivals of old favorites and some truly thrilling performance opportunities all over the world. So grab your best lipstick and your most fabulous opera gloves, darlings, because we're about to take a whirlwind tour of September's hottest dance happenings!
First stop, London: A Whirlwind of Royal Ballet Magic!
I was positively quivering with anticipation for the Royal Ballet's reopening this September! And let me tell you, darlings, they did not disappoint! It was the perfect mix of classic and contemporary, the kind of programme that left you feeling both enchanted and energized. Let's start with "La Bayadere", which absolutely dazzled the audience with its opulent sets, stunning costumes, and the dazzling performance of our beloved Marianela Nuñez. The third act, that famous 'Kingdom of the Shades' sequence, is like a dream come true - the dancers glide across the stage in a white cloud, perfectly ethereal, and Nuñez, my darling, well, she's just the epitome of grace. But the true triumph of the night was the world premiere of Christopher Wheeldon's "The American", a new piece based on the story of a young dancer escaping Europe to pursue their dreams in America. You'll have to wait for my full review, darling, but I'm simply beside myself with excitement. This piece is so incredibly relevant to my own journey as a dancer. And the score? A dazzling masterpiece of sweeping melodies and raw emotion. It had everyone, including me, glued to their seats.
Across the Pond: An American Ballet Theatre Encore!
It wasn't just London sizzling with ballet fever, darlings. I was simply enchanted by American Ballet Theatre's performance of "Giselle" in New York! I mean, there are simply no words to describe the perfection of Natalia Osipova and David Hallberg's portrayal of Giselle and Albrecht. It was heartbreaking, captivating and utterly thrilling. The costumes, by the way? Simply stunning. Think ruffles, delicate floral prints, and flowing silks that made the stage come alive. Speaking of perfection, it wouldn't be right not to mention the corps de ballet. They were absolutely exquisite. Like tiny birds, delicate and graceful.
From the Archives: Dance Icons Return!
A big cheer for the reemergence of our treasured dance icons this September! Paris, for instance, held a spectacular exhibition at the Musée de l'Opéra celebrating the career of Rudolf Nureyev. It wasn't just pictures, darling, oh no! It was the original costumes he wore, his letters and handwritten diaries. What a chance to delve into the personal life of a true legend! Now, I don't want to sound too wistful, but those costumes were a delight to see! The richness of the fabrics, the elegant cuts, a reminder that ballet was truly a time when artists wore clothing designed to accentuate their movement. Speaking of those bygone days, darling, it wouldn't be a true September without a glorious revival. In New York, New York City Ballet gave us a chance to experience Balanchine's "Agon" in all its glory. This, darling, is ballet stripped bare. Minimalism is its virtue. It is the epitome of movement as pure expression and every twist and turn becomes poetry in motion.
Bold and Brilliant: New Choreography Takes Centre Stage!
While the classics are certainly alluring, my heart truly belongs to the daring and the unconventional. This September saw some truly thrilling new creations by our favorite young choreographers. In London's Sadler's Wells, the spellbinding contemporary company, Ballet Black, premiered a stunning work by Alexander Whitley entitled "The Rite of Spring." Alexander has a gift, darling, for bringing a primal energy to his work. This interpretation, the music of Stravinsky, made me feel truly alive and invigorated.
Breaking Barriers and Challenging Norms
And finally, darling, we can't forget those breaking boundaries and daring to redefine what ballet means. The hottest ticket in the dance world right now? That has to be the work of The National Ballet of Canada. Their contemporary ballet "Frame of Mind", created by the wildly talented Crystal Pite, pushes the envelope with its experimental choreography. Imagine balletic movement fused with hip-hop and a dash of the unexpected! It's raw, visceral and truly captivating.
A September to Remember
And that, darling, brings us to the end of another glorious September. I confess, it's been an absolute whirlwind! From the dazzling classicism of the Royal Ballet to the innovative work of contemporary dance artists, there's simply been no shortage of artistic brilliance. This month has been a truly remarkable journey, but there's always a thrill when you anticipate what October will bring! Keep your eye out for next month's report, darling, where we'll dive into a world of innovative choreography, stunning performances and those truly dazzling moments that make dance an art form to be cherished.
With a flick of my tulle and a flourish,
Your Dance Darling,
Sophie
xo