Darling,
What a month! I absolutely dashed around the globe this month taking in all the divine, darling delights that the world of dance has to offer. It's just SO essential to be seen, to keep a beady eye on the latest and greatest choreographic offerings, you know? Let me regale you with my insightsâŚ
I kicked off the month with a rather wonderful, *très chic* trip to Paris, where I made sure I caught the ĂŠtoile herself, **Marie-Agnès Gillot**, performing in **Ballet de l'OpĂŠra National de Parisâ** **Romeo and Juliet**. I'd heard about **Rudolf Nureyev's** choreography before, and had been eager to see it performed by one of Parisâ absolute finest. I have to admit, darling, I was absolutely floored! I know we've all seen Romeo and Juliet a gazillion times before, but **Gillot** brought a breathtaking, fresh perspective to the role of Juliet â a real, vulnerable, delicate bloom of youth â perfectly contrasted with **Mathieu Ganio**'s smoldering Romeo. I was quite captivated by their chemistry! Such passionate dancing, they really swept me off my feet⌠The company itself was truly exceptional, a veritable tapestry of elegant movement and artistry. Itâs truly remarkable how Paris maintains such a high standard, and this is definitely a must-see production!
After my Paris sojourn, I found myself jetting off to New York â and the city that never sleeps certainly did not disappoint, when it comes to ballet! First, I absolutely *had* to see **Misty Copeland** in **American Ballet Theatre's** revival of **Balanchine's âTheme and Variationsâ**. Darling, this woman is a star! Such captivating technique, precision and a pure joy in every movement. Copeland, of course, has that ethereal beauty, and her movements, especially in those lovely adagio sequences, are so graceful and captivating! The whole company really seemed to elevate their dancing to another level in this performance. I found myself mesmerized, absolutely transported by the exquisite artistry. A true feast for the senses!
Then there was **New York City Ballet**'s presentation of **George Balanchine**'s **Symphony in C** â which always brings me so much joy. The dancers are like poetry in motion, every step so precise, every movement so exquisite! It was as though the very air vibrated with the music of **Franck**, every single gesture, a captivating expression of its beautiful melodies. I particularly adored the final pas de deux - it's a truly breathtaking display of virtuosity! Such power and tenderness expressed in the dancersâ movements. You know, dear, there's just something utterly timeless about **Balanchine's** work.
After NYC, I had the chance to attend a wonderful showcase of up and coming talent in Berlin - the **Tanztage Berlin** Festival! What a breath of fresh air! So many exuberant, daring performances pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance. It really did make me think! Iâm absolutely sure I will see the names of some of these talented artists featured in magazines and at top festivals across the world within the next year â I'm putting my money where my mouth is, darling!
Thereâs really been something so exciting and vibrant about the world of dance this month - all these different cultures, choreographic voices coming together. Of course, my travels would be incomplete without a stop at the **Royal Opera House** for a spot of the most classical ballet around - I am, after all, a ballerina at heart! I opted to catch **âThe Winter's Taleâ** by **Christopher Wheeldon** , and it did not disappoint! I loved the playful intermingling of classical and contemporary styles, making the choreography feel fresh and exciting â although I was very nostalgic for the iconic costumes and elegant pointe work of more traditional ballets. However, the storytelling through dance was truly remarkable - with **Wheeldon** making us really feel the heart-wrenching story of the piece through his unique, powerful style of movement. The entire performance was simply breathtaking, really brought to life by the **Royal Ballet**âs absolute mastery of the art of dance! I had a divine time!
To finish the month, I headed back to the Big Apple for the **Dance Film Festival**, which was truly inspiring! A whirlwind of movement and imagery - the perfect marriage of art and film. One piece in particular stayed with me, âThe Last Day,â an exquisitely crafted short by **Slava Korpilova** featuring the dancer **Rachelle Beauvoir.** You could really see the heart and soul of these performers captured on film! It was a beautiful way to celebrate the art of dance on the big screen. I was absolutely blown away by the diversity of talent and artistic expression in the films â they were so imaginative!
So there you have it, my dears - a truly unforgettable month for the art of dance. If you get a chance to catch any of the performances Iâve highlighted, youâll see exactly why this art is so powerful, and why we need to make it a priority! Do go see these ballets. Letâs raise a glass to the artists who make this art come to life â I know I will!
And I must leave you with this final note. If youâre in London, make sure you donât miss the chance to visit **The National Portrait Gallery** â a stunning exhibition is currently on display. The âDancerâ show features an array of iconic photos of some of the worldâs most beautiful dancers! Such lovely poses â it will certainly set you dreaming about your next dance class!
Au revoir and keep your chins up!
Spotlight On
*I must highlight two artists who truly wowed me this month*
Misty Copeland has really become an absolute star of our time, with such effortless grace and power in her performance, captivating the hearts of both dancers and audiences across the globe. This talented woman shows the world just what can be achieved with dedication, hard work, and that never ending love for ballet, darling!
And **Marie-Agnès Gillot**. The absolute elegance and exquisite control of her performance simply took my breath away. Iâm always impressed by French ballet â they do have such a distinct artistry, donât they, my dears?
Behind the Curtain
I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse behind the curtain at the **Royal Opera House**. A really fun, glamorous event featuring **The Royal Balletâs âBlack and White Ball.â** So many stars â all beautifully dressed, you know. Of course, all the top dancers were there, but I saw many of the creative names of the ballet world mingling as well â from choreographers to composers. Such fun, darling. The dance world does know how to put on a good party! The event is held to raise money for the Royal Opera House and their ballet programs and I know they will continue to be a tremendous resource for talented dancers for years to come!
Dress for the Occasion
*What better way to celebrate the beautiful art of dance, then by taking inspiration from the ballet world for your own look!*
If you're a ballet lover at heart, consider these three must-haves:
- A chic and sophisticated black ballet wrap dress! Think classic elegance for both daytime and evening wear â with a flattering fit to embrace your curves! A real timeless piece that can be dressed up or down to suit your style â pair it with a beautiful vintage clutch or a pearl necklace for that touch of glamour.
- A bold and luxurious statement necklace, such as one with an oversized pearl or a sparkling chandelier design. Letâs be honest â you simply canât have too much glamour! Think about your look as a delicate work of art.
- And some chic, elegant pumps to really finish off your look, darling! Consider a black or navy, high heeled number with a graceful pointed toe. Let the perfect shoe be your companion for any outing â just like ballet shoes are for your performance.
You know, these essentials make it so easy to emulate the beauty and the grace of the ballet dancers we love, all while embracing your inner elegance, darling. Just think of yourself as a graceful dancer on a daily basis.
Upcoming Performances
Darling, this is a real must-read for all ballet lovers! These performances are absolutely sure to be a delight for your eyes and your senses!
- The Royal Ballet: Swan Lake in London (July)
- New York City Ballet: Stars and Stripes (May)
- The Paris Opera Ballet: La Bayadère (May)
- American Ballet Theatre: Giselle (May)
- The Bolshoi Ballet: The Nutcracker (December)
- San Francisco Ballet: Romeo and Juliet (October)
- Boston Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty (February)
- National Ballet of Canada: The Great Gatsby (June)
There you have it, darling. A truly magical season to be experienced! I will definitely be seeing these! If youâre going to be at any of these, letâs meet up for tea after!
Have a fabulous month,
Lots of Love,
Your Fashionable Ballet Fanatic