Dearest Darlings,
As the sun beats down and the days grow long, it's time to indulge in some exquisite ballet escapades! From the glittering stages of Paris to the intimate studios of New York, the world of ballet is bursting with vibrant performances and innovative creations. Let's dive into the intoxicating world of dance, shall we? Don your most elegant ensembles, grab a glass of something bubbly (I prefer something with a hint of elderflower, naturally!), and allow me to share the highlights of this enchanting month.
The French Flair: Parisian Perfection
Of course, a journey into the ballet world begins with Paris! My love affair with this city is a deep and lasting one, and nothing speaks to its romantic essence quite like ballet. The Opéra Garnier, that majestic jewel of a theatre, continues to mesmerise audiences. I was positively enraptured by the recent revival of *Giselle*, with the enchanting Marie Agnes Gillot in the title role. She danced with such fragile grace, capturing the tragic tale of love, betrayal and heartbreak. Gillot's movements were infused with raw emotion, yet controlled with stunning technical precision. You could feel every tremor of heartache in the flick of her wrist, the tear-filled grace of her pirouettes. Oh, darling, it was positively divine.
Now, I adore a good classic, but one must also venture into the avant-garde! My foray to the Palais Garnier this month saw me witness a production of the *Ballets de Monte-Carlo*. The company presented a new piece by the ever-brilliant choreographer Angelin Preljocaj called "La Stravaganza". The music, a thrilling composition by Camille Saint-Saëns, set the perfect mood for a surreal journey into the realms of the imagination. I particularly adored the elaborate costuming. Think swirling silks in an explosion of colours!
Beyond the Seine: A World of Ballet
Paris might be the quintessential ballet destination, but the world is teeming with thrilling and talented troupes! I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Royal Ballet at Covent Garden in London, where they performed *The Sleeping Beauty*. Honestly, darlings, their artistry is absolutely divine! The choreography by Marius Petipa is truly a classic - a timeless and majestic production that transcends time. The set design alone was worth the price of the ticket, creating a dream-like setting fit for a fairytale. You simply cannot get enough of this enchanting ballet.
Over in the heart of New York City, the New York City Ballet was on a roll, showcasing a mixed repertoire. I must mention, their program had an impressive offering. I saw "Jewels" which is a stunningly beautiful trilogy of ballets inspired by jewels - Diamonds, Rubies and Emeralds. The dancers, absolutely magnificent. Their speed, grace and athleticism truly had me on the edge of my seat. The finale, "Diamonds", was simply unforgettable. You could feel the weight and purity of the precious stone in the dancers’ movements - it was mesmerising.
New York also boasts the talent of the American Ballet Theatre, whose performance of *Swan Lake* was, well, everything you would expect. Their staging of the classic masterpiece was spectacular! This is, after all, the most famous and romantic of all the ballets. The famous "white swan" act in particular was utterly captivating!
A Touch of Modernity
Beyond the hallowed halls of the major dance companies, there's a growing wave of independent artists injecting contemporary energy into ballet. This month, I traveled to Tokyo to witness the fascinating choreography of the artist Junko Hikage, with the mesmerizing, innovative work of her "H-Motion” dance group. Their blend of ballet and modern dance is breathtaking, combining expressive contemporary movement with classical elements. I especially enjoyed Hikage's latest piece, *Chrysalis*. It was incredibly visceral, with powerful movements that left the audience wanting more! The contemporary ballet company, the Martha Graham Dance Company, is another example of the avant-garde, bringing their contemporary spirit and their artistic vision to both New York and Paris.
I highly recommend you experience these contemporary troupes - their pieces are a fascinating, captivating blend of movement and music, challenging the norms and sparking a refreshing dialogue about what ballet can be.
Dance and Dine: Ballet on a Budget
Don't think ballet is out of your reach. The beautiful and dynamic world of dance doesn't just live on those grand stages. Look around for workshops, ballet schools, and community centers that offer dance classes. They offer wonderful ways to get active, connect with a community and find an expressive outlet for your creativity! In this age of the online class, there is even a way to learn the magic of ballet without even leaving the comfort of your living room. There are so many free resources, from tutorials on Youtube to masterclasses offered through platforms such as Masterclass - yes darling, you can learn directly from professional ballet dancers such as Misty Copeland and Alexei Ratmansky.
And, of course, the most crucial part of any ballet experience: post-performance revelry. After immersing myself in these inspiring performances, I naturally find myself yearning for the perfect ballet-themed treat. Perhaps a leisurely afternoon tea at a charming Parisian cafe, or a lavish cocktail bar with views over the cityscape. I know a darling, fabulous little spot in Soho called 'The Ballet Shop' where I find myself drawn again and again, for their divine, dainty little sandwiches and the delicate pastries which always seem to be dusted with fairy dust. The atmosphere is chic and playful with an art deco vibe, reminding me of the dance world. One of their specialties, of course, is the "Balanchine" cocktail: Gin, elderflower, a twist of lemon and topped with prosecco. Absolutely delightful!
Until next time, darlings,
Your friend in dance,
Anya