October, darling! It's a season of vibrant colours, crackling fireplaces, and oh, the divine anticipation of another exhilarating ballet season. Let's take a twirl through the highlights, shall we?
The opening of October finds me in Paris, a city that speaks to the soul of a ballerina like no other. The air here is thick with the promise of artistic revelation and, at the Palais Garnier, I was lucky enough to witness the stunning return of Sylvie Guillem in "La Bayadère". Guillem is a goddess; every move exudes elegance, a flawless cascade of controlled power, the kind of poise that leaves you breathless. The grand set pieces were sumptuous, transporting the audience to an exotic kingdom where love and betrayal weave their deadly dance. There was an electrifying tension that permeated every gesture. It's the sort of ballet that leaves you speechless, leaving only a lingering sensation of wonder.
Moving on to the United States, I felt an irresistible pull towards the American Ballet Theatre's "Giselle" at the Metropolitan Opera House. It was, quite frankly, a captivating masterpiece. The opening scene was utterly heart-wrenching, the music tugging at your heartstrings. And as Giselle, the exquisite Isabella Boylston was truly the embodiment of heartbreak and ethereal beauty. Her descent into madness was simply captivating, every trembling step echoing the agony of a shattered heart. "Giselle" is a classic for a reason, and in this rendition, the passion and artistry felt raw and profoundly moving. It’s a must-see for any serious dance aficionado.
October brought a different kind of artistry in the form of the Bolshoi Ballet's “The Sleeping Beauty” at the Bolshoi Theatre. A production brimming with dazzling pyrotechnics and extravagant costuming, “The Sleeping Beauty” had me absolutely spellbound. I felt like I was stepping into a fairytale world with every stunning gesture and the intricately woven storyline. And oh, the grandeur! It’s pure escapism and sheer ballet bliss. I dare say it was even more spellbinding than “La Bayadère”, with the audience enraptured by the spectacle and virtuosity on stage. It’s a night you'll be dreaming about long after the curtain falls.
To broaden our horizons beyond the established greats, let's journey to Seoul, where I was simply dazzled by the vibrant fusion of modern dance and traditional Korean forms in the "Art of Memory" at the Seoul Arts Center. I have to confess that I usually shy away from modern dance, finding it a bit... cerebral. But this production had a profound emotional depth. Each movement felt charged with emotion, seamlessly weaving ancient tales and contemporary issues into a rich tapestry. And it was absolutely captivating. "Art of Memory" is a reminder that dance, at its purest, is a language that transcends barriers of culture and time.
Now, for something truly unique, imagine a ballet set in the heart of a bustling New York City. That’s exactly what choreographer Michelle Dorrance created with "The Blues Project" at the Joyce Theater. With its captivating energy and soul-stirring music, "The Blues Project" explores the vibrant heart of the blues in a truly dynamic way. Dorrance’s choreography is innovative and invigorating; it throws convention out the window, embracing the spirit of jazz and freedom. I have to confess to an immediate fascination with her talent.
From the big city back to the old world, we head to Vienna, where the Vienna State Opera's "Swan Lake" was an exquisitely performed treat. This is an established classic for a reason. It’s elegant and beautifully presented, a true feast for the senses. And seeing the “black swan” pas de deux again, with the graceful yet menacing performance, was nothing short of stunning. "Swan Lake" remains an evergreen spectacle.
And now for a look at some of the exciting new productions that are causing a stir. One that stole my heart was "The Little Prince" at the Royal Ballet in London. A captivating tale set against the backdrop of a poignant, haunting score. This production, filled with magical touches, managed to convey the charm and profundity of Saint-Exupéry's tale. I simply adore the use of contemporary and more traditional dance forms here – the dancers beautifully reflected the innocence of childhood, and their heartfelt portrayals were breathtaking. “The Little Prince” was, in every sense, enchanting and delightful.
In the world of ballet, even within the classical forms, there's always space for a bit of rebellious magic. “Cinderella” is one of the most charming classical productions and, while I tend to shy away from anything that has become a little too traditional, this ballet at the New York City Ballet had me truly enchanted. The beautiful new choreography brought the classical form into a whole new era, with exquisite dancing that highlighted both power and ethereal beauty. And the costumes - oh, they were absolutely breathtaking, each with its own unique appeal. “Cinderella”, it seems, has found a new Cinderella.
And who can resist a little tango? "Tango: The Ardiente Tango" at the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires brought together world-renowned tango dancers and the passionate strains of traditional tango music. A captivating performance. As a seasoned ballerina, it’s always a thrill to witness the fire, the fierce sensuality, the dramatic pauses – it was a performance that pulsed with life. Tango, like ballet, has the power to move and captivate with a language of its own. It’s a style of dance that ignites passion, an art form that breathes raw emotion and raw energy.
October's whirlwind of ballet, and contemporary dance, is nothing short of extraordinary. I felt as though I was part of the choreography itself. Whether it's the classical elegance of "Giselle", the captivating narrative of "The Little Prince" or the fiery passion of tango, this season has had something for everyone. I can’t wait to see what November brings!