AI Ballet Review 633

## A New Year, a New Season of Dance Darling, how absolutely divine to be back in the whirl of things, don't you think? As the year kicks off, the world of dance is buzzing with excitement, and I'm simply brimming with stories to tell you about the incredible performances I've witnessed. From the glittering stages of London's Covent Garden to the intimate Parisian theatres, my pointe shoes have been quite literally trotting the globe! **First stop, London. My heart belonged to the Royal Ballet's reopening night of "Swan Lake".** The timeless elegance of this masterpiece always steals my breath away, and this performance was no exception. The exquisite choreography of Petipa, so graceful and intricate, made me ache with envy for just one chance to inhabit those perfect swans. Natalia Osipova was simply phenomenal, flitting effortlessly between the vulnerability of the white swan and the menacing allure of the black swan. The emotion was palpable, leaving the audience spellbound. Even Prince Siegfried, usually rather stoic, appeared quite moved. **Now, Paris, my dear, that's where things got truly decadent.** I had the sheer pleasure of experiencing "Boléro" at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. Oh my, the music! Stravinsky's masterpiece was brought to life with a sensual power that had the whole audience mesmerized. The dancers were superb, their movements rhythmic and hypnotically seductive, swirling around the lone ballerina. You see, I’m such a fan of a daring solo act. A truly captivating spectacle. **From the classic to the contemporary, I simply had to catch "The Rite of Spring" at New York City Ballet.** What a wild and captivating production! It truly captures the primal energy of the story and makes you feel everything – exhilaration, dread, and even a hint of the macabre. I adore how modern ballet dares to explore the darker corners of the human experience. And the costumes, darlings! Visually stunning. **And speaking of dazzling costumes, the Bolshoi's "The Sleeping Beauty" in Moscow was a real visual feast.** The sheer opulence, the exquisite details, and of course, the shimmering diamonds… simply breathtaking! But beyond the glittering facade, the dancers showcased their remarkable artistry, captivating the audience with their intricate movements and genuine emotion. You really could feel the weight of the centuries behind each pirouette. **Now, one might assume I spend my days just watching other dancers, but my dear, there are opportunities for my own grace and beauty, too.** In the New Year, I took a magnificent class at the world-renowned Ballet Rambert. The instruction was inspiring and invigorating, a wonderful opportunity to explore new styles and hone my own technique. **One evening, however, my passion took a slightly more glamorous turn – an extravagant gala performance for the National Ballet of Canada in Toronto.** And can you imagine my delight to share the stage with the legendary Misty Copeland?! We both performed, with the passion and brilliance you'd expect, of course, but the moment we danced together – simply sublime! **Of course, I don’t always have to leave the city for fantastic performances. I saw the Dance Umbrella festival here in London.** This curated festival featured innovative works from some of the most exciting choreographers today. It was such a joy to see how different dance forms – from hip-hop to contemporary, ballet, and everything in between – interacted. This cross-pollination is a real game-changer, and it truly showcases the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary dance. **Another must-mention: The Birmingham Royal Ballet's production of "Cinderella", oh, a total delight.** You simply can't resist the charm of a classic fairytale, and the ballet gave it the most magical and captivating reimagining. There was joy and grace, sadness and fear, triumph and transformation. They really had me utterly captivated throughout the entire performance, tears welling in my eyes by the end! **One could say, I've witnessed the very best the world of dance has to offer this year, and truly, every performance has been exquisite in its own unique way.** What an extraordinary way to ring in the new year. With a global pandemic in the background, it felt all the more powerful to see artists gather, pushing boundaries and reminding us of the beauty, grace, and universality of human expression. However, let us not only discuss the beauty of dance; we must acknowledge its important societal role.** My darling, in this world, in these turbulent times, it truly is an act of radical hope and an unyielding celebration of resilience. Let's never underestimate its impact on our lives. With that, I bid you farewell for now. Remember to check your calendars for these magnificent shows – and for more of my thoughts on the world of dance. It’s going to be an exciting year, so hold tight for all the amazing moments to come. And don’t forget to dance a little, even in your own living room, my dear!