Oh darling, what a month for dance! I mean, I've been all over the place, and I'm not just talking about the stage. The fashion, the parties, the people! It's just divine! From the elegant grace of the Bolshoi to the modern artistry of Merce Cunningham's legacy, this June has truly been a ballet lover's paradise.
I started my month in Moscow, darling. The Bolshoi is always a must-see. You know how much I love their classicism, that pure elegance of movement, the exquisite costumes, and the breathtaking sets. This time I saw "Swan Lake" - a performance so moving it took my breath away! The corps de ballet was incredible, each dancer so precise and synchronized it was like watching a single, beautiful organism move. And the principal dancer - darling, she was just *flawless*. She had this power and intensity that transcended the stage. It was almost terrifying. It left me feeling breathless, you know? That kind of vulnerability that leaves you feeling deeply moved, wanting more, wanting to keep witnessing the art unfold. After the performance, a whirlwind of socialising in the beautiful foyer - caviar and champagne! My new blush-coloured silk dress was the perfect complement to the dazzling chandelier.
Next stop - New York! Where else could one find a more vibrant, buzzing, and utterly exhilarating artistic energy? I spent an afternoon in a studio tucked away in the West Village - a bit of a hidden gem - attending a workshop in the legacy of Merce Cunningham. It was so interesting! The movements were not quite what I'm used to, you know? But there was such an incredible freedom of expression - an abandon - that completely blew my mind. We played with light, explored unconventional sequences, and, to be honest, a little of it all felt completely bonkers - like a modern ballet but infused with a thrilling kind of wildness. And then of course, darling, you can't visit New York without seeing the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center, can you? I caught their performance of "Symphony in C." - it’s simply beautiful, with such a sense of joy and youthful energy! It's really made me reconsider my "sophisticated" approach to dancing, maybe we can play around a little more! And the party afterwards - it's such an energy you can only find in New York!
After a whirlwind visit to Paris where I caught a mesmerizing show by Angelin Preljocaj , it was back to the UK - a visit to my dearest hometown! It just doesn't get better than watching a live performance by the Royal Ballet in Covent Garden, does it? The theatre was absolutely buzzing with excitement! The air was charged with expectation, darling. It's an extraordinary feeling, like witnessing a magical moment of artistry come alive before your eyes. My eyes, adorned with emerald green liner and a single sparkling tear, I must say, watched every intricate detail, from the tip of the tutu to the final curtsey. Of course, darling, I saw "Giselle." I simply can't resist the romance and the raw, powerful emotions the dancers brought to the stage. And after the performance, well, it just had to be the Covent Garden market, don't you think? I found this lovely silk scarf with hand-painted flowers - perfect for an evening out to see the London Symphony Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall - the quintessential, high-class, post-performance glamour!
Speaking of exquisite glamour, a trip to the Monte Carlo Ballet is always on the cards, and my goodness, what an unforgettable performance! "Don Quixote" danced under the iconic Mediterranean sky with the glistening Mediterranean as a backdrop. It's just so enchanting! We saw so many stars in the audience – such dazzling, breathtaking jewels - and the production truly had a star-quality to it. It was full of vivacity and theatrical extravagance, not to mention, incredibly entertaining. Just the kind of dazzling escapism one needs after a long season!
Then there's the Bolshoi Theatre. I always say, what a joy it is to return home, especially after a whirlwind of events. Seeing their productions makes me realise I must continue honing my technique and grace - these dancers are quite incredible. They have such elegance, strength, and a beautiful precision. I was most touched by the sheer emotion of their performance, something that is simply magic on stage! I feel like the artistry itself speaks a language beyond words! I feel humbled by the experience every single time. The ballet here is simply captivating!
I took some time this month to revisit one of my favourite ballets, "The Nutcracker". I've seen this production dozens of times, but the joy and enchantment it offers, well, it's almost hypnotic, really! I even snuck away to the ballet workshop afterwards, with a few new tricks up my sleeve, of course, before attending a private viewing at the Pina Bausch Foundation . You must know, the work of this dancer is something else - revolutionary. So incredibly raw and powerful! A real contrast to the classic productions but still absolutely beautiful. I feel like we're moving forward - the ballet world is becoming more diverse, bolder. It's really quite exciting!
This month, darling, has really shown that the art of ballet is as alive and thriving as ever. Each production was a unique world, with stories, and emotions that took my breath away. But I can’t help but notice, darling, a shift in the contemporary productions, and maybe even a little in the classics. I think this season, the focus is less on classical grace, a little less "perfect" and a little more daring. We’re exploring vulnerability, the rawness of emotion and physicality. I see it in the costumes, in the movements - even in the makeup. More bold colours, and maybe, darling, a slight move towards embracing imperfection as something beautiful. Who knows, maybe in time we’ll even be seeing ripped tulle! That would truly be revolutionary! Of course, my personal aesthetic, my elegance and precision will always be my signature. But this is a fantastic era for ballet lovers, isn't it? A little rebel, a little boldness, mixed with all that classic grace - there's never been a more exciting time to watch dance!”
Highlights from the World of Dance:June 1-30
Moscow
- The Bolshoi Theatre: Swan Lake.
New York
- Lincoln Center: Symphony in C by the New York City Ballet.
- West Village studio: Legacy of Merce Cunningham.
Paris
- Theatre de la Ville: Angelin Preljocaj production.
London
- The Royal Opera House: Giselle.
- Covent Garden market
- The Royal Albert Hall: London Symphony Orchestra.
- Pina Bausch Foundation
Monte Carlo
- Monte Carlo Ballet: Don Quixote
Covent Garden, London
- The Royal Opera House: The Nutcracker.
**A little birdie told me … **
Coming up in July, you don't want to miss:
- The Salzburg Festival
- San Francisco Ballet: Romeo and Juliet
- Royal Ballet's Midsummer Night's Dream.
Now, darlings, remember to look your best, your most glamorous. The theatre, it's our temple. Enjoy the art of movement, and let your soul be moved!